New Toys

I have a few new toys to play with.

The first, is a new stuff sack from Tom Bihn.  They already make a smaller version that you get with the Swift or can buy separately.  This one is still a prototype, so I'm giving it a good testing.

Not even half full with a scarf made of 300 yds and an extra ball of yarn.

Inside view.  That red thing on the right is a yarn guide.  It snaps open and shut so you can take the project out without having to cut the yarn.

The bottom is about 6 inches in diameter.

A comparison with a monkey bag for size.  The monkey bag was stuffed full with the scarf.

Next, just as small and portable... my new wheel!

Kitty added for scale.  Yes, the wheel really is in that box.

Not only was it in the box, but it didn't even take up the whole thing!  

All the pieces. 

And all together!  Norm made a few modifications since Rhinebeck.  The treadles now slide onto the guides in the base, so they don't come off while you're spinning.  He also added a screw to hold the treadles to the wheel instead of using the pin and cap that he had on the previous model.  The 12:1 ratio really does spin fast.  Like all new toys, she and I need a bit of time to get used to eachother.