The Internet Bought me a Spinning Wheel.

So I had this idea.

I started a blog and this was my first post:

Long story:
In July, I learned to spin on a drop spindle. I was initially hesitant to even pick one up because I’d heard how addictive it could be…and like I needed another hobby. But the lure of the fiber was strong…soon, I was hooked.

I actually took to the drop spindle well and find it a very enjoyable way to spin. But I’m discovering that in the same way I’m a “process” knitter, I’m a “process” spinner too. I want to keep learning, and I’m really, really looking forward to the day when I can purchase a spinning wheel.

I’ll be honest…we’re not rich, not poor. But the prospects of a wheel purchase are very, very dim. When I casually slipped it into conversation (“you know…..I think that someday…..eventually…I am going to want to buy a wheel”) my husband actually laughed out loud. I know he’s right; there’s alist of $300+ projects as long as my arm that take precedence over a wheel. Plumbing, tires, yada yada. I’ve been surveying our belongings, considering what to sell on eBay…but there’s not a lot left that hasn’t been sold for the *Swingset* Fund. But that’s another story entirely.

But as I was on the edge of sleep the other night, I had an idea. There’s certainly no shortage of knitters on the Internet who like handspun yarn, right? And they’re really, really nice people. At least in my experience. Perhaps some of them would help me buy a wheel…and I could spin them some yarn in return for their kindness.

So, *deep breath* in the hope that this will not crash and burn, here’s what I’m proposing…I’ve put up a PayPal donation link to accept donations for my Wheel Fund. Any amount would be deeply appreciated! As a thank-you for every donation of $10, I’d like to send you a 50 gram hank of yarn, spun just for you. I’ll send a thank-you e-mail along with a few questions about what kind of yarns you enjoy most.

First things first: We are passionate believers in tithing at our house. I’m convinced that the world would be a drastically better place if we all gave more instead of hoarding stuff for ourselves. We practice this in our everyday lives, teach it to our kids, and I’ll practice it here too. At least 10% of all proceeds will be donated to Charkas for Africa, a most stellar cause!

Until I’m able to get a wheel, of course, I’ll be spindle-spinning the thank-you yarn. So, depending on the response I get, I can’t guarantee that you’ll have it next week. But I’ll be spinning my heart out until every donor has been thanked!

If you’ve made it this far, thanks so much for reading. If you’re able to give, that’s fabulous…even if you’re not, you can always pimp my cause on your blog…thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I was shocked (in a good way) and amazed and grateful that it only took about a week to raise the funds needed to order my spinning wheel. Knitters from all the heck over the place — some who I’d met in real life, some who are online friends, and some complete strangers — donated to my wheel fund and made the dream a reality.

It took several weeks to receive the wheel (a Fricke S-160 DT) and another few to feel confident enough to spin thank-you yarn on it. In the meantime, I was a spindle spinning machine, spinning in every spare moment of every day. When I wasn’t spinning, I was dyeing fiber. For weeks, the house reeked of vinegar (this was before I discovered citric acid) and there were little fluffballs everywhere. My fabulous neatnik husband never uttered a word of complaint.

My wheel arrived in late October, and I finished spinning thank-you yarn in mid-December. I’m still in awe…isn’t the Internet amazing? 😀

Click here to see photos of my thank-you yarn!