More About My New Wheel

I have discovered that Louet only made this wheel for one year, 1989-1990, and that the wheel was originally sold unfnished.  I took the one broken bobbin to Lee Valley Tools for advice, and discovered that the finish was probably Tung oil.  They also sold me some marvellous glue and some clamps.  I glued the broken end together and it seems very strong now.  A little wood filler and some finishing treatment, and it will be almost as good as new.  Wonderful!

Chesterville

Last week I took my Victoria to the annual Chesterville Spin-In.  Quite a few of our Ottawa Guild members were there, plus people from other guilds around Eastern Ontario.  Queen Vickie performed beautifully, spinning up some merino silk top that I am hoping to turn into a sweater.  No one realized that I had a wheel in the small suitcase on my chair, until I opened  it up!  Apart from an occasional ticking noise, she is a lovely lady. 

Jan Scott modelled some felt hats that she had made at a felting and hat-making workshop.  I would love to see how she did it. 

Experienced guild members spinning.

Struggling, and succeeding with Navajo plying.

I admit to being a gearhead, so at these occasions I always tour the room to see who has what wheel.  The survey noted several Lendrums, a bunch of Ashford Traddys and one Traveller. I observed a lady proudly spinning on her Majacraft Rose.  There was also a giant herd of Louet bobbin lead wheels, including one like my new acquisition but with a different finish.  I also noted a couple of other Majacrafts and at least one wheel which may have been locally made.  There was also a lady spinning on a drop spindle.  The most popular wheels seem to be the bobbin lead Louets.  It is a pity they have just cut down production to one model, the S10.  Maybe the market is saturated.

The Ottawa Guild seemed to clean up on the door prizes.  I won a book on quilting.  As if I need another hobby!!!  It is a really comprehensive book, so I am going to keep it.  I may yet make another quilt!

I bought a lovely Tabachek spindle and also some more Ashford merino-silk sliver to spin on it.  I also acquired a spinners' control card, which will hopefully, help me to make my yarn more even. 

All in all, a great day.  Chesterville is lovely.