Well, I have to admit that I have been bitten by a new "bug" or really a new craft. In my defense, it does go along with the knitting. I am now a budding spinner. I had an Ashford Country Spinner that a lady gave me and another homemade wheel my Mom got at auction some time ago. That one needs a bit of work.
I had gotten the Ashford in working shape but it is really for bulky yarn and I needed to start elsewhere. My main focus is spinning cotton so, after some research, I ordered a Tahkli spindle and Charkha wheel from India. I am getting pretty good with these.
Of course as usual the exotic called and I had to collect strange fibers. I have hoarded several types of sheep wool, alpaca in many colors, some mohair, and even a llama or two. You can guess that I have been driving the family crazy with sinks full of hair and drying wool everywhere.
The spindles I got are great but a bit slow so I started drooling over wheels. I am having trouble with leg pain from the treadle so my eyes focused on electric. I bought a little Kissell and it is really fun. It has limitations though. It is configured opposite of the Ashford so I was awkward with it at first.
I had a birthday recently so it must have been meant for me. That day I found a used Ertoel Roberta at an excellent price. I had longed for one but they are quite pricey if new. It arrived this week and I am in love. It drives like the Ashford with the drive on the bobbin. There are terms for that but I get them confused so I will skip them.
The llama is going well as I figure out how to do the adjustments. Not only is she beautiful but Roberta is so quiet. My husband even noticed the difference.
I don't know where it will end up but I got some lovely Angelina fiber this week. Stay tuned to see what happens next. Anything with long hair is now fair game. The sky is the limit.
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