Showing posts with label Ashford Traveller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashford Traveller. Show all posts

Friday, February 10, 2012

Handspun Kid Mohair

I got some new fibres to spin, Mohair, more silk (because I want to do better at spinning silk) and some Alpaca.

I've started to try to spin the Mohair, its difficult to know how to spin it "right".  I have been doing a bit of research and there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to should it be spun worsted or woolen.  I decided to spin it worsted, for these reasons.  The staple length is pretty long, its between 4" and 5", so its definitely long enough for worsted, the preparation is combed top.

Here's what I've got ...

mohair spinning
I've just started really, but you can see how fluffy it is already. It really has a lovely feel, although the fluff does get EVERYWHERE! 
Mohair handspun single
 
I wanted to see what a plyed yarn would look like so I just pulled back some of the yarn I had spun off the bobbin and let it ply back on itself (with a little help from my threading hook).   It doesn't look too bad really, I think I'll make a 3 ply in the end though.
  
Mohair spinning - two ply

Thursday, September 22, 2011

New Spinning Wheel - Have I got it right?


Can any spinners out there help?

So I have my new Ashford Traveller Double treadle spinning wheel, but I confess I am not sure I have it setup right ....

Spinning Wheel

The bit I don't understand is the Flyer, bobbin, drive band & break setup.  Here's how I started with it.
Spinning Wheel

Here's the thing, my flyer & bobbin don't match those in the assembly instructions.

My flyer doesn't have the stepped end next to the oriface.  Its at the other end.



Spinning Wheel

And my bobbin's have a stepped end, unlike the ones in the instructions


DSC01702

Now I originally had the break on the stepped end of the bobbin, but since the break thread length is 32cm between the springs that just didn't work.  I had to put the break on the other end - Is that right ???

Also in the instructions the drive band is at the other end of the flyer.



DSC01701

But the stepped "cap" I have doesn't have a hole in it so I can't put on the other end

DSC01703

An educated guess says I have this the right way round, the drive band on the right thing (the cap) and the break on the right end of the bobbin.

But, since I am a complete novice at this - does anyone know if I have this right or not??