[Cheviot]

Hi,

I have been using my drop spindle since the new year, and I'm totally hooked, I've now decided that I really need a spinning wheel, but I have to save up, so I will have some time before I will be in a position to purchase something, so to all you people who spin, which wheel would you recommend, and are there any that need avoiding, and would it be best to try different wheels first before buying, as there seems to be lots of different systems to consider, ie: double drive - scotch tension etc.
Also what other bits and bobs would be needed that perhaps don't come as standard with the wheel.

Regards
Sue

[Lesley Silvester]

Just spotted this so we are both getting into spinning.  I found my wheel on ravelry.  It's an Ashford Traveller.  It comes with it's own bobbin holder and spare bobbins but you will need a niddy noddy if you don't already have one.

  isn't it?

[Mammyshaz]

I'm new to spinning too ( 6 months ) and I love my ashford traditional. I guess it's just what feels right. If you can try different ones you have a good idea of what will suit you.

[Fleecewife]

I'm a big fan of the Ashford Traveller too, although I have a couple of other wheels.  The Traveller is very neat so it takes up little space, is easy to take around in the car, tied into a rear seat belt, and it spins very well.
It is definitely worth trying a few wheels before you settle on one, as preference is a personal thing as in so many areas.   Ashford wheels are very functional and plain, but I like that.  Other wheels such as Kromskis are very ornate, Louets are ultra modern in their looks.   I have a Lendrum Saxony which is beautifully made and so amazing to spin with, but I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner - there is a Lendrum...um...don't know what it's called but it's a castle type; they are very popular, modern looks and have a wheel which slopes.  People who spin on them love them dearly, so it would be worth investigating.
 
For a beginner, Scotch tension is the easiest to manage, and I find a double treadle easier on the legs than a single.
 
Lazy Kates are sometimes integral as with the Traveller, or they can be free-standing.  You will need spare bobbins, carders, a niddy-noddy or two and if you are going to produce yarn in any quantity a ball-winder is helpful.

[Lesley Silvester]

Cheviot, are you Papoosue on Ravelry?

[Cheviot]

Hi,
No MGM I'm Cheviot4 on ravelry, but don't go there much.
Thank you all for the replies, it looks like Ashford wheels are popular, I've looked at Louet wheels and I really don't think I could live with one of those, they may be brilliant for spinning, but I like a more traditional looking wheel.

[Lesley Silvester]

It's just that Papoosue was asking the same questions as you.  I shall look for you on there now.

[SallyintNorth]

Sue, I just mentioned your nearest Guilds on Lesley's thread.  One of the things about Guilds is that they often have wheels they can loan out, or members do, and members often advertise their wheels for sale through their Guild.

And you can certainly have a jolly good look at many different wheels, and talk to people about their strengths and weaknesses, and maybe even be offered a go on a few, at a Guild meeting.

If you're on Ravelry, have a chat with spinningfishwife; she's in the Edinburgh Guild and ever so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.  I think it's that Guild will be doing something at the 2013 Scottish Smallholder Festival at Lanark - I don't know if Isabella (spinningfishwife) herself will be involved.

Just seen that there's a Yarn Festival in Edinburgh on Sat 16th March - could be worth a trip up?

[SallyintNorth]

I've just caught up with the papoosue thread on Ravelry.  Edinburgh Guild certainly do have wheels they can hire out but you have to be a member and you have to prebook a wheel. 

[Cheviot]

Hi,
Thank you for the info Sally, I will certainly follow up on your suggestions, I was hoping there would be some spinners at the smallholder event.

It's spooky that two people name Sue, from Scotland should post almost identical posts.

Regards
Sue

[Anke]

Only one wheel.... LENDRUM. Beautifully made, in between modern and traditional looking, can be carried easily and mine has so far not needed any maintenance....
 
They do take an age to come once ordered, as they are produced in Canada (nearer than Ashfords though...)...
 
At some point (when I am allowed a second wheel... ) it will have to be a Schacht though...

[Cheviot]

Hi,
Well, I was going to wait untill the back end to buy a spinning wheel, was going to try out different wheels so I could make the right choice, but after the incident with the man that had a cardiac arrest, I decided to sod it, and now have a wheel arriving on Thursday  :   have been busy carding fleece so I don't have to do any for a while and can play practice spinning a yarn.
This is the wheel I decided on, http://spinwise.co.uk/?page_id=174
Roll on Thursday.
Regards
Sue

[goosepimple]

Don't know anything about spinning Rapunzel but glad you got it, you deserve every niddy noddy of it Sue 

[SallyintNorth]

Excellent choice 

If by any chance you don't get on with it, it's such a popular wheel you'll resell it no bother.

We shall love to see pics of your first yarn 

[Mammyshaz]

It looks a lovely wheel, Sue.  Looks like you will be very busy for the coming weeks