My Wheel's Likes & Dislikes.

I have very much so enjoyed reading everyone's odes and woes of their wheels in the Spin-List Group on Yahoo.  Figure it is my turn to give it a whirl and thought I might as well post them here too;)

My numero uno absolutely favorite go to wheel is the Louet S10.  Here are the reasons why I adore it so....  

For starters, I can spin art yarn on it and cram a large assortment of funky stuff through the 1/2" orifice.  This also makes using an orifice hook pretty well obsolete. 

Secondly, the bobbins... OMG... the huge bobbins just make me squeeee in delight when I find I have managed to spin an entire 1/2 pound of wool onto just one bobbin.  In truth here, the last ounce was a bugger to get on, but it did go on;)

Finally I like that you ABSOLUTELY CAN spin lace with this wheel simply by adding a core to the bobbin.  My favorite method is to use a piece of foam insulation cut to the size of my bobbin and spinning from there.  This is the same insulation tubing used to winterize metal piping in colder climates.  Of course Louet does make a lace flyer with fatcore bobbins for this wheel, but I have always been a fan of simple home ingenuity;)

Probably my only dislike of this wheel is that it is a touch modern looking for my tastes.  But in all honesty, the simple look of the S10 is really growing on me.  Especially after I came to realization what a lovely canvas it makes when painting scenes and happy smiling sheepies!

Now, some of my current wheels and likes/dislikes:

S10 Single Treadle:  

Same as above but add the dislike of having just one treadle.

S17 Single Treadle:

Likes: For the most part the same as the S10 Single Treadle, but the price simply can not be beat!!

dislike.....  Assembly.  But for the price, who cares!

PS:  I custom paint these for folks:)

Louet Victoria

Likes:  Super fast little spinner that can transition easily from lace to bulky in a heart beat.  It fits in a back pack so that you can take on a flight as carry on luggage. Assembling and disassembling is as easy as pulling off the flyer assemble and disconnecting the  footman to fold it over and put in the back pack.  Great if you need to save space or erm... Keep the hubs from knowing you brought yet another wheel into the house...hahaha

Dislikes:  smaller bobbins than the S10, but they are comparable if not larger in size that other popular wheels.  So really, what am I being itchy about..hahaha

100+yr Castle Wheel- (on left)

Likes:  simple design with ornate turnings.  Easy to use and was my first wheel.

dislikes:   There is only one itty-bitty bobbin so any type of production is definitely out of the question.

Kromski Sonata (Sold) (on right)

Likes:  Semi Portable.  This was my very first brand spanking wheel that was not over 100 years old and I was amazed at it's smooth treadling and ease of use.

Dislikes:  It is really not at all easy to assemble or disassemble in my opinion.  When put up it saves a little more space than when assembled, but not a wheel that you can take on a plane as carry on baggage.

Oak Walking Wheel 100+ yr

Likes:  Absolutely stunning wheel that is complete and excellent for demonstrations.

dislikes:  Weighs a ton and difficult to transport.  This makes it more of a conversation piece in my living room.

Castle Wheel from Lithuania 100+yr

Likes:  Pretty blue paint and ornately hand turned woodwork. Spins, but with a wobble

Dislikes:  Quite a few of the pieces did not arrive with the wheel from Lithuania which resulted in costly repairs.  

Pirtle Wheel

Likes:  1" orifice excellent for spinning bulky & art yarns

Dislikes:  The treadle is so darn awkward

1960's model Charkha 

Likes:  It's a pretty display piece.

Dislikes:  Wobble to drive wheel which causes the drive band to pop off.

late 1800's early 1900's table tip Charkha (No Picture)

Likes:  It's cute

Dislikes:  Needs a new quill, but the repair will be tricky.  Still working it out.

The Greatest Show on EARTH!

Everyone loves a Circus.  In my family they do:)  Last night, we took Luke to his first circus!

He has no idea what he is in for!

The one time Dad slowed down from our run to the Yum Arena.  Jen & I had to almost jog to keep up with Dad & Luke!

I love the elephants.

Taking a break.

Conga line!

Luke could not keep his eyes off of the Clowns!

Dad couldn't help but borrow Luke's hat for a little while. in between bites of pizza!

Tigers.

Oh My!

Don't worry, I've been busy the past few weeks catching up on some dye work!

