Mandi Knits   » Knitting, spinning, crafts, and being a geek.

I spin using an Ashford Kiwi.  I’m very much a beginner with my wheel, but as I learn helpful tips, I plan to post them here for others’ benefit.  A lot of helpful tips you find here come from the Ashford Spinners group on Ravelry.  (If you’re a Ravelry member, be sure to join!)

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   Where can I purchase an Ashford spinning wheel?

   There are lots of options for places to purchase your wheel. The first thing most people will tell you is that you really should, if at all possible, try out a wheel before you buy. In that case, you'll want to try and find a local retailer so you can test out the wheel. You can search for a local retailer of Ashford products using the form on this website. Another option is to attend a fiber festival where vendors who sell spinning wheels will be exhibiting. An extensive list of knitting events, including fiber festivals, can be found here. A final option is to order online. This is what I did. I purchased my wheel from The Woolery, which I can highly recommend. Their shipping was free, remarkably fast, and they even included free extras with the purchase of a wheel! (Can't get much better than that...!)

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   How do I assemble my new Ashford Kiwi?

   I'm not especially handy but I had no major problems with the Kiwi. The wheel should include a folder with detailed directions on how to assemble the wheel. If, for some reason, yours did not include directions, you can download them in PDF format from the Ashford website.

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   I purchased my wheel unfinished. Could/should I finish it?

   That's entirely up to you! Everyone is different and prefers a different look for their wheel. Keep in mind that the Kiwi's wheel itself is MDF but the other parts are wood, therefore the wheel will absorb finishes a little differently than the other parts. I've seen Kiwis that were stained and varnished, ones that were hand-painted in all sorts of designs, and ones that were left as-is. All of them were lovely. I chose to finish my wheel in a rich red-color. I used Minwax Polyshades, which is a stain and polyurethane finish in one. Keep in mind this is not a water-based stain, so you'll need mineral spirits for cleanup and you'll want to work with good venthilation and take other appropriate precautions. I did about 3 coats of finish on the wheel. Be sure to let it dry adequately between coats (overnight is good). I'm extremely pleased with the results!

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   I'm having difficulty getting the brake band adjusted properly...?

   Me too! I struggled with this quite a lot. I asked in the Ashford Spinners group on Ravelry and the advice I was given was to remove one of the two springs from the brake band. Some people recommended the one on the left side, others recommended the one on the right side. I tried removing the spring on the left side and it has made a world of difference. Also: brake bands can be replaced with kitchen string or pony bead lacing if needed.

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   I just bought my Kiwi and need to assemble it. I decided to stain it, with Minwax Polyshades, but now don't know if it's best to assemble it BEFORE I stain it, or after. Any suggestions? Thanks! Carolyn

   I stained mine in pieces before it was assembled and I think that was definitely easier. There's a lot of "nooks and crannies" that would be difficult to get to once the wheel is assembled. You'll want to do at least 2 coats of the Polyshades, or more if you want richer color. Make sure you let it dry completely between coats and before you assemble it. It's a long process, especially when you're anxious to start spinning, but it's well worth it! Good luck and I'd love to see photos when you're done!

Do you have a question?

I am very much a beginner at spinning and the Kiwi is my first wheel.  However, I’m more than willing to share any wisdom I’ve learned as I’m learning to spin.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask!