So glad that you found a spinning wheel that you like and that likes you. It really does matter. You said that one lady says that she spins and gives away the yarn. I spin and knit with my yarn. What I can tell you is that before I retired, I would come home and sit at my wheel and spin. The stress of the day would simply melt away to the point that I could fall asleep while spinning. It was so very relaxing. This was before I started to knit with my yarn. I didn't worry about using my yarn. I was just so happy to have a fiber craft that could relieve my stress so completely. I wish you much success and happiness on your spinning journey. Keep up the wonderful podcasts. I enjoy your show very much.
Just found your podcast and enjoyed it. Had to smile when you wondered how anyone would spin who didn’t knit. I’ve always gone through spells of doing a bit of something with yarn, mainly crochet. A few years ago I learned how to spin and it’s completely taken over my life! I’m completely happy to create yarn just for the sake of the joy of the creation. I’ve recently been learning to weave and knit in order to use the yarn, giving my yarn a purpose, but I don’t expect I’ll ever quit spinning just for the joy and relaxation it brings.
Congratulations on your new Lendrum wheel. It is so versatile and you will be able to grow with it. I second the recommendation of the wool ‘n spinning channel. Rachel has some great teaching videos. Happy Spinning!
Mavis is beautiful, and it sounds as if you had a good time choosing her.. ENJOY! I named my big Kitchen Aud Mixer Gracie.😊. She was a gift from a very special friend, who died a year ago this spring. Have fun with your new toy! 💜💜😎
Hi Roxanne, The native New Zealand timber you are referring to for the Majacraft Rose wheel is Rimu (pronounced ree-moo with a slight roll of the R). I don't think our trees and animals are very strange, I think you must be referring to their names which of course are in our native language. Love your informative podcast.
Congrats on your new spinning wheel, Rox!!! Have fun with her! I agree with others, about Rachel's tutorial videos re: spinner's control cards (Wool'n Spinning on UA-cam). Thanks very much for your explanations on sweater sizing and knitting patterns. It answered a few questions that it had taken me a year or so to figure out on my own by watching other knitters' podcasts, reading patterns and knitting books, etc. There isn't really anything that I've come across that consolidates that kind of guidance into one cohesive whole (in my humble opinion, anyway!) Thanks, and happy spinning!!!
This was really good to see - sweaters scare the heck out of me and I am trying desperately to find the confidence to try one. I still can't believe you started off making a sweater!
I just used your three needle alternative to finish my version of the Bay sweater. It worked really well. Thanks for all your videos. I find your explanations as well as the demonstrations so helpful.
Oh..I totally get why it would be enough for some people, who do nit knit or crochet, to simply learn how to spin.. It’s the process they live and enjoy.. It makes sense to me.. It’s the creative “process” that draws all of us into the need to create something beautiful... whether the beautiful thing is useful, or not. For som, the creative process is everything..
I have had a double mastectomy, no inserts, and I rarely use my prosthesis. I also have a fairly large stomach. My knitting teacher has me take my largest stomach measurement and use that for my breast measurement. I like knitting top-down knitting so I can try it on and I like ease. Definitely out of the box body shape. Noone has invited me to do runway work.
I love your videos. I really enjoyed watching your thought process as you were trying to decide which wheel to get. I’m intrigued by spinning wheels, but haven’t decided if I really want to do this yet or not. Thanks for sharing this. Marie
The more I learn the more I appreciate your talent. Could you tell us your top 5 books for stitch patterns, general techniques and what you think makes a good book?
Sorry, I meant knitting, but I'm interesting in learning more about spinning as well. It's a rabbithole I've purposely not went down but, I find fascinating.
The Woolery sells spinning wheel bags for the Lendrum (and other accessories for it too) to help you protect & carry the spinning wheel when you travel with it or store it. woolery.com/spinning-wheels/lendrum-spinning-wheels/lendrum-parts-accessories-the-woolery.html
Would you talk about the best place to begin neckline short row shaping for those of us that need to use this. I am never really sure where the best place is to begin. Usually I start somewhere on the shoulder. Does that seem logical? I can't stand that choking feeling in the front of a sweater. Thank you!
Hi, I'm one of your new followers. I would like to ask how to determine the sizes of a beanie & scarf if you are going to make one for a gift to a friend, far from you and you want to give this gift as a surprise to her. Like for a kid 4 - 8 yrs old and to the dad and a mom...how much will be the contour and the height of the project you wanted to make. Thanks a lot & more power!
