Montpelier Fall Fiber Festival

Here's a slide show from the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier. Hope you enjoy.

A Birthday Gift to Myself

I did something I thought I’d never EVER do, and that’s get another wheel. It was one of those things that you have to think was meant to be, or why else would it have come into your path? On the Saturday morning before my birthday I was driving to my grand-daughter's last softball game, through the next neighborhood and heading over to Meadow Farm (where I spin and reinact) and the ball park. Out of the corner of my eye as I drive by, I see this garage sale and I notice a spinning wheel. First thing I know I am parked and standing in the driveway, trying not to look too interested. The wheel is between the toys and Xmas decorations, all alone. I check out the puzzles, then the decorations, discreetly look around, and then I ask the man if he knows anything about the wheel, and he tells me It belonged to his deceased mother – and no, he doesn’t know anything else about it. I ask how much, he tells me, and I try not to fall down in shock. Not the price I expected him to say. I drop to my knees, crawl around and look at everything on the wheel. Speechless. Of course, I don't have a cent with me, not a penny, no check book, nothing.

I hauled out my cell phone to call my two spinning buddies, but of course, my phone only has their cell numbers, not their home numbers – but I leave frantic messages anyway. The man says another person has shown an interest. I tell him I have to go to a ball game, make an offer, and leave. Of course all during the game I can think of nothing but the wheel, what a deal it is. I rationalize that is is only a good deal if I need one .... I don't need one I tell myself. I decide if it is there when I return, it is meant to be.

Once the game is over, I drive back by. As I approach, I see it is gone, but I slow down anyway. I roll down the window, and ask, "Did the wheel sell?" The young kids there say, NO, it is just moved to the back. Whew! I park, talk to the seller again and he says he can’t take my offer and is sticking to his first amount, so I tell him I have to go home and talk to hubby. Please hold it for me.

I fly home, talk with DH who says, “Go get it - you will drive me crazy if you don't get it - even if you don't need it, get it”. I call both my friends and relate to them the details of my find, and ask their opinions, the who owns at least 5 wheels says "Obviously you should go get it." Do I need anymore help deciding? The second friend offers to come with me for a test drive, but that in light of the time, I decline her offer. So off I go, with fiber, a drive band, some oil and I go back and ask to take it for a spin. I set the whole thing up, it works nicely and I agree to the price. The people by then are gathered around me, as they are fascinated to see it work. I then ask him, did you mother spin with this? He says, no, it was only a decoration in her home. OMG!

So as you can see, I am thrilled. It is a beautiful wheel and an authentic 1800’s flax wheel reproduction made by this guy in Mass. - Who has since quit making the wheels as he sold his shop and retired. It is signed with his name, and I suspect is one of the earlier models, 1981-1985 , not sure exactly when this one was made, but this is my guess based on his ads in Spin-Off magazine and the size of the bobbins. The lady who owned it was named Louise, so I decided to call it Belle Anna Louise. She is too grand for a plain name. I plan to use it at Meadow Farm, as it’s much more appropriate for demonstrations there than the Ashford.

It has a 24 inch wheel, which is bigger than my Ashford, and it spins like a demon – once in motion. Being old, it really has needed a lot of oil. Reading online everyone says it is a wonderful wheel, highly underrated, and of course now pretty sought after since it is “extinct” forever. Everyone says, oil it every time you sit down, and you’ll have no trouble, and so far that seems to be holding true. I have only ever seen one wheel like this, so am pleased with the oldness and her uniqueness.

In search of bobbins I contacted one of the original dealers, Toni from The Fold, who carried this wheel, and she graciously sent me 5 bobbins, at no charge! I will have to have them shortened, as they are 4 ounce bobbins, but that will not be a problem I suspect.

i can't wait to use this wheel at Meadow Farm, as it will be perfect for Sheep to Shawl. Meanwhile, I am spinning away and enjoying the sound and feel of this new wheel.

Maryland Sheep and Wool

Wishing all who are headed to Maryland this weekend a great trip. Alas, I am still not going to be able to attend this wonderful event. Even though I am surrounded by fiber here in my stash sanctuary, I would still like to go and partake in the atmosphere!