In A Box

First! I have 2 of the limited edition of 30 Schacht Walnut Anniversary Baby Wolf Packages coming to me. They should ship at the end of this month or early in October. If this is on your wish list, I would love to hear from you. As they haven't shipped yet you can have this fab loom shipped directly to your home for no additional charge! Go look at the full details on my web page or in the Webstore.

So, today I will begin a series of blog posts concerning my spinning wheel collection. What do I like about each and why do I keep them. I'm at a point now in my collection that I don't want to have any wheel unless it fills a hole or is something special to me. I thought that perhaps others might be interested in my collection too.

Today's post is called "In a Box" because I decided to begin with my Bosworths.

But, the first thing in a box is Ryan. Last week I came upstairs and looked in his room to see this:
It's an underbed box that usually holds the kid's costumes. He did at least put a pillow down before he went to sleep.
And so first we have the Bosworth Journey Wheel - in a box. This wheel is pretty new. I got it in October of 2008. I actually didn't own a folding wheel and really wanted one. Before I bought it I tried the two that were available to me to decide between single and double treadle. The single treadle version was easier for me to start with just my foot and so that's what sold it. I ordered it Double Drive with the Scotch Tension Kit. I have honestly not tried it in single drive since I've had it.

This wheel is a great performer. I took the following information right from the Journey Wheel website.

Over 30 years ago with inspiration from the Indian charkha, Jonathan Bosworth designed the Journey Wheel as a single-treadle flyer spinning wheel. The Journey Wheels are still made of beautiful of cherry — its color and intensity will deepen the longer you own your Journey Wheel.

As a design engineer and master craftsman, Jonathan has developed the Journey Wheel into a true workhorse spinning wheel which works well with a variety of fibers including wools, cotton, silk, alpaca and more. Just as important, the Journey Wheel is designed for easy travel — take your Journey Wheel with you, wherever you may go!

With principal ratios of 8:1 and 16:1 and intermediary ratios of 10:1 and 14:1, the Journey Wheel is available as a single- or double-treadle wheel. It spins beautifully as a double-drive wheel or with the Scotch tension option, whether you are spinning fine laceweight or thicker yarns.

No settings are lost or parts removed when you fold your Journey Wheel into its self-contained case; nothing is left behind by mistake. The Journey Wheel's unique open U-orifice means you'll never need an orifice hook again.

The Journey Wheel is ...

Portable! It is hinged and folds into itself to form a 14"x16"x7 box. It weighs between 14-15 pounds (density of the wood varies), and is easily carried with a leather shoulder strap.

The Flyer is our own design, featuring a unique well-balanced U-shaped orifice, which means no more orifice hooks. The whole front of the flyer opens like a gate, which makes changing bobbins a snap.

The Treadle is designed to be pedalled heel-and-toe, allowing a relaxed posture for spinning.

Belts are tensioned by a single precise adjustment for double-drive spinning, or by two simple adjustments for Scotch Tension spinning. Belts do not need to be removed to fold your Journey Wheel, or to unwind spun yarn.

Two Spare Bobbins rest easily in the built-in Lazy Kate.

Specifications

Dimensions

• 14" x 16" x 7" folded
• 32" high (opened and upright)
• Orifice 29" from floor

Weight

• 14-15 pounds

Ratios

• Treadle to Flyer: 8.1 and 16:1
• Direct drive double-belted system; Scotch tension optional
• Bobbin to Flyer: 1.8:1
• Bobbin size: 3" diameter, 2 7/8" length

Bearings

• Nylon, teflon & permanently sealed ball bearings require no lubrication. You may oil the treadle pivots, the footman & strap leathers, & the plastic bearing at the front of the flyer.

With ratios of up to 16:1 this is by no means a production spinning wheel, though i have spun plenty of yarn on it. I think many spinners are expecting their folding wheel to do too much for them if they want ratios higher than 20:1. I feel like a folding wheel is for traveling and taking to classes. You learn something new and translate that to your main wheel when you get home. If people are interested in having only one wheel I try to steer them away from the current folding/travel wheel choices.

Another thing about this wheel that I was told before getting it is the bobbins are small. Well! I am so impressed with the amount of yarn I can get onto these bobbins. I've had up to 4 ounces of a medium weight yarn on these babies (the yarn was about DK weight when it was plied).

I like this wheel a lot. It is beautiful and a great piece of engineering. Now I have to get over my fear of carrying it on an airplane!

Next up is my Bosworth Book Charkha. I wanted one of these for a long time but felt I couldn't justify the purchase (Ok, that's funny, I know) Well, when I was registered for a 3 day cotton class with Stephanie Gausted what could I do? I chose the Book size rather than the Attache for one reason only. and I'm just going to say it. I was a little intimidated by the Attache ratios.

The book charkha is small, weighs 1.5 pounds and spins at a ratio of 70:1. The Attache is larger, weighs 5.25 pounds and has a ratio of 110:1.

These things are smooth and spin beautifully. My goal in November is to spin 20 minutes per day on my charkha using the skills I learn at SOAR this year.

The book charkha is a real specialty item but for the lace I love to knit, it is the perfect tool.

I still have 14 wheels (I think) to talk about. At this point I couldn't choose just one favorite. i could probably choose 5 favorites. Seriously.

Next up, my Louet Collection.