The only way to guarantee a good fit for a specific person is to have their measurements. Otherwise, you have to guess, and all you can do is pick a pattern, or design one, based on average sizes. yarnstandards.com has charts of standard measurements, which may or may not be helpful for figuring out specific sizes. Ravelry is an excellent source for all sorts of patterns. Going forward, if your plan is to be able to knit surprise gifts for people, I suggest taking measurements for all the sorts of garments you are likely to make, whenever you get together with friends and family, and then keep a folder of those measurements. (Trace hands and feet, and measure circumferences, etc.) They will know that someday, they might get something from you, but they won't know when, and they won't know what it will be.
I had been looking into selling my extra knitted garments in a gift shop, but I discovered (much to my dismay) that the vast majority of patterns I’d knitted had restrictions against commercial use. Can you discuss why designers put this restriction on their designs? I’m not ready to design my own products and I really don’t want to just give all my hard work away. As I interpret the restriction, I couldn’t even make a garment on commission and get some compensation for my time. What does one do with the knitted projects? Thanks.
Roxanne Richardson I live in the US, but I’m trying to comply with the designers’ wishes ( now that I’m paying attention to the fine print on the patterns). I’d thought that the copyright applied to reproductions of the printed pattern, but not to the knittted result of following a pattern. I’m thinking I’m not the only knitter who doesn’t know or understand the limits imposed by copyright restrictions.
The right to sell work made from a pattern falls within the domain of licensing. In the UK, a designer can specify that the pattern license limits a knitter to using the pattern for personal use or as a means to create a gift, but that license applies only within the UK. If you wish to honor the designer's desires, you could contact them and ask if there was any way they would be willing to license you to knit garments for sale (perhaps by purchasing a copy of the pattern for each garment you wish to sell, or something). There's a big difference between a single handknitter using a pattern to create garments one by one, and a large commercial enterprise using a single pattern to mass produce garments.
So did you buy the Lendrum, or is it just borrowed? IMHO, you made a wise choice in going with a Scotch-tensioned wheel! That's what I should have done myself!! I've talked to a gal here whose is a spinner and an engineer! She pointed out to me that a weakness that a lot of modern wheels have is having the main drive wheel axle/bolt supported ONLY at one end! In her opinion, this is a poor design as the entire weight of the wheel is borne by a single bearing point!! Made sense to me when I considered that older, well-designed castle and saxony wheels had two upright posts supporting the weight of the wheel! Something to consider? Good luck!! I'm still looking too!
The Lendrum is mine! I bought her and took her home. So far, both teachers, and Detta swear by their Lendrums, which I consider to be a good endorsement. Easy to treadle, easy to get going, and to stop (that Louet took a lot of effort to stop, and then it would wind backwards on its own, and then was a pain to get going again). I'm not sure I understand what you mean about the main drive wheel's support -- I'll have to look at some photos of other wheels to see how they compare.
Watch this: ua-cam.com/video/ByaAVdXZCNM/v-deo.html This wheel is well designed!! Do you see how the main wheel's axle is supported on both sides? This design will last a long time - like most well built Saxony wheels, and well-designed castle wheels. Yes!! I'll be selling my Louet!! 😒
I went to the fiber co-op today, and saw a number of wheels that were different brands than I had seen previously. I looked at them to see what you had been talking about with the two supports. The traditional Saxony and Castle styles are just too big for my space, and lack the portability that I wanted. They just don't appeal to me! One thing I have learned from this experience is how valuable it is to sit down and try out several different wheels, including some you may not have even considered. The idea that a wheel "speaks to you" seemed silly to me, but I will say that they are like any other tool. Some just fit an individual differently. Sort of like knitting needle preferences or small circumference knitting technique preferences. None are better or worse, but they can be better or worse for you. I learned to spin on that Louet, but I didn't particularly enjoy it. I really love the Lendrum, and I find it interesting that both my teachers, and the woman I bought my wheel from have multiple wheels, and all prefer their Lendrums (one of the teachers ended up selling his Matchless, because he never used it). I didn't realize/know that about any of them until *after* I chose mine, so they didn't influence my decision. Good luck on whatever wheel you end up with!
Yay!!! The cowl is lovely.
So glad that you found a spinning wheel that you like and that likes you. It really does matter. You said that one lady says that she spins and gives away the yarn. I spin and knit with my yarn. What I can tell you is that before I retired, I would come home and sit at my wheel and spin. The stress of the day would simply melt away to the point that I could fall asleep while spinning. It was so very relaxing. This was before I started to knit with my yarn. I didn't worry about using my yarn. I was just so happy to have a fiber craft that could relieve my stress so completely. I wish you much success and happiness on your spinning journey. Keep up the wonderful podcasts. I enjoy your show very much.
What an awesome explanation of schematics and sizing!!! Thank you so much!
