Which Spinning Wheel?

[Thebearswhostayedindoors]

I'd like to take up spinning (and most likely weaving at a slightly later date).

I can't spend a large amount on a spinning wheel. I'd like it to be fairly portable too. I like the look of the kiwi wheel (slightly more traditional looking than the louet) but difficult to find second hand at a reasonable price.

Anyone use a spinning wheel? What would you recommend?

I’ve got an Ashford kiwi and tagging @fairislefandango who has an Ashford traditional.

There’s a Facebook buying and selling group that might be useful for you - Spinners in the UK marketplace. A range of wheels pop up on that fairly often.

The kiwi 3 was the cheapest folding wheel I could find, I wanted it to fold for storage but I take it to spinning guild meetings and it’s fairly portable.

I’d started on drop spindles before I moved to a wheel so they’re a cheaper option to get a feel for drafting if they’d appeal to you.

It's worth seeing if there's a local guild of spinners, weavers and dyers so you c

Butterfingers! So, you can try different wheels.

Lots of people start on an Ashford traditional but they can be a bit fiddly. I'd avoid any old handmade wheels. I love the Lendrum but also my Ashford e-spinner.