I had to. I couldn’t help it. I cannot focus on the paper I am writing because I am so distracted by the idea of a spinning wheel. It is all I can think about. What kind? How much can I spend? Where will I put it?
I know this isn’t supposed to be an impulse purchase, but I think I’ve just made a great choice: The Lendrum DT Complete. I’ve been reading and re-reading reviews, comments, shop descriptions, and this is the best fit for me for the price.
For others agonizing, here’s why I picked the Lendrum:
(1) Small, but heavy enough that reviewers say it doesn’t “feel” like a travel wheel.
(2) Can travel. Because I’ll likely need support, and that means going to the local guild.
(3) Can be tucked away into its bag — my apartment is teeny.
(4) intuitive. The videos at Paradise Fibers’ website show how simple it is to put together and use. I like the way the kate is designed, I like how the bobbins come off the flyer, I even like the little storage place for the orifice hook.
(5) it is maple.
(6) it comes finished, so i can spin immediately, don’t need to go find the right stain or oil, and don’t have to agonize over whether the money to get a finished vs. unfinished wheel is worth it.
(7) scotch tension. good for beginners, and it makes sense to me. which matters.
(8) the Complete models come with: a tensioned kate, 4 bobbins, a bulky flyer and head, and a high speed flyer. when i realized this, and did some quick calculations in the realm of what these elements would cost were i to get a different wheel, i got out the credit card.
(9) it is SO pretty.
(10) it will be here AFTER i finish this paper, which means i should be able to focus now. eeeeee!
time to write, i hope.
ETA: Of course, the second I finished posting this, I got a call saying that Lendrum DT Complete are backordered. So…I called every shop I could find online and found a Lendrum DT without the plying head or fast flyer – last one in stock. It ships tomorrow. (!!!!)
barefoot rooster 
I love my Lendrum DT! I’m fairly new to spinning and it has been good to me!
OMG. OMG. I somehow contributed to this distraction didn’t I. OMG. Get backtoworkrightnow young lady!
I wouldn’t stress about not getting the complete- I never did and I’ve been happy without the bulky head. Although I did pony up the 30 bucks for a fast flyer almost right away- oh, and extra bobbins. Lots and lots of bobbins.
Oooh, that is * so * much more exciting than a paper! Yay! Here’s wishing you a stress-free summer of spinning!
My Lendrum DT has been my workhorse for over two years with no major issues. Only a minor re-glue of my plying head, and I spin sometimes three yarns a day for weeks at a time, certainly hundreds per year. It is super-awesome and you will never regret this purchase. Yay! Congrats!
I own a Lendrum DT and love it. I, too, was a beginner spinner when I ordered it and had never even touched a wheel before it arrived at my house. I did lots of web research and price comparisons, same as you. I have had mine for four years now and there have been no problems.
Thank you for the blog, I enjoy your foodie/fiber inspiration and your very cute dog. Good luck with the wheel!
-Aimee (no blog)
Woo hoo! Congratulations! Though I know nothing about spinning or wheels, yours definitely sounds like a winner. And P.S. I loved the photos in your last post. Always such great colors here at Barefoot Rooster!
Hooray!!! Plus, the way the Lendrums sit allows you to watch your yarn go on the bobbin, which is always fun! Congrats!
woot woot! now get the paper done ;)
Woo-hoo!!! Congratulations, that is so exciting!! I remember how over the moon I was. Some of the most productive & talented spinners I know use this wheel, I’m sure you will love it. An appropriate end of semester reward!! ;)
omg, I missed this post because I was so engrossed in my own paper-writing, but how exciting!!