[Bionic]

I decided to get myself an Ashford rigid heddle loom having seen one at my spinners group.
It is surprising how much they vary in price. Even when you think you find a cheaper one you usually have to add P&P, meaning they aren't so cheap after all.
I ended up ordering from a place in Orkney where they said it will come direct from the manufacturers distributors who don't charge any P&P.
I ordered last week and it arrived today (yipee) from the distributor, Frank Herring and Son in Dorchester. I have just checked their own website and they are charging more for the same item plus adding P&P.
How does that work?

[Fleecewife]

The mysterious world of commerce 

But, thank goodness for the internet, or we'd all be paying whatever our local store chose to ask.

Is this you learning to weave Sally, or have you done some already?

[Mrs Pea]

I'm on a similar quest at the moment, I'm looking for a drum carder and hopefully a more portable spinning wheel but the range of prices for the same items but from different suppliers is mind boggling  I've started writing details/prices down now just to keep track

[Clarebelle]

What was the name of the Orkney supplier? I'll have to bear them in mind when I delve into the spinning world!

[Bionic]

I have already had a dabble with a 4 shaft loom but hVe probably started with a pattern that is too complicated. It's gone wrong and I am disinclined to pick it up again for now.


So I thought I would try the rigid heddle.


Mrs Pea, I had the same problem when trying to get a drum carder. I plumped for one from Classic Carders in the end and am very pleased with it.


Clarebelle,
The name is Sanday Spinners

[Lesley Silvester]

I have a Classic carder and I agree, they are good. I was able to collect mine as they are made near her and, as a bonus, I met the man's wife who gave me a carrier bag of fleece to start spinning with and told me about the spinning group she set up. I am now a member. Win win. 

[Mrs Pea]

Bionic and MGM I have been swaying towards the classic carder and I think you've just helped me make up my mind - it's my birthday next month so 

Lisa

[Bionic]

I don't think you will be disappointed Lisa

[Lesley Silvester]

Glad to be able to help. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with it.


Happy birthday for next month. 

[Anke]

Bionic and MGM I have been swaying towards the classic carder and I think you've just helped me make up my mind - it's my birthday next month so 

Lisa

Classic Carder - hand-crafted in the UK, so it really must be your top choice! I have one and really, really like it. Except it's sitting idle in the summer months - just no time (and energy) to do spinning.

[Mrs Pea]

Just a quick update, as I think I may have hijacked Sally's original thread just a little bit.

I got a Classic drum carder last week and I love it - although it's not my birthday till the end of the month my husband ordered it early for me 

Thank you for the advice 

Lisa

[Bionic]

Glad you are pleased with it Lisa. 

[Lesley Silvester]

You'll enjoy it. I love mine and find it easy to use, even though my hands are not very strong.