Spinning Retreat

Several weekends ago now, I went and tested out about a half dozen different kinds/brands of wheels at this spinner's retreat. I was able to spin up some wool on several of the wheels and it was fun to meet so many new people who enjoyed spinning and raising fiber animals!

They were impressed with how fast my spinning was improving. I still didn't think it was wonderful, but they said I could easily make a sweater out of the yarn I spun. I said that would have to be another year :)

I've made many contacts for people who wanted to come to my shearing day. They were so excited to hear I raised BFLs in both white and natural colored. I even have a lady who is wanting to BUY a white BFL ram from me this year! That makes FOUR people who are wanting a BFL for mule production! This lady raises Icelandics and Wensleydales, and is excited to see what the BFL can do for both fiber and meat purposes.

They weren't really excited about the Shetland sheep, (yes they all knew what it was) and when I showed them a few fleeces I brought along they were more excited to come to shearing day! I feel rejuvenated that my goals with the Shetlands is spot on. And all of these ladies wash, card, spin and knit their own fleeces!

I have between 10-12 people promising to come up for shearing day. I just have to confirm once again the date of the shearing. Once that is done, I have flyers lined up to be mailed out to the local guilds, and yarn shops to come join in on the fun. Coffee and hot chocolate will be served as well as some munchies.

The wheels I've tried I've liked. Especially the Louette S75. I"ve heard others like the S10 and also the Lendrum brand. I learned on a Majacraft Suzie Professional, which worked well, but I think its out of my price range. I'm also amazed at some wheel they called the 'rose'..is it Majacraft too? Price has doubled in the last 10 years. What a bummer.

If anyone knows of an S75 that works well that you'd want to sell, or a Lendrum wheel, do let me know!