It took a while but she’s up and I’m trying to get running! Meet Olga … my newest toy. I’m already in love so I’m going to act like all new parents and bombard y’all with “newborn” pictures. 😀 (ignore the books in the background — yeah … I read alot! 😀 )
Obviously, I couldn’t wait until daylight to get better pictures but y’all know how it is … this is pure excitement for me! I didn’t get to paint her, but the butterflies will do for now. Kinda symbolic of the metamorphosis from fibre to yarn to perfect project.
I’ve practiced treadling, drafting and feeding the fiber so far. Sometimes it works out but I still have serious tension issues; experienced spinners would be able to tell that from the squiggles in the last picture. But I’m gamed. Eventually, I’ll work all that out. Any tips, tricks and/or resources sent my way will be greatly appreciated.
Despite all that, I’m sooooooooo excited! Can you tell? It’ll be interesting to see what my spinning in the next 6 months looks like.
D'NALI 
I just found you and followed you on Instagram – I was looking for other Kiwi owners. From there I found your blog and I had to take a moment to tell you it’s really lovely. I’m LLOINMD (my initials plus in live in md).
Always lovely to meet new people Linda. Can’t wait to share in fibery and Kiwi shenanigans with you! 😀 Welcome!!!
P.S. Followed you also on IG
She is so beautiful!!! Congratulations
Thank you so much Amina. 😀
I also ordered mine and I am so excited! Is yours a traveller double thread/ double drive? That’s what I ordered.
She’s a Kiwi 2 double treadle. Now she has a cousin! Can’t wait to see what you do with your baby! Enjoy! 😀
I love what you did with your spinning wheel! I can’t wait to see that yarn that you weave. WIll you be dyeing also? With your color sense, I bet you could create some lovely dyed fiber.
Ashford makes great quality products. I used their heddle for my 32″ Kromski Harp. Spinning wheel is on my ‘to do’ list. Initially it was going to be the next new craft I tried, but I got distracted by loom weaving. After I purchase a floor loom, the next purchase will be a spinning wheel! The Amish set up a market not to far from my house so I’ll be checking out their wheels to see if there’s one that speaks to me.
Thanks Opal for the wheel and colouring compliments. I do believe that I’ll be doing more dyeing this year. I bought the Fiber and Fleece Source book last week so I can gain more knowledge on which fiber does what. Combined with the 2 natural dyeing books I got during the holidays, I definitely see some fiber dyeing in my future.
I can’t wait to see what you get when you do get a wheel. If I’d lived closer to the Amish market, that would have definitely been my first stop. 😀
Ha! Ha! WHERE ARE THE PICTURES OF THE NEW SPINNING PROJECTS???????????
Thanks for your sweet words. It hasn’t exactly been an extremely fun day for me, but having great knitting friends does make it much better. 🙂
Girl, no project to shout from the roof-top yet since I’m just learning and am self taught. As soon as I get there, you’ll get tired of the number of pics and projects. LOLOL!
I’m sure that situation could not have been fun especially since you’re the person that started the whole “coldsheeping” movement. And even if you weren’t, being disrespected is never a good experience. (((hugs)))
Hello Olga! I think the 2 of you are going to have a long and happy friendship 🙂
Looking forward to seeing the goodies that you create together xxx
Thanks Sam. 😀 I feel the same way; I’ve been going through everything spinning related that I can put my hands on. I really, really want to do some good work with Olga.
Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have you been staying up nights to play with her?
And getting up early in the morning. I think I’m getting some kind of spinning sickness. 😀
WHAT?! that’s awesome!
also… i couldn’t find your email addy on your blog, so email me your contact info (akemi[dot]collier[at]gmail…). i get into NY tomorrow night. let’s figure out a time to meet up!
LOLOL! She is awesome and the most perfect “baby” in every way!
Can’t wait to see you.
I haven’t put anything together in a while, but that looked like it took a lot of work. She’s looking nice. Like the butterfly accents on the wheel. Are you still gonna paint her or leave the original finish?
Hey Olga, do me a favor: around September, remind mama she gotta think about stocking up on wool so you can do some work. Flap your steps & spin your wheel spontaneously every so often, ok? Thanks
Honestly, she took about an hour to put up (excluding the time I spent looking for the last barrel nut). I’m debating now if I should paint her. Disassembling her for that seems like such a hassle. Not sure what I’m going to do yet.
You know what … I need to keep you away from her. None of that talk! LOLOL!
She looks fine as is with the original finish. Of course you’re gonna buy lots of wool, that’s the whole point of adopting Olga, right?
If you’re not keen on Rhinebeck this year, how about Stitches East. It’s at the beginning of October in CT. This time I got the weekend reserved so I won’t have any shenanigans trying to switch schedules.
You know what … you’re on! I don’t have to worry about weekends. Let me go check it out. I’m supposing we’ll take the early morning train again right? You … you … woman!!!!
Lots of us have tension problems! 😉
LOLOL! Truer words have never been spoken. Literally and figuratively. I’m hoping to work mine out though. 😀
Olga is beautiful! Have fun with her! 🙂
Thanks Kate! I intend too.
My boss wants us (everyone in our Admin group) to hang out on Thursday afternoon. I was already scheduled to leave early for my post dental surgery checkup and was really looking forward to getting home early. All I was thinking while she was talking is “dang … this lady is cutting into my spinning time!” 😀
Lovely! The butterflies are a perfect touch. Can’t wait to see your handspun beauties!
Cause you know I already got perfect fibre from October House. 😉
Olga is beautiful and I can see why you are so excited to have her in your life.
It will be fun to watch as you create wonderful yarn for her.
I can’t wait. I really need to plan some projects. Right now I’m all over the place (except with my blanket) cause I want to knit, crochet, cross-stitch, sew, make ALL THE THINGZ!!! Having Olga isn’t helping that at all. 😀
Ah I can well understand your excitement. Love the butterfly stickers and hope to seem some yarn soon. 🙂
Butterflies are some of my faves. I love what they represent.
yep … you’ll be seeing some yarn soon enough. Although I read it takes on average 2 lbs of fibre for people to really feel comfortable. I’m hoping to be in a different percentile. 😀
Wheeee! She is absolutely gorgeous! I cannot wait to see all the lovely yarn you make with Olga, what a beauty!!!
Thanks so much Preeti! I’m already trying to see if I can get some happy time in before I go to work a couple mornings per week. 😀 I’m really excited about turning fluff to yarn to a project.