I love my Rose. I've had it two years. It's portable, and best of all, totally and easily adjustable: up and down, right and left.

When you're on a complete spinning jag, being able to totally adjust the wheel is so much kinder on the body.

One last thing: the makers are very responsive to questions. I have emailed them from time to time with a question and always got a prompt and pleasant answer.

One day, I'll get the little Gem too.

I'm a long time lurker, de-lurking, to say for the first time in my life I want to move to the west coast!

my schacht is the BEST thing i ever bought. i also think the kromski symphoney spins very nicely, if you prefer a saxony wheel.

I love my Lendrum, but the Kromskis are a dream to use, too. But I agree, you'll know your wheel when you try it!

Psst... I'll be in Portland for Flock & Fiber. Drop me an email when you have minute. sachis2112 AT yahoo dot com :-)

Hello. I thought I'd toss in my 2 cents. I'm an inexperienced spinner (only been at it 2 months) but I own the Kromski Minstrel. I looked at about 10 wheels before deciding on this one. The price was right but, most of all, it has options.

I can change from scotch tension to double-drive in seconds. This was a major selling point for me. Since I didn't know what I was doing when I bought it, I didn't know if I would prefer one or the other and I didn't want to be limited as to what type of fiber I could easily spin or what weight I would spin. I'm thankful to have both options. Also, it comes with two different sized whorls with two grooves each. The bobbins have a large whorl and a small whorls so there are lots of ratio options.

It's a double-treadle but I can use it as a single-treadle for when I'm doing long-draw. The bearings for the flyer are leather. This was another selling point. Any leather craftsman could replicate these for me if they ever wear out and they will be easy for me to change. That being said, they likely won't wear out for 30 years if I keep them well-oiled.

I'm moving in a couple weeks and, although I brought the wheel home pre-assembled, it came apart easily and painlessly. It will go back together just as easily. Another big selling point for me. And it's small. It's a castle style so it's completely upright and can be tucked in the corner for the night. It sits on the floorboard of my front passenger seat when I have the seat back all the way. It's perfect for me to travel to spin-ins. It's only 13 lbs so it's easy to carry. It also has a built-in two-bobbin lazy kate.

Sorry for writing a novel in your comments. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about my wheel. Good luck with the shopping! I would like to recommend that you call Stick & Stone Fiber Arts in Van Nuys. Go down and try all their wheels. Margarite is super sweet and helpful. There's a spin-in every Thursday evening and they'll teach you anything you want to know for free. You can watch everyone spin and get a feel for how their wheels function and you can play with any wheel they have in the shop. Or you can just pet the yak or camel top...

Glad you had fun at the Fiber Fest! I did as well!

eek, what a dork i am: i loooove the pic of me and claudin - i gotta get a copy from you. also, the one of me spinning isn't too bad either - thank goodness you didn't get some of the first few seconds when i was all nervous and fluttery. ;)

as always, *loved* seeing you ~ i can't wait to see what great stuff will come from your fabric buys, especially the cat print. ok, when do we hang out next?!

have a great time driving up the coast ;) and see ya soon ~ ~

Oh yep, listen to Morgaine, I bought both of my wheels from her and a TON of other things and she ROCKS. I have the Majacraft Little Gem 2 and the Schacht Matchless. I love them both. She also throws in a TON of fiber for you to spin, different kinds, so you get to try out everything and practice.

Hey, it's my friend Marnie! Please tell her Mary-Kay and Missy say Hi. We'll miss her here in So. Cal. (But I'm moving too!)

Great blog by the way, and you won't be sorry buying anything from Morgaine!

Man, I think I'm still recovering from ODing on the festival, but like a junky, I want more more more. I love the picture of you spinning and I hope a few more make it on the site once you buy your own wheel someday. Excuse me while I aide and abet your habit.

Hee. Glad you had a good time - I love Morgaine.

I say the Rose - I love my Suzie and I think the Majacraft wheels are incredibly flexible and well able to grow with you as a spinner.

P.S. I literally did well up with the photos of you spinning on a wheel and Marnie spindling, which I have never seen either. I've seen the incredible products of her spindling, but never an action shot.

Dude, I am an overemotional geek.

(Sniffle :-} )

Oh. ohohohohoh. You lucky, lucky woman. I've only heard tales of Morgaine...

You're getting a wheel. Can I just tell you that this makes me get all misty-eyed and goofy?

You're getting a wheel, you're getting a wheel, you're getting a wheel...

Okay, I'll shut up :-)

Had I have tried wheels instead of just bought, I wouldn't have bought a Louet S17. Go for something more upmarket. I'm eyeing an Ashford for a second wheel.

spinning looks like too much fun and i love the three women knitting together, so witchy!

Morgaine will be here for our Fiber Festival over Labor Day weekend. Can't wait! Don't give up on the spindle! I'm dying to try a Golding.

Glad you had such a great time at the Fiber Fest! Knowing naught of wheels, I say go with the one that you gravitate toward and feel comfortable working with. Helpful, right? ;)

*longing-ler-ly sigh* I want a heap of alpacas to name and spin and call my own!

It sounds like you had a grand time falling in love with wheels. You know though, once you get your wheel, you can always buy another... *evil spinster laugh*....

I'm so glad you had a good time. Blogged or not, I am still curious to see all of your goodies!

I think wheel selection is such a personal thing. I love my Lendrum, but there are so many good wheels out there. In the end, my decision came down to portability and growth potential. My Lendrum can easily go almost anywhere with me and the "deluxe" package comes with almost everything you need to keep you going for a while.

If you can find a Jensen wheel to try, I'd highly recommend giving it a spin. I just got to try one recently and now have a new candidate for my second wheel...

Oh, sounds like you all had a great time! The Rose was one of my early choices, but you know I'm partial to my Lendrum. One thing with the Rose, though, is customization of the center post. You can read about Schmeebot's here: http://www.schmeebot.com/nid/794.htm

I love my Rose! I chose it over the Lendrum for the more finished look. I have been thinking about another wheel, which would be the Schacht, so I will be watching with interest to see your impression of the Matchless. Keep us posted!

if you want to travel, get a Ashford Joy :) it can go on planes.

I bought my spinning wheel from Carolina Homespun at Stitches West. I loved the customer service and special attention from Morgaine. Glad you had a nice time!

Ah, Morgaine. Do what she tells you to. She is a fiber sensei extrodinaire. And wicked cool otherwise. (but I completely endorse the Matchless if you have the dough--you'll never outgrow it)