Anita's Electric Spinner

Anita's Electric Spinner
Pros and Cons of an Electric Spinner by Anita McWilliams I bought my electric spinner in 2002 when it became apparent that treadling was causing a “misery” in my right hip. I ordered an Ashford from Treenway Silks on Saltspring Island. It wasn’t cheap but it has proved to be a good investment, and thoroughly dependable. The electric spinner does not resemble a conventional wheel, except in one crucial way, the Mother of All (flyer and spools) is identical. Otherwise, it is a compact unit, approximately 11’ x 15” x 12” high. The front or business end has an unobtrusive panel with an on/off switch, a forward/reverse switch, and a knob to control speed of spin. At the back end, a fuse receptacle and an extension cord furnish the necessary power. Two discreet knobs provide for tension control and a hook for draw-through. Tension is controled by single nylon filament which passes under a hook over the spool and back to the hook. Very simple. The unit is sold with a Lazy Kate and three spools. Since one’s feet have no part in the operation of an electric spinner, there is some loss of the satisfaction that is derived from co-ordination of eye, hand, and foot, but this is soon adjusted to. My Ashford sits on a small cupboard with casters, so it can be moved around somewhat. The cupboard measures 18” x 22 1/2” x 19” high. This is a convenient height for me to sit on a kitchen chair, and provides enough space on top for spools, carder, comb, etc... The cupboard could be used for storage of wool, etc., if it were not already filled with leftovers from earlier hobbies! There are other electric spinners on the market. The following are pics of other examples of Electric Spinners. (1)Babe’s Electric Spinner, (2)The Butterfly Electric Spinner, (3) The Fricke Electric Spinner, (4) The Rio Grande Electric Spinner, (5) The Roberta Electric Spinner.