In the mean time, I'll just spin mediocre yarns for my mediocre knitting projects.
When I started my spinning wheel research, I was actually shocked to find that there are many more varieties and designs of wheels than I ever imagined. Initially, I pictured myself with the kind of spinning wheel that has shown up in fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty. Through exhaustive online research, however, I found myself favoring more modern-style wheels. Below are two collections of some of my favorite traditional and modern wheels.
Traditional wheels clockwise from top left:-Kromski Minstrel $419-$539
-Clemes and Clemes Traditional $855
-Schact Reeves Saxony $1268-$1520
-Kromski Prelude $349-$435
-Ashford Elizabeth $690-$1030
(Variable pricing is due to wood and finishing options)
Modern wheels clockwise from top left:-Schacht Ladybug $525
-SpinOlution Mach II $649
-Clemes & Clemes Modern $459
-Hitchhiker Spinning Wheel $289-$349
-Lendrum Original $500-$622
If I could afford any wheel I wanted, I would absolutely buy the SpinOlution Mach II. I absolutely love the look of it and it would perfectly compliment our mixed modern style. Since I would practically consider my spinning wheel a piece of furniture when not being used, the MachII would be the most aesthetically pleasing for me. Second choice would be the Schacht Ladybug, as I like the mixed media metal and wood combination.
Since I have virtually zero dollars at this moment, I will probably end up getting one of the cheapest spinning wheels around. Babe spinning wheels are actually very well rated and the only reason they are so cheap is because they are made using PVC pipe rather than wood.
This is the Babe Production Double-Treadle wheel made out of white PVC pipe, a black wheelchair wheel and some pieces of wood. At $239, this will end up being the rig that I learn on while I save up money for the more expensive and more attractive Mach II.
I live in Winston Salem and moved to NC a little over two years ago to buy a home. I only wish we bought one with more land so that we too could raise sheep, goats, and whatever else. I have knit and crocheted for years and have recently wanted to learn how to spin my own yarn and to teach it to my children. What inspired me is finding that our ancesters where from a part of England known for its textile mills. I guess its in my blood. Anyhow, I was trying to find a place in NC to learn to spin and found one near you. It's Yarn Paradise in Ashville. I'm going to try and take a 4 hr class offered in Winston Salem this Februrary at Knit Picky Yarns. I also would love to buy the Ladybug machine.
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