My New Toy
December 28th, 2005 at 7:23 pm (spinning)
I got this in the mail on Tuesday (click for a larger version):
It’s a Woolee Winder for my Schacht! It automatically moves the hook that holds the yarn feeding into the bobbin as you wind on. This elminates the need to stop spinning (or plying) and move your yarn from hook to hook as you spin. You don’t want big mountains and valleys on your bobbins. I’ve spun a bit in the picture above (that’s Alice), and it really does keep it completely even. There’s a bit of noise as you wind on, but it’s really not that loud. It doesn’t affect the treadling on the wheel at all. You use your standard Whorls that you get with your wheel, so it doesn’t change the ratios you have available at all (at least on this wheel). The only thing is that if you’re in double drive (which I am here; you can tell because the drive band has two parts to it), you need to use the high speed bobbins to use the higher speed whorls. I was super lucky to get a total of 4 bobbins with it; so I have more than enough empty bobbins to keep me busy for a while.
The piece you buy replaces the whole flyer bit on your wheel. They make different variations for different wheels. (This one wouldn’t work on my Lendrum; I’d have to buy another one if I wanted one for that wheel). You do have to use their bobbins (which are about $10 cheaper than the Schacht ones, so not really a bad deal at all). The wood is dyed to match the wheel - and I swear it does match exactly. Overall I’m extremely pleased with the gift!
(Another benefit of the flyer for this is when you’re winding your yarn off the bobbin and onto a niddy noddy there aren’t any hooks except the one (which is a closed hook) to get your yarn tangled onto if your bobbin isn’t under enough tension and it starts to wind back on itself. You spinners know what I’m talking about)
Di said,
December 28th, 2005 at 8:12 pm
Wow! Looks like someone loves you AND knows how to shop for your needs! Congrats
Aunt Teresa said,
December 29th, 2005 at 8:37 am
What is that contraption??? Loooks interesting, not sure what it does, but it looks good.
Marta said,
December 29th, 2005 at 8:50 am
Wow! I’ve always wondered how those work. I’m in severe envy. Your mittens are *gorgeous*! I might just have to wander over to get some Nordic Fiber Arts kits for myself…