Even though I said I shouldn't spend the money, I caved to the simplistic beauty of the Ashford Traditional wheel I found on Craigslist a week ago. Hubby was busy last weekend with his pastimes, so I wasn't sure of the best way to bring home a spinning wheel in my car. Also, I was concerned about the condition of the item itself (was it in good shape, any flaws, etc.) because I am not very technical-minded (I like to say I can't assemble anything more complicated than a plastic easter egg), and... what can I say, I'm a bit scared to drive off somewhere else like the Bay Area alone, carrying a large (to me) amount of cash, and meeting strangers.
Yes, I assure you I am a grownup.
So Rich and Diana, both in my SNB group (and friends even before that) went with me. Out of the blue, Diana volunteered her mini-van and driving skills when I mentioned this wheel to her at work one afternoon, and I smiled and batted my lashes at Rich and all but begged him to come with me because I wanted to make sure I wasn't buying a piece of crap. Rich has mad skillz with the metalworking and woodworking and machinery, so I trust his judgment. He brought along a set of his tools to check the components of the wheel to make sure they operated within satisfactory requirements, or whatever (basically a ruse to see if I needed to bargain down the price).
I have awesome friends. Did I mention this enough yet?
We headed to SF first, (and I learned that trying to tat with size 30 vintage thread does not go well when riding on bumpy I-580 - my thread snapped while closing a ring!) and Japantown, hitting up Kinokuniya for books (tho no Japanese tatting books, waaah) and trying not to giggle at the clerk in the gas mask (I realize she probably had a cold and was being considerate by preventing the spread of germs). I did quip "Are you my mummy?"
Wandered around more, and Diana and I were lured into a shop selling bags and jewelry. I wound up splurging on this bag, and Diana got this one. I intend to use mine for toting stitching projects and perhaps my purse. I really like the zippered pouch on the side.
Stopped for lunch and had yummies - I had ebi and miso soup, and it was a nice treat. On our way to pick up the wheel, Rich was nosy and dug through our purses. He grimaced at the "scary picture" which appeared when he opened Diana's compact mirror, and folded up the loose bills in my purse into a shirt, pants and elf boots (I will take pictures, I promise).
Got there and discovered a courtyard full of vintage furniture. They are helping a family friend clear items from their parents' estate. I swear, I wish I'd had a hidden camera to show you the expression on the husband's face when he saw Rich get out his little gauge-tool thingy and measure the wobble of the wheel, and poke around at other things before declaring it sound. (Diana and I were keeping the wife distracted by oohing and aahing over the furniture, and the kitties.) I came over and asked him about the status of the wheel (and he sounded very technical describing what he found); I did my vapid lash-batting thing and said "He's a machinist; I don't know anything about these things and he wants to make sure I'm careful with my money..."
The asking price had been $150, I offered $120 and they accepted. Hauled the wheel off to the van, and headed home, stopping at the Ghirardelli factory outlet for a chocolate fix. nom.
I haven't taken my own pictures of the wheel yet. MY wheel. (Mine - EEEEE!) It needs the leather bit attaching the treadle the... footman?, replaced, and a replacement scotch tension thingy. Also, I'm buying a maintenance kit. Rich and I have both googled around and both thing it's ca. 1975 (I thought maybe it was earlier but not sure). But for now, here are the pictures from the CL posting:
I love, love love the finish on it, and how simple it looks. Now comes the fun part... getting it working, and learning how to spin!
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