For spinning teachers, and a loom rant...

Well, ok - they are both rants.


Dear Spinning Teacher:

When I walk into a spinning workshop with a Babe spinning wheel, please wait until we've done some spinning or ask me about it - and try very hard not to be dismissive - before you dis my wheel. You don't know me or how long I've been spinning or what I've spun on which wheel. Dissing my wheel when I first walk in makes for an unhappy workshop attendee. And you basically told me that you weren't going to help me, because I have a Babe and one time someone else had a Babe and they had an awful time in your workshop. Huh?

And since you didn't ask -

YES, I can spin fine yarn on my Babe Production wheel.

NO, my Babe doesn't wobble hither and yon nor threaten to fall apart - my Babe is a sturdy, versatile spinning wheel.

No, a Babe Production wheel is not the optimum wheel for fine/super-fine spinning, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Address difficulties with spinning this stuff using Irish tension (Babe is only one manufacturer) along with Scotch tension spinning difficulties - adjustments have to made for both types of wheels.

I've done 99% of my spinning over the years on my Production wheel, and it has always done what I've asked of it, thankyouverymuch. I noticed that the expensive wheels didn't make spinning this stuff easier for everyone; several people with more-expensive wheels had much more trouble than I did. And I ended up with yarn comparable to the other students' when the workshop was over.

Pretty is as pretty does.

If I had thought of it (and wasn't so darned stubborn), I would've asked for my money back right then and there and LEFT - because you set a negative tone for me right off. And I won't be taking a workshop from you again because of this, even though you otherwise seemed to be quite nice. And I have difficulty keeping my mouth shut when I spend good money only to be dissed before even starting.

And you know what? I also like and use plastic knitting machines (gasp!) on occasion, and even acrylic yarn. The HORROR!

Cutting down other people's choices, just because you don't like them, isn't a good business model.



And now for your sort-of Urban-Legendy Loom Rant:

Those who keep saying Kromski Harps' ratchets & pawls don't hold - I've never had a problem with mine except for when I didn't make sure they were secure first (which I also do on the Flip - so it's not a Harp problem). Some of the early Harps did have that problem, which the Kromskis fixed as soon as they were made aware of the problem (and if you are still having a problem, contact the Kromskis - they will be glad to help you!). I keep seeing this repeated and repeated, but it's been a few years since the Kromskis fixed this problem. So those who are trying to decide between a Harp and a Flip - this should NOT be a deciding factor.

/loom rant


And now, back to your regularly-scheduled broadcast. I should have a new 'normal' post for you this weekend! :-D