coming full circle
Although it took several months to get everything in order, I am so excited about the newest item in my collection of goodies. I guess you could even say it dates back to the very first day I learned to spin.
So before I reveal the new product, here is a bit of the story. It all begins in August of 2005. I was at Pennsic War and I was looking for something to do, so I decided to take a class on using a Turkish drop spindle. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Things were going well. I wasn’t feeling frustrated or defeated. When the class ended, the instructor told us we could buy the spindle for $20 if we wanted to. I looked into my pouch and all the money I had was $20. I knew if I didn’t buy it then, I would shop around and likely not buy anything, so I took out my only bill and handed it over. How could I know that was the beginning of something amazing?
Shetland fiber with spindle from January 2007.
Let’s fast forward to spring of 2012. I had gotten the message that my favorite spindle was pretty popular. Every time I would demo it at a show, passers-by would ask where I got it. If only I had them for sale! So, I decided to write to the man who made my spindle, even though I’d heard he didn’t do wholesale. I told him the story of how I learned to spin from him, thinking that might help. But months went by and fall arrived. Rich and I decided to buy a lathe with the idea that we would make spindles ourselves. I tested it out, but I could tell it was going to be a long road.
Spindle-spun yarns from March 2011.
And then I got an email. It said YES. Yes, you can sell my spindles! I told Rich right away and he said I should order some, but I fiddle-faddled around. Knowing I’d be getting into busy season soon, I didn’t want to wait any longer. Just before Christmas I sent in my order.
That brings us to now. Yesterday I received a box containing some beautiful handcrafted tools from Valkyrie Supply. I picked out two different styles of wool combs and 10 assorted spindles.
The spindles come in three different colors/woods: black walnut, cherry, and maple. Now when I stand outside my booth spinning on my favorite and first spindle, I can be more confident then ever. If someone asks where I got it or if I have them for sale, I can exclaim, “Yes! Right here. Which color do you like? Would you like to try it out?”
This is a story seven years in the making. I began on one of these spindles. And now I have the pleasure of offering them to you so you can make your own story.
That’s great and they look wonderful. And nice yarn too.
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