Restoration Work

 I got to help restore a vintage Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel from the 1970’s today.  First we had to get rid of the bad screws.  At some point, someone did not take the time to pick the proper size screws.  Some of the screws were installed in a haphazardly way.  I suspect that someone took apart the wheel and put it in storage for a while and lost the original parts. I was surprised when I took apart the flyer to check and oil the metal rod in the flyer.  The metal rod in the flyer looked brand new, so it obviously had not been used much.  The rest of the spinning wheel was lightly oiled in the right places. 

Once all the screws were replaced it was on to putting a new drive band on.  Getting the tension adjusted, was the hard part for me. Being that I only use either a Lendrum DT, a Louet Victoria or a Hansen miniSpinner Pro.  So there was a bit of getting the configuration of the tension line and drive band in the proper position.  Once that was accomplished I was able to spin a variety of different yarn widths, from lace weight to worsted weight singles. This spinning wheel really wanted to be used and liked. The spinning wheel was in great shape for its age.  Then it was time to pack everything off so the new owner could do the sanding and polishing. This wheel will then be gifted to someone who wants to learn to spin yarn for her crochet work.  I set the spinning wheel off with some roving to get started with.  Also directions on how to make an inexpensive Knitty noddy.  

I know that spinning your own yarn can be much more expensive than buying ready made yarn.  However, I do find it a very relaxing hobby.  I also found it very fun and enjoyable to get the Ashford Traditional Wheel in working order.  

More weaving

 The second color stripe was finished tonight.  The play on textures and colors are just fascinating to me.  As you can see from the picture the next shuttle is loaded and ready to go.  This will be one of the bigger stripes.

 I am really having fun with this one.  I just love how the yarn is creating optical illusions on its own.  It is very visible in the green section. 

Every Yarn Knows What It Wants

 Every once in a while we all acquire yarn for our stash.  Some one has an idea for the yarn, but me the designer in me  just did not see it.  So it just sat there waiting in a basket.  I tried knitting, weaving and crochet.  I just could not make the yarn sing.  

Then came the long scarf’s for a Knitting Guild project.  A scarf knit on the round with 2 strands of yarn, 1 sock weight and 1 of worsted weight.  The yarn is finally singing.  Combined with yellow, red and a dark purple cotton.  I am on the fourth stripe.  The scarf is just flowing off the knitting needles.  It is so bright and colorful.  I am hopeful a teenager will like it.  Nine inches down only 65 inches to go.  

A Life of itOwn

 The weaving project is starting to take on a life of its own.  The yarn is saying what it wants to be. This is always a good thing. Yesterday I warped the loom and put in the header. That alone took 2 hours. 

Today I started on the design. This skein of very over plyed art yarn just popped up in my search through the spindle spun yarn and art yarn basket.  The basket is about the size of a large laundry basket.  I made a lot of little skeins. The section of orange yarn wanted to be twisted, turned and wrapped around individual threads of the progress was very slow. The small section of orange and the few green leafs took 2 hours of work.  Although I do love the very dramatic effect it has on the project so far.  The up side is that I am so in love with it so far. The art work and the loom. The down side, sorry that there is none.  I am having so much fun.  Tomorrow I might add a river bank and stream  I have the yarn picked out   

I did not sketch out the design ahead of time.  I want this to be a very organic piece.  I want a piece that brings me joy to create. Joy to look at. And joy for other people.  I also did not want this to be a flat tapestry, lots of people do those.  I also know that the weaving and spinning purest are going to hate it. That’s fine with me. This is my art on my terms. 

Something New and Exciting

 Some times it takes a while to buy something new for the house. Yesterday’s delivery was case in point.  I saw the Cubii when the first version was released.  I read reviews. I went back and forth. I bet you thought that John was the only one that did this.  Fast forward to yesterday.  The Cubii2 was delivered. With all the boxes it came in we thought it was going to be huge.  No, we just played the box game.  You know the one. You open the first box only to find another box, only to find another box.  Just like Russian Nesting Dolls.  John assembled it while I read all the paperwork.  Then we put it on the charger for 6 hours.  

This morning despite waking up with a headache, I spent 18 minutes working out after breakfast.  The first workout  was not bad, but some adjustments needed to be done.  After dinner I did a 25 minute workout after one adjustment.  The workout was even better than the morning one.  I am not sure who thinks that you can not get a good workout with something like the Cubii2, but after this evening’s workout I needed to towel off and change clothes.  Best of all no back pain at all while using it.  

John did the research after I book marked it.  He bought it for me in hopes it helps my fitness levels get better.  It seems my fitness level drops after every surgery.  I still have not gotten my stamina back after December’s surgery.  This is easy and fun.  My goal for right now is twice a day for 15 minutes or so. However once the music starts and I get in the groove I just keep going.  I hope that this is really going to help.  

This post was not paid for. John bought the Cubii2 for me.  These are my personal opinions.  

I Cheated

I am not usually the one to really break into any kind of present early. I really enjoy the aniticapation, wondering what is in the box. That said, I knew what John had gotten me for my birthday this year and the box was taunting me to open it. The box won, I could not wait any longer to play with my new WooLee Winder for the Lendrum spinning wheel.  

Well I have to say this, I do not feel guilty about it.  I actually played 2 skeins of yarn and spun another 2 skeins of yarn yesterday.  I have not measured ounce for ounce but to the naked eye it seems to get twice the amount of yarn on the bobbin. I think this may be due to the way the yarn is wound onto the bobbin. I have to say that John really knows how to pick out birthday presents.  Thank you John.  

Fun and More

The day was filled with fun, knitting and friends. I think it is the first time in days that I was able to relax. Of course I did add to my UFO pile by starting another cowl. I managed to get the 3rd skein of yarn off my wheel. A lovely merino silk combo.

I tried out my knee on getting Eric into the car this afternoon. My feeling now is that my knee still needs more healing time. This is really hard for me because I am so impatient by nature. So aside from a haircut for Eric and a grocery run, I am planning a lay low weekend.

Well it is almost time. To get Eric ready for bed. So I hope everyone has a great weekend.