Well Kathy, I finally went along to the guild meeting with my new to me Ashord traveller and some lovely ladies helped me to set it up and stop it slipping across the floor but as of now I am a complete failure. I was absolutely useless. But I will keep trying and let you know how I get along.
I did watch someone peg weaving a complete fleece into a rug and was tottaly awe struck.
Kathy
No no, you're not a failure, getting the co-ordination of feet and hands is so difficult to start with and then there's the "drafting" of the fibre to contend with too. Once you get onto the swing of it you'll enjoy it. I've only used a drop spindle but Mr Kathy says it's useful to practise a bit of drafting without the wheel, get the feel of it in your hands if you know what I mean.
Also, don't be put off by seeing the expertise of the other guild members, remember, they've probably been at it for a long time.
mogs
try driving the wheel without spinning the wool to start with........also you might find it easier to use both feet on the treadle........just practice and practice, then all of a sudden you will get it......honest.
i use a haldane wheel, bought at auction, and i also use and make drop spindles as well as peg looms ( for rag rugs, excellent for recycling old towels, sheets, wool, fleece etc )
TheGirlsMum
Promise to keep trying, the problem I have is Im convinced the wool is going to snap, and then it does. I was told my main problem is I am not putting enough twist in the wool.
I too have a peg loom but Im also very much a novice at this too.
mogs
sounds like you are not putting enough twist into it, and poss holding it too tight....just let the wheel take the wool from the rolag, gently tease it away from the rolag and let the wheel do the rest......
Bovey Belle
Also make sure you are doing a long draw, with your hands probably a foot or so away from the wheel, and not just shuffling your hands close up to the flyer. I did a course last Autumn, and it took me ages to get the long draw part but it came eventually. Practice makes perfect as they say. When you have sufficient twist on the wool it is actually very difficult to break it! Persevere - it's worth it : )
