While I’ve been spending my quality time getting to know my new wheel (and naming it – but more on that later), I’ve had the kate from the Reeves and the Van Eaton sitting near each other. ¬†Makes sense, the wheels are next each other. ¬†They looked awfully similar in size on the kates but I really wanted to see how they compared. ¬†I figured you’d all want to as well. ¬†Humor me. ¬†And then I wanted to compare these bobbins against a few others for some reference. ¬†
All of these are with the larger end up in the cases where the two ends are not the same diameter:
larger bobbin ends
From left to right:
 
- Ashford
- Lendrum
- Schacht
- Reeves
- Van Eaton (bubinga too 😉
Side View:<
Same bobbins
This is the same order. ¬†As you can see that while the Reeves and the VE are the same width around, the VE is a smidge longer. ¬†Of course there are two other wheels in the house who’s bobbins are not included (Tina and Vermonter) but I’m too lazy to get downstairs to fetch a bobbin. ¬†IIRC, Tina’s bobbins are awfully close to Lendrum size. ¬†And yes, I realize I don’t have the Lendrum anymore, I did manage to find two stray bobbins the other day. ¬†Oh well. ¬†The wheel shipped off with ¬†7! ¬†I didn’t realize I had so many of the damn things.
Another thing to note, the only wheel I use with any regularity (other than the electric Womack) that has a Woolee Winder is the Schacht. ¬† The Tina has a WW but I don’t think I’ve used it in the last year. The rest are standard bobbins. ¬†I know there’s a WW available for the Reeves, but the regular flyer is so gorgeous that I couldn’t replace it with the wonderfully functional but less than attractive WW. ¬†And really, I ply on the Womack so stopping every now and again to change pretty hooks isn’t that bad.
As for capacity?  The VE bobbin easily holds four ounces!
 
Mea Culpa
Yup. ¬†Finished the first four ounces of the Mea Culpa roving! ¬†No wonder they call it a production wheel! ¬†I did this bobbin of 40wpi singles in a little over three hours. ¬†Dude. ¬†That’s production, even by my standards. ¬†Did I mention that the VE is QUIET? ¬†No need to adjust TV volume. ¬†The only noise is a slight whir from the bobbin. ¬†Its amazing. ¬†
While I was bonding with him, definitely a him, last night, he spoke his name to me: ¬†Fabio. ¬†He’s dark, exotic and sexy! ¬† And rich too 😉 I’ll be spending quite a few nights with Fabio, including this one!
Before I return to my dear Fabio, I finished the second nephew hat.  This is the same pattern, same yarn but the Stormy Skies colorway.  I finished it on the train this evening.
 
Nephew Hat
Tomorrow is the office children holiday party.  Wish me luck as I schlep the monkeys into NYC and back in the snow.  Sigh.
Craft on!