Classes KSFF

I am so darn excited to be teaching 2 classes at the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival in May.  If you are in the Lexington KY area May 20-22, my class schedule and info is below.  You can also print off the Registration form here:  KSFF Registration

Art Yarn – Advanced Spinning

INSTRUCTOR:            Stephanie Stratton     

DATE:             Friday, May 21^st             1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

DESCRIPTION OF WORKSHOP:            Learn to construct Art Yarns such as Core Spun, Tail Spun, Coils, Hives, using Spin-Ins (such as sequins, ribbons, beads, wool locks, fabric strips, etc.), 3 Ply Navaho and Thick & Thin. 

SKILL LEVEL: This is an advanced spinning class for those who are comfortable spinning and plying yarn.

WORKSHOP FEE:  $65            MATERIAL FEE:  None

MATERIALS NEEDED:             Spinning wheel, 1 bobbin of pre-spun singles, darning needle, bobbins, fiber, cone or skein of woolen yarn, thread, and spin-ins.

SUPPLIES FOR SALE:              Yes

Carding Art Batts

INSTRUCTOR:            Stephanie Stratton            

DATE:             Saturday May 21^st              11:00 am - 1:00 pm

DESCRIPTION OF WORKSHOP:  Want to know how the beautifully sparkly, deliciously funky and extremely expensive art batts are created?  Or perhaps you are mystified by how to make your own roving from scratch? 

SKILL LEVEL:  Basic knowledge of carding is preferred, but squeaky clean drum carding newbies are welcome.

WORKSHOP FEE:  $55            MATERIAL FEE:             None

MATERIALS NEEDED:             Drum Carder & Diz and Fiber (Can reserve carder in advance, only 3 available!)

SUPPLIES FOR SALE:              Yes

Hail Storm

You have to love our Kentucky weather in the spring.  One week we have lovely 70 degree temps when along comes a hail storm to crank us down a notch to 50s during the days and freezing at night.  The hail we got wasn't much to complain about, but there were other areas that got golf ball sized rocks.  Here are a few pics of the little icy rocks.

He's HERE!!

Guess whose little nephew flew in from Japan this week!!!

MINE DID!  MINE DID!! MINE DID!!!

I would like to extend a huge and hearty Thank You to the US Navy for transporting such a special little cargo and his Mom across the Pacific and then home to Kentucky!  This picture was taken just as Luke and Jen stepped out of the airport to go home.  Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone, so this is the only picture I got.

Mom as you can tell is just as happy if not more so than I am;)

I have one more little favor for the US Navy...  Keep my brother safe while he is working in Japan.  I know that his job is important, not only to the United States, but to the relief effort as well.   All I ask is that you keep him safe and healthy while he is helping others!

Running around Aunt Stephanie's table

FAst asleep after a long afternoon of shopping with Mom & Aunt Stephanie

Look at the grin.  I tell you, this little fellow will be a heart breaker some day!

This one is from Luke's trip home for the Holidays a few months ago.  He was fascinated by the player piano at Mom & Dad's.

Florida Class

Right - O!  It is so time to get back to Blogging!

How about I start it out right with a post about how the classes went in Pensacola ;)

Unfortunately, I was so into each class that I completely forgot to take pictures until the very last beginning wheel class after a few people had left already.  There were two drop spindle classes that were completely full, two beginning spinning wheels also full and one advanced art yarn class not so full, but it did make a fun day of spinning where everyone got to learn all the techniques they wanted to.

Sad News

Camping

I think my tears have subsided for a short while.  Just long enough for me to let you know that Miss Piper, the most wonderful and loyal puppy in the world went to sleep this afternoon forever.  I am so glad to know she is no longer in pain.  

 She was not just a giant in size, but in heart as well.  At 11 years old, she went well beyond the 8-9 year live expectancy of a Newfoundland.  She wanted to go on, but her poor joints simply could not keep up.  We spent most of this morning and early afternoon, just lounging together.  And my Wonderful Brother-In-law Dr Scott Nieves of Beaumont Vet Center came over this afternoon to help my girl end her pain.  Piper lay on the cool tile (her favorite spot) and closed her eyes in comfort with those she loved best standing guard and in her home.  Thank you Dr Scott for helping my girl.

I miss my girl so very much.  I miss how she would flip my arm up for loving if I did not respond soon enough.  I miss how she would flop on the grass and wiggle on her back with all 4 in the air until you went over to give her belly rubs.  I miss how she would look at me and woof, woof in her deep voice.  I miss her sweet puppy smell.  I miss her sad eyes.  I miss how she never knew a stranger yet always wanted just me.  I even miss how her drool would almost hit the ceiling when she shook he head!  Thank you God for sharing this wonderful creature with me even if it was for just a short little while.

