Monday, June 02, 2008

Glass Spinning Wheel

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Work has utterly consumed my concentration these past few weeks, so, in a shameless attempt to fill the lengthy void between blog posts, I'm sticking my head up for a second to give you the following:



(Feedblitz email subscribers click here to see embedded video)



So, how portable do you think that thing is? ;-)

While I'm here, how about a brief fiber-related update?

I've been knitting a bit on my Prism longtail wrap with the yarn and pattern I purchased in Wisconsin in April, (I got a lot done down at the lake last weekend), and I'm also spinning almost every day on whichever drop spindle happens to be nearby. The spindle collection continues to grow, and I really need to find some time to document them all. Not sure when that will happen, however.

I am no closer to a wheel purchase, (again -- still no room for one), but have decided that in the meantime, in in the interest of faster yarn production, and thanks in part to inspiration from this video podcast, I'm going to try using an electric spinner, (I can always clear a space on the coffee table for that). I have narrowed my choices down to Jerry Womack's Butterfly spinner (the little wicker gizmo seen for sale in the main building at Maryland Sheep & Wool). He will very graciously ship one out to me on spec, and allow me to test drive it for a few weeks before I pay for it. If I don't like it, I can ship it back. But I've got a feeling I will like it.

I've done a lot of research on the various models, and have even gone so far as to create a Ravelry group for electric spinners (since there was an obvious lack of such a forum), and the folks who own Butterfly spinners swear by them. So I'm looking forward to receiving mine. Jerry says I should have it in a week or two. Maybe then I can finally reduce some of the fiber stash that's been accumulating around the house! :-)
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5 comments:

Bess said...

I'll look forward to reading your report.
Glad you're surfacing.
hugs
b

SissySees said...

Oooh, can't wait to hear more about the electric spinner. That glass wheel would scare me!

Robin said...

Can't wait to hear what you think about the Butterfly! I think I could be convinced to add an electric spinner to my collection. Andy used to offer to put a motor on one of my spinning wheels. Instead I let him motorize my wool cutter I used in rug hooking.

Firefly Nights said...

What a unique wheel that glass one is.

I think the Butterfly might be a good option for you. Expensive, but good. I saw one being used on someone's blog not long ago.

KSee said...

Hi Mary, can't wait to hear what you think of the Butterfly. My friend is not a member of Raverly but here is a video I took when she brought hers into work. http://kseekreations.blogspot.com/2008/05/spin-spin-spin.html
I'll be reading up on your Raverly group to see what everyone says.