What a Babe . . .

Here is my surprise!

After much debate, research, and lost sleep, I have finally decided that I would purchase a Babe Production Spinning Wheel by Babe Fiber Garden, LLC. Devote spinners may not be sold on this decision, but there are several reasons.

1. Economical: Let's face it. I am a beginner at spinning and I didn't want to break the bank when purchasing an object that may not hold my interest after a few attempts at spinning yarn. The Babe Production costs under $200, including shipping. On Ebay, I was losing bids on many wonderful brands that were going for more than my budget allowed. If the trend on Ebay was much higher prices on used items, then I am better off buying a brand new item and paying what I wanted to pay and could afford to pay.

2. Style: I think this black color and style is sort of modern and funky. I am all for different. I suport the use of economical items. Case in point, my Niddy Noddy made from PVC piping. This wheel is definitely a conversation piece. The ingenuity of the inventor is to be praised and supported. I thought about Louet S17 Kit and even consulted over email with Erin at PumpkinKnits about the whole S17 set up. Her wheel looks bea-u-ti-ful. She did an amazing job. I just don't have the patience and dedication to sand, wipe, stain, let dry, then put it all together. Babe has minimal assembly.

3. Portability: It can be taken apart or put in a travelling case because it weighs no more than 8 lbs. Not that this will be taken everywhere, maybe not even anywhere, but the option is there.

4. Versatility: There are many attachments that can be put on it to make it more easy to spin (Woolly Winder) and to ply (plying attachment) the spun fibers. The inventor is constantly making more innovations that can be used on all the models at once. Can't beat that!

5. Generosity: These wheels are produced by a company that provides skills and jobs to the disabled. I fell in love with my husband because he helped with developmentally and/or physically disabled people. Any company that can use the assistance of "special" people gets my support and my advocacy.

I researched this long and hard and am sure that this decision will create beautiful yarn. If in the future I can afford to purchase a more expensive wheel, then I will; but for now, this one has my heart. Well, my hands and feet.

I purchased this wheel on Friday (it is supposed to be my Christmas gift). It came today, Tuesday, about 4 days after order. This is how the box looked.



This is the only time this box and wheel will be under the tree.



This is what it looked like once I opened the box. Not too much to assemble as you can see from the picture following.




After putting the kids to nap and reading the instructions on 1 sheet. I went to work and resulted in this



After spinning some of Grape. I got this uneven, but still primarily thin spun wool.


And now for the name. I christen thee, "Billie Jean". Okay, why? Several reasons: Billie Jean the song; Billie Jean the movie with Helen Slater and Christian Slater; and I love jeans, which is the blue color I plan to paint the treadles.

I shall post spinning progrss pictures once I finish Trellis. Yes, I know I made a committment.