Just found your podcast and enjoyed it. Had to smile when you wondered how anyone would spin who didn’t knit. I’ve always gone through spells of doing a bit of something with yarn, mainly crochet. A few years ago I learned how to spin and it’s completely taken over my life! I’m completely happy to create yarn just for the sake of the joy of the creation. I’ve recently been learning to weave and knit in order to use the yarn, giving my yarn a purpose, but I don’t expect I’ll ever quit spinning just for the joy and relaxation it brings.
Congratulations on your new Lendrum wheel. It is so versatile and you will be able to grow with it. I second the recommendation of the wool ‘n spinning channel. Rachel has some great teaching videos. Happy Spinning!
Mavis is beautiful, and it sounds as if you had a good time choosing her.. ENJOY!
I named my big Kitchen Aud Mixer Gracie.😊. She was a gift from a very special friend, who died a year ago this spring.
Have fun with your new toy!
💜💜😎
Excellent info on fit, the how-to, why, & what! Also, good tutorial on the how-to of "reading the mind of the designer". 😁
Hi Roxanne, The native New Zealand timber you are referring to for the Majacraft Rose wheel is Rimu (pronounced ree-moo with a slight roll of the R). I don't think our trees and animals are very strange, I think you must be referring to their names which of course are in our native language. Love your informative podcast.
I bought a mid-range wheel six years ago. If I was purchasing now, it would be a Rose.
Congrats on your new spinning wheel, Rox!!! Have fun with her! I agree with others, about Rachel's tutorial videos re: spinner's control cards (Wool'n Spinning on UA-cam). Thanks very much for your explanations on sweater sizing and knitting patterns. It answered a few questions that it had taken me a year or so to figure out on my own by watching other knitters' podcasts, reading patterns and knitting books, etc. There isn't really anything that I've come across that consolidates that kind of guidance into one cohesive whole (in my humble opinion, anyway!) Thanks, and happy spinning!!!
This was really good to see - sweaters scare the heck out of me and I am trying desperately to find the confidence to try one. I still can't believe you started off making a sweater!
I just used your three needle alternative to finish my version of the Bay sweater. It worked really well. Thanks for all your videos. I find your explanations as well as the demonstrations so helpful.
Oh..I totally get why it would be enough for some people, who do nit knit or crochet, to simply learn how to spin.. It’s the process they live and enjoy.. It makes sense to me..
It’s the creative “process” that draws all of us into the need to create something beautiful... whether the beautiful thing is useful, or not.
For som, the creative process is everything..
Many thanks to explain how to pick up a pattern size... it is always a tricky point for me. And good luck with Mavis
I have had a double mastectomy, no inserts, and I rarely use my prosthesis. I also have a fairly large stomach. My knitting teacher has me take my largest stomach measurement and use that for my breast measurement. I like knitting top-down knitting so I can try it on and I like ease. Definitely out of the box body shape. Noone has invited me to do runway work.
Thank you for doing this subject. I am a new knitter. I have done scarves, socks, shawls and hats but no garment because I have the worry of fit
I love your videos. I really enjoyed watching your thought process as you were trying to decide which wheel to get. I’m intrigued by spinning wheels, but haven’t decided if I really want to do this yet or not. Thanks for sharing this. Marie
I name EVERYTHING 😁 Mavis is awesome! Check out Wool n Spinning vlog, her “spinner control cards” are great and her teaching videos are great
Thank you, thank you so much. You answered my question brilliantly. You gave the kind of detail that I was looking for. Your videos are priceless.
I'm glad you found it useful! :-)
Thank you for doing the size choosing info! It was very helpful!
Excellent wheel choice, congrats.
Wonderful video as always, Roxanne!!
The more I learn the more I appreciate your talent. Could you tell us your top 5 books for stitch patterns, general techniques and what you think makes a good book?
Love to hear more about the process and trouble shooting. Congrats on your wheel! I know knitters that started spinning, and then rarely knit anymore.
...more about the process and trouble shooting of....? Spinning?
Sorry, I meant knitting, but I'm interesting in learning more about spinning as well. It's a rabbithole I've purposely not went down but, I find fascinating.
Do you have something specific in mind regarding process and troubleshooting? Examples?
No, it's just good to hear how others go about it. Thanks.
So helpful! The pattern codices have always been a area of concern!
Choices
The Woolery sells spinning wheel bags for the Lendrum (and other accessories for it too) to help you protect & carry the spinning wheel when you travel with it or store it. woolery.com/spinning-wheels/lendrum-spinning-wheels/lendrum-parts-accessories-the-woolery.html
Yes, thank you. :-) I have been eyeing those bags since I bought the wheel!
Would you talk about the best place to begin neckline short row shaping for those of us that need to use this. I am never really sure where the best place is to begin. Usually I start somewhere on the shoulder. Does that seem logical? I can't stand that choking feeling in the front of a sweater. Thank you!
