Im back after a period of absence....

Dear friends,

I'm back after a period of absence.

It is great to be back. I've been doing bits and pieces. I've not been able to do some things until very recently...like spinning and driving due to health reasons, but now thank goodness I'm on the mend.

A couple of weeks ago I came across a second hand Ashford Joy which I purchased as an early birthday present. I've mostly used the old original Ashford Traditionals and I also have an another upright wheel - the Camelot which is presently out of action (requiring leather replacement thanks to overzealous children trying to fast treadle on it when I was out of sight... 20 yo and 9 year are the main culprits ;) )..

The Joy (pictured above), took a little getting used to but I've now found is great to use. I hadn't initially screwed the spindle into the thread firmly enough and after several attempts of spinning having the flyer pop out I got serious and figured out the issue. Since then, I've no problems, and really enjoying using the new wheel.

I love how it neatly folds up and tucks into it's own nifty bag. I am so impressed with it and consider it was worth every cent. My only real complaint would be that it comes with 3 bobbins and not 4 like the Traditional. One of the upsides though is that I have other bobbins (which came with my other Traditional wheels) which are apparently compatible. I will be testing this today because I managed to fill all three bobbins last night - 2 with single ply at the moment the 3rd with the plied yarn. I want to leave it on the bobbin for a wee bit to set the twist.

I've been doing some spinning on my Traditional which I have tucked in a corner in my kitchen when in there - spinning up some merino which I have processed from raw fleece (very satisfying but laborious process).

 

  

 

When in the lounge (like last night watching our beloved Crows football team), I have been using the Joy, which quite frankly is a joy to use. I've been spinning some mill processed Corriedale which is just bliss to spin up. It is like 1kg of continuous skinny cloud.

 

 

I've got to get some other things done now, so until next time, I wish you good health and much happiness. :)