Hello!

NanaDiane wrote

on Feb 10, 2009 4:00 PM

I've been spinning for a few years on a Schacht Matchless double treadle, and I love it.  I was in my yarn shop last fall, and the owner was spinning cotton on a "funny-looking" gadget, and I just had to have one!  I didn't even know it was a charkha at the time.  My sweet husband bought one for me for Christmas, and it's a real challenge!   Are there any charkha spinners out there?

Diane in Austin

askthebellwether wrote

on Feb 11, 2009 8:57 AM

We're here :-)  I've been getting one built like the one in the Khadi video on YouTube ... it's here, and really cool! My favorite charka is my Bosworth, I admit so far it's been skeins big enough for washcloths, but with my weaving getting beyond the beginner stage, I'm ready to tackle a spinning-to-weave cotton project ... all I need is a few 36 hour days, grin!

SpinningCoach wrote

on Feb 11, 2009 2:12 PM

Thanks, Amelia, for the link to the Khadi video.  Same effect as listening to Celia Quinn share Bette Hochberg's spindle collection.  You want to do it too.  Not just for the pleasure of spinning, but for the connection to our own history and to other cultures.

NanaDiane wrote

on Feb 11, 2009 3:29 PM

Yes, Amelia, thanks so much for the video.  I hadn't seen it, and it's truly incredible.  My charkha is the Indian book type.  I decided to start on that since the Bosworth is more expensive, and I wasn't sure if I would like it.  Now I wish I had sprung for the Bosworth because I really like spinning on it.  Oh, well---another day!  Who is making the one for you like they use in the video?

I'm going to try to weave a scarf with my spun cotton.  I got some soy silk for the warp and I'll use my cotton for the weft.  This is my first project, so I'll let you all know how it turns out.

Diane