Okay, got a wheel coming, what else do I need?

[wabbit]

I've tried spinning with a drop spindle and love it, so I'm taking the plunge and getting a wheel. I chose the Ashford Traditional, says it comes with 4 bobbins and a lazy kate. Well I started looking at all of the accessories, and wondering what else I'd need! So what are the truly essential items?

[Mad About Wool]

Woo Hoo! Congratulations!!!!

Well, you probably want to get a niddy noddy for winding your skeins off your bobbin. I also like a thing called The Spinner's Control Card. It lets you visually check your spinning at a glance to help you maintain a consistent yarn size. Other than that, just fiber, fiber and more fiber!!

[amy]

Yeah, what she said.

That's a great wheel, good choice. And congratulations!!!

[VickiIL]

That is the wheel I bought! I LOVE it! The only thing I bought other than the wheel was a niddy noddy. (The wonderful lady at the store gave me two big bags of fiber!) I don't plan on getting any of the accessories until I have mastered what I have!!!

Oh I did get a book by Lee Raven called Hands on Spinning. That book has been helpful to me.

[VickiIL]

Woo Hoo! Congratulations!!!!

Well, you probably want to get a niddy noddy for winding your skeins off your bobbin. I also like a thing called The Spinner's Control Card. It lets you visually check your spinning at a glance to help you maintain a consistent yarn size. Other than that, just fiber, fiber and more fiber!!

What is a spinners control card? Where do you find them?

[Mad About Wool]

A Spinner's Control Card is a clear lucite card with the different thickness of yarn on it. You lay your spun single (or plied yarn) on in to determine the number of wraps per inch, which gives you an indication of how thick or thin, and how much variation is happening with your spinning. Here are some links at random, NAYY:

http://www.mielkesfarm.com/swifts.htm#scc

http://www.halcyonyarn.com/flyer/StockingStuffers.html

http://www.woolery.com/Pages/spinaccess.html

Also, I forgot to mention oil for your spinning wheel - lots of people use a lightweight oil such as sewing machine oil or 3 in 1.

And, if you are going to process your own wool, you would want either some hand cards or combs. (But, I think I am jumping ahead here!)

[wabbit]

I already changed my mind! I cancelled that order and am getting the Lendrum double treadle instead. I don't think I'll be carding my own fleece just yet, I'll barely have a space for the wheel! Now for the waiting, ugh...

[Mad About Wool]

Oh, a Lendrum is a GREAT choice!!! According to Mr. Lendrum they don't need oiling. Do you know how long you will have to wait for it? Not long, I hope.

[wabbit]

Hope not long! But I still have plenty of roving and my spindle to keep me busy. Not that I'm any good at it

[Mad About Wool]

Well, be sure and let us know as soon as you find out when it is to be delivered.