A Special Birthday Spin

 

This year for my birthday, I gifted myself something I’ve always dreamed of—a traditional spinning wheel. While I already have several drop spindles and a few electronic spinners, there’s always been something magical about a treadle wheel that I couldn’t quite shake.

Years ago, my dad found a spinning wheel at a yard sale and lovingly tried to restore it for me. It was homemade, though, and many essential parts were missing—replacements weren’t exactly something you could just pick up at the store. As thoughtful and cool as it was, it never quite worked. Still, I always treasured the gesture.

So this year, in honor of my dad, I made the decision: if he were here, I know he’d have wanted to buy me the perfect wheel himself. I found a beautiful single-treadle traditional spinning wheel that fit the vision I’d held in my heart for years—and I bought it, imagining it was his gift to me. 

Spinning on it has been an absolute dream. Somehow, I got the tension and whorl setting just right on the first try (a bit of beginner's luck, perhaps?). I filled my first bobbin quickly and just last night, I started spinning the second batt—a blend I created almost two years ago. The yarn is turning out beautifully, and I’m thrilled with how it’s coming together for a first full spin.

It feels like the beginning of something special—and I know my dad would be smiling.