Oh my dear readers, I am so distraught.
For years (like maybe two) I have wanted a spinning wheel and I have spent countless hours online looking at all the beautiful options, reading about what I should look for in a wheel, learning to understand the different terms and how different things affect how yarn is spun. And years ago (maybe just one. Go with me here, I'm building drama.) I decided on the wheel I wanted. The Kromski Mazurka. It's just stunning. Really, it's beautiful to look at and it would be perfect for sitting in the corner of my little apartment or out on my "patio." I imagine it would make me appear well-learned and sophisticated, with a hint of maturity and an appreciation for well-crafted art. I love everything about it. I knew I wanted a Kromski wheel when I noticed that (most of) their wheels are named after different types of pieces that Chopin composed and with Chopin being my favorite composer of piano music, it was a perfect match.
I have put aside the thought of getting a spinning wheel because I know I won't have much time to use it while still in grad school and it's not really something that will easily fit into my budget, but in the back of my head I continue to yearn for one of my own. And today I began to think that it's not as far out of my reach as I had once thought. If I begin saving - putting aside money here and there for just a few months - I would soon be able to own my beautiful Mazurka and we would live happily ever after in a harmonious marriage of music and wool.
Imagine my shock, then, when I went online just now to check on my beautiful future wheel only to discover a note. A red note. In bold. A bold, red NOTE: and it wasn't good. In fact, it was the opposite of good. This soulless, dream-crushing note informed me that the Kromski Mazurka had been discontinued only four months ago. Just when I thought my wheel was within reach, it has been snatched away and I am beside myself with grief.
But perhaps one of you can help. Do any of you know of a source for Kromski wheels that may still have a Mazurka in stock? Or, though I doubt this, do any of you have an alternate wheel recommendation that I might fall in love with just as deeply and profoundly as I have with my beautiful Mazurka? I'd be happy to hear about it.
I know there are several things about the Mazurka that are a bit, well, lacking - it's single-drive and it only has four ratios (the fastest being 12:1) - but I love it all the same.
If you need me I shall be wallowing in a pool of self-pity and sadness.
(I promise an actual update in the next few days. My knitting continues to be unbloggable, but I have some amazing yarn I found at my LYS in Minnesota that I want to show you guys. I love it even at a time when my heart seems to have been drained of love. That's a lot.)
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Oh no! That's terrible! I'm sure you could find another wheel that you like just as much, but you know that people are always selling used wheels too, so maybe you can get one as a starter wheel, for less than you would have had to pay for it otherwise? Just a thought. (I'm sure you've already thought it yourself.)
ReplyDeleteSo... have you actually sat and spun on this little beauty? The feel of the wheel should play a larger role than its beauty, at least for your first, don't you think? Have you checked the used markets? Lots of fiber events have a used equipment sale, and a Mazurka could turn up at one of these. For my first wheel, I had tried a bunch of wheels, and thought I wanted one of the Louets, but when I finally went to buy it, I tried them all some more and decided I really wanted the ladybug (which I had discounted in part because I didn't like the red plastic wheel). I tried the same Louet again and really did NOT like it. Are there any shops near you that carry a bunch that you can try? Amy at Spunky Eclectic in Lisbon ME does, which is great, and she brings them around when she does the fiber fair circuit. She stays pretty local though. Must be somebody like that in the PA area? Hugs for your woes, pat on the back, and then a shake to get you out of your funk...
ReplyDeleteOh no! That is not good news. I didn't realize the Mazurka was discontinued -- great looking wheel (and I love Kromski's in general). You may have some luck at The Mannings (www.the-mannings.com) -- it's a huge spinning and weaving store and school east of Pittsburgh (about 3.5 hours). Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI echo the sentiment about trying it before buying it. Have you enquired at the Rav Kromski group? I really like the look of the Fantasia, but I love my Bug.
ReplyDeleteHow disappointing. But the New Voyager website says "the Kromski Mazurka has been retired as an active product, perhaps to return sometime in the future" so there seems to be hope for a return. :)
ReplyDeleteIf not, I hope you find a worthy substitute. Have you seen the Kromski Minstrel? It has a similar look but more features.
I know… it's hard to even consider something else once you've made up your mind on what you want. Good luck!
You might also try, lessee... Paradise Fibers or the Woolery, but I would really bet you could probably find yourself a used one at some point in the future via Ravelry too!
ReplyDeleteI have a Kromski Minstrel and LOVE it! (And you're right...it looks *fabulous* in the living room corner, or sitting out on the dock by the lake in the sunshine.) There are some quirks to the Kromskis, as with any wheel, but they're not enough to kill my love affair with my wheel! I didn't spin on a Minstrel before buying mine, just read reviews, and I'm completely happy. I probably wouldn't buy a second wheel without spinning on it now that I have some experience under my belt.
ReplyDeleteCheck the Rav boards - there's a used equipment board that the spinners in my knitting group swear by. I don't know the exact name of the group though, since I only log in about twice a year. The used wheels are every bit as good and much, cheaper.
To misquote a favorite leprechaun, "When I'm not neeear the wheeeel I loooove, I looove the wheel I'm near!"
ReplyDeleteI have hopes for your love life yet. After all, it was only an e-romance.
Kromski dealer here in my town...I'm checking for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting ready to buy a Lendrum folding...my 6th wheel...and will be selling my Jensen Tina II...
I agree with one of the above posters...beauty is great, but function is necessary.
Try here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ravelry.com/discuss/spinners-marketplace/1747927/1-25
I know you would prefer the Mahogany, but she might still have one of the natural.
Have you tried one? I have and honestly there's a reason why it was discontinued. That's all I'm gonna say about that :|
ReplyDeleteI agree with sit and spin before you buy. That may really makes a difference in your selection. That being said, go read your messages on ravely.
ReplyDeleteLinda (the one that isn't Johnny)
I agree with the others, sweetie. I think test driving a wheel is very important before buying one. Still, if you can't find one, let me know. I can call my Kromisky dealer and see what she has in stock.
ReplyDeletexo
Sorry to hear about your woes. I think you've been given good advice about trying a wheel (although I'm impatient about things like this. I want what I want when I want!). The Kromsky wheels are beautiful. The Sonata is the one I've been coveting.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Sorry to hear of the letdown after dreaming for so long. I bought a Schact Ladybug a few months ago. I like it, I went for it because it was a reasonable price and also compact. I was not fortunate enough to be somewhere where I could spin before I bought. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWell, boo. I believe the first wheel I played with was a Minstrel, and I was quite pleased. Someday, when I have time and can make space, I'd love a Polonaise.
ReplyDeleteHey Peter,
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that they don't have the one that you wanted, but I was looking online and as you know the Minstrel is very similar. If I had to choose one it would be a tie between the Minstrel and the Symphony.
Hi Yarn Dude. There is a mazurka that I believe is still for sale. Search for kromski mazurka on Facebook. I had talked to her but she did not want to ship. I just found one and bought it off eBay. I love it and it Has both dual drive or scotch tension. I also have a sonata and love it. I did try spinning on minstrel and it is very nice. Very effortless. I have read about dead spots on mazurka, but have not discovered any. Make sure you get the "newest " mazurka as the bobbins are different on the original. Good luck. Keep the faith. It took me quite awhile to find mine, but I am thrilled
ReplyDelete