Meet Julie*

...my new toy! This is an Ashford Traveller spinning wheel that I bought from Craigslist on Friday.

I think it was produced between 1980 and 1991. Don't know what wood, but it's a nice solid wood with a lovely patina. It's a double drive wheel, although you can rig it as a scotch tension wheel, which I think I will do as it's supposedly easier for beginners.

It was very dusty and needs a does of oil, but seems in good condition. I cleaned it today and tried some spinning...

This was some Blue Faced Leicester roving that I bought from Blue Moon Spinnery at Stiches a couple of years ago to use with my drop spindle. As you might expect, I have a lot of it left. The spinning is rather uneven, as I'm really still getting used to the pat head/rub tummy aspect of treadling the wheel while drafting the fibre.

I've ordered a maintenance kit from Yarndogs, and will sign up for a spinning lesson as soon as possible. Really I need to learn how to adjust the wheel for starters, but I could certainly use some technique on my drafting too.

Spinning is supposed to be relaxing but at the moment I realise that I am holding my breath while I'm spinning, which is making it less relaxing than it might be!

* Julie is named after a friend, also a Kiwi.