Thirsty girl!

Supervising my knitting in Red River Gorge.

Hiking at the Gorge

Snow, Snow, Snow!

Test Knitters Needed........

Space Cadets

I finished these mittens quite a while back and am in search of test knitters.  Basically, I am looking for test knitters for the pattern.  Just spent the afternoon pecking the details out on the key board and I just want to make double sure there are no mistakes in the pattern before I start selling it in a kit.  If you are interested in test knitting contact me through the new website:  LunabudKnits  PS, your email contact info will not be shared with anyone:)  These are a fairly quick knit and I am looking for serious minded knitters.  Beginners are welcome too.   Thanks!

Fiber Fail

I love my fiber and I love Miss Piper, but there is a reason I use to take her to the groomer for a clipping.  Miss Piper is a 150 lb geriatric Newfoundland dog.  Most Newfies live to the age of 8 or 9, but Piper turned 11 years old December 31st!  She has arthritis and brushing her long coat is not very comfortable for my big girl.

Due to her advanced age and arthritis, Piper can not go for truck rides any more:(  Just yesterday, she knew I was leaving the house for a trip to town and she meandered out the door to stand next to my truck as if to say... 'UM, I'm going too!'  I know she would try to hop in the truck if I gave her a chance.  Unfortunately, she is having a hard time moving around these days and any attempt at a big jump would probably result in injury for our big girl, so I have to  do the 'fake out'.  This usually involves either walking around with the keys in my pocket all morning, or setting them on the front porch out of the fuzz ball's ear shot.

The really sad part of this story is my lack of clipping ability.  See there really is a reason why I like the groomer to clip Miss Piper and this is it:

Before

After

Poor Piper, we are only a little over half way through!  I"m just happy that she like the feel of her buzz cut, because it sure is not a very cute one.  Sorry girl!

Yarnside Gathering

I promise, I am not moving to Pensacola.  But I sure do like to visit there ever chance I can get!  This trip to the Panhandle of Florida will find me at a LYS (Local Yarn Shop) teaching classes.  The shop is Yarnside Gathering and it is located at 3480 Barrancas Ave in Pensacola Florida.


Here is the schedule for those interested.....


February 23rd
Beginning Drop Spinning......

Cost $20  Materials $20 

Details:  Learn to spin your own yarn using an inexpensive drop spindle.  Material fee includes drop spindle and fiber.  

February 24th

Beginning Spinning......

Cost: $30  Materials: varies

Details:  Learn to spin yarn using a spinning wheel.  You will learn fiber prep basics, spinning and plying.  Material fee will vary depending upon amount and type of fiber purchased to use.  You may bring your own wheel or use a demo wheel.

February 26th

Advanced Art Yarn Spinning....

Cost: $40  Materials: See Details.

Details:  For those who know and are comfortable with the basics of spinning a plied yarn.  You will learn the art of constructing Art yarns such as core spun, tail spun, coils, hives, 3-ply navaho and thick-n-thin.  Materials needed:  a spinning wheel, bobbin of pre-spun singles, darning needle, bobbins, fiber, & things you would like to spin into your yarn (beads, fabric, sequins, wool locks, batts, etc).   Fiber will be available for purchase and you are welcome to bring your own.  If you previously took the Beginning Spinning class, please ask instructor;)  Several spinning wheels will be available for use. 

A few of my art yarns as a teaser.....

Better late than never.

I have no excuse for not wishing blogland Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on time.  Well, I do have one good excuse!  My Brother, Beau & his family came home for the Holidays all the way from JAPAN!  It truly was a bless for all of us as this is the first time any of us except for Mom of course have met little Luke!  See, Beau & Jen are stationed in Japan and my littlest nephew Luke was born there!

Here are a few pics and videos of the Lukester on our family vaca in Pensacola. 

Just off the plane at our house in KY on New Years.

Hot tub Lukie!

Playing pass the baby at dinner!

We shop.  Luke sleeps!

YO!  Where's my Gabba, Gabba!

Oh, and that is ice in the bird bath.   I debated adding one more picture of the manatee that had frozen to death due to the cold weather, but decided it was a tad to graphic for general audiences.

OH Yeah!  Happy Belated Christmas & New Year!