I own a Spinning Wheel.

I got a spinning wheel for Christmas.   That’s my excuse for not writing in a million years.  That and I find it easier to fill my free time away from the computer now that I don’t live in that unmentionable place.  But back to the spinning wheel….it’s a Schacht Ladybug and I love it.  Mother, stepfather, father, and a surprising fourth person, Robert, my Fresno domino partner (who lost most of the games)  all contributed to the purchase of my magical wheel.

I’ve been spinning in double drive because I think it’s easier to set up than scotch tension.  I actually impaled my finger on the spring the first day I had the wheel.  The spring was actually going through my index finger. My mom made sleeping beauty jokes.

So what have a spun up so far??

My first try, combed top of american origin (that’s all I know about it).

It’s pretty chunky and overspun.

Then some roving.  Shetland I think, the white is from a sheep named Sally, the clerk informed me.

Smoother.  The roving was definitely easier to spin.

And my favorite so far.  Combed top that I dyed.

I can’t wait to knit with it.  I don’t have much of it, so I’m trying to brainstorm a project that I can incorporate it.

Another Christmas gift that I must share is this clock, handmade by my baby brother.

It’s made from a book that was my great grandmother’s.  I love it!  I also received lots of knitting and sewing books.  I’m sure when the thrill of spinning wears off a little (if it ever does)  I will look at them.

Ira was able to visit over Christmas.  It went by so quickly and it was so hard to let him go back.  Think crying in airports.  It’s looking pretty certain that he will be returning in February.  Thank goodness.

I hope 2009 is grand for everyone!