Hi, I'm one of your new followers. I would like to ask how to determine the sizes of a beanie & scarf if you are going to make one for a gift to a friend, far from you and you want to give this gift as a surprise to her. Like for a kid 4 - 8 yrs old and to the dad and a mom...how much will be the contour and the height of the project you wanted to make. Thanks a lot & more power!
Please...
The only way to guarantee a good fit for a specific person is to have their measurements. Otherwise, you have to guess, and all you can do is pick a pattern, or design one, based on average sizes. yarnstandards.com has charts of standard measurements, which may or may not be helpful for figuring out specific sizes. Ravelry is an excellent source for all sorts of patterns. Going forward, if your plan is to be able to knit surprise gifts for people, I suggest taking measurements for all the sorts of garments you are likely to make, whenever you get together with friends and family, and then keep a folder of those measurements. (Trace hands and feet, and measure circumferences, etc.) They will know that someday, they might get something from you, but they won't know when, and they won't know what it will be.
I have been frustrated in my previous attempts at knitting a sweater for myself. Do you have any recommendations for a first sweater project?
I really wish I had a textile center by me...
I had been looking into selling my extra knitted garments in a gift shop, but I discovered (much to my dismay) that the vast majority of patterns I’d knitted had restrictions against commercial use. Can you discuss why designers put this restriction on their designs? I’m not ready to design my own products and I really don’t want to just give all my hard work away. As I interpret the restriction, I couldn’t even make a garment on commission and get some compensation for my time. What does one do with the knitted projects? Thanks.
Do you live in the U.S., or the U.K? The laws are different in each country as to whether or not those sorts of stipulations can be applied.
Roxanne Richardson I live in the US, but I’m trying to comply with the designers’ wishes ( now that I’m paying attention to the fine print on the patterns). I’d thought that the copyright applied to reproductions of the printed pattern, but not to the knittted result of following a pattern. I’m thinking I’m not the only knitter who doesn’t know or understand the limits imposed by copyright restrictions.
The right to sell work made from a pattern falls within the domain of licensing. In the UK, a designer can specify that the pattern license limits a knitter to using the pattern for personal use or as a means to create a gift, but that license applies only within the UK. If you wish to honor the designer's desires, you could contact them and ask if there was any way they would be willing to license you to knit garments for sale (perhaps by purchasing a copy of the pattern for each garment you wish to sell, or something). There's a big difference between a single handknitter using a pattern to create garments one by one, and a large commercial enterprise using a single pattern to mass produce garments.
Love your video s
So did you buy the Lendrum, or is it just borrowed? IMHO, you made a wise choice in going with a Scotch-tensioned wheel! That's what I should have done myself!! I've talked to a gal here whose is a spinner and an engineer! She pointed out to me that a weakness that a lot of modern wheels have is having the main drive wheel axle/bolt supported ONLY at one end! In her opinion, this is a poor design as the entire weight of the wheel is borne by a single bearing point!! Made sense to me when I considered that older, well-designed castle and saxony wheels had two upright posts supporting the weight of the wheel! Something to consider? Good luck!! I'm still looking too!
The Lendrum is mine! I bought her and took her home. So far, both teachers, and Detta swear by their Lendrums, which I consider to be a good endorsement. Easy to treadle, easy to get going, and to stop (that Louet took a lot of effort to stop, and then it would wind backwards on its own, and then was a pain to get going again). I'm not sure I understand what you mean about the main drive wheel's support -- I'll have to look at some photos of other wheels to see how they compare.
Watch this: ua-cam.com/video/ByaAVdXZCNM/v-deo.html This wheel is well designed!! Do you see how the main wheel's axle is supported on both sides? This design will last a long time - like most well built Saxony wheels, and well-designed castle wheels. Yes!! I'll be selling my Louet!! 😒
I went to the fiber co-op today, and saw a number of wheels that were different brands than I had seen previously. I looked at them to see what you had been talking about with the two supports. The traditional Saxony and Castle styles are just too big for my space, and lack the portability that I wanted. They just don't appeal to me! One thing I have learned from this experience is how valuable it is to sit down and try out several different wheels, including some you may not have even considered. The idea that a wheel "speaks to you" seemed silly to me, but I will say that they are like any other tool. Some just fit an individual differently. Sort of like knitting needle preferences or small circumference knitting technique preferences. None are better or worse, but they can be better or worse for you. I learned to spin on that Louet, but I didn't particularly enjoy it. I really love the Lendrum, and I find it interesting that both my teachers, and the woman I bought my wheel from have multiple wheels, and all prefer their Lendrums (one of the teachers ended up selling his Matchless, because he never used it). I didn't realize/know that about any of them until *after* I chose mine, so they didn't influence my decision. Good luck on whatever wheel you end up with!
👍
Forgot to add.. My sewing machines also have names.. 👍