12 October 2012

I've Got Wheel!!

At the beginning of the week I was feeling a little sad, because my spinning class was coming to an end and I was going to hand back my borrowed wheel. Then everything changed quite suddenly... I have been on the look out for a secondhand wheel without much luck, on Tuesday afternoon I searched again on eBay and found a listing for a vintage Ashford traditional that looked in reasonable condition. So I clicked on it to read the description, to my surprise and delight, the seller only lived 30 minutes away from me, and she welcomed anyone who wanted to go for a test drive! I immediately contacted her and cajoled her to let me have a go the same evening, she agreed. The rest, as they say, it's history... someone was looking after me that day ;)
Introducing Charlotte- my first wheel, isn't she beautiful! Charlotte came with a lazy kate and seven bobbins, she's in very good condition and spins smoothly. When I brought her to my last class my teacher told me that the style of her maidens suggests that she's circa 1965-1970, she and I could be sisters :)

Charlotte also came with the original assembly instructions and some leaflets:
I haven't had the chance to read these yet, but they look rather interesting don't you think?

My knitting has suffered a great deal in the last month or so due to my new found love, but I'm still chipping away (slowly) at some WIPs. I did complete a new project though, mainly because I needed it for show and tell, it's my first homespun item:
It's a simple crochet scarf, the pattern is free and can be found on Ravelry. I only had about 140 meters / 150 yards of the yarn so I just kept going until I almost run out, then did a simple shell border on each end. It came out rather cute I think :)

I really must catch up on more knitting next week, if Charlotte will let me ;)

Thanks for dropping by, there is more fibre arts fun at Wisdom Begins in Wonder. Indulge your creative side and join the party!

8 comments:

  1. Oh how lucky you are! It certainly was providence that Charlotte's (previous) owner was only 30 minutes from you! It's so exciting to find a craft that grabs you like spinning has done for you. I imagine if I had the opportunity I'd abandon my crochet for a time too!
    I'm sure that you'll find a balance and make time for all your loves. At least they all support each other - the yarn you spin on Charlotte you can custom dye and then knit into something wonderful - how awesome is that!!
    Enjoy your new girl, can't wait to see what you two do together!

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  2. You found a long lost sister in Australia, what would your parents think ;-) Seriously you are so lucky to have found such a nice wheel so close to home at such perfect timing. Looks like she was well taken care of for all these years (my that makes me feel old). Have fun spinning!

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  3. Hooray! My first wheel was an Ashford Elizabeth. What a perfect wheel to begin your journey. I really like that scarf too. It's beautiful!

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  4. Definitely serendipity that you found that wheel. I think the two of you will have much fun together. :-)

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  5. The scarf is beautiful! I love the colors. Will have to go search for the pattern on Ravelry. Congratulations on finding the Traditional. I just sold mine a few weeks ago to a young spinner. I was happy for it to go to someone who was excited about spinning. Have fun with her. Great paperwork, the dress and hairstyle screams late 60s early 70s. I remember those days well.

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    1. Thanks! If you click on "Ravelry" in that paragraph it should take you to the pattern page, I should have made the link more obvious.

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  6. Beautiful wheel & your first project is amazing! I love the color!

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  7. Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info. Second Hand Tyres

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