G is for Golding

At Rhinebeck 2006, I missed my dream NH Norwegian wheel by fifteen minutes.  I got to the wheelwright's booth at 9:15am.  I thought I was 45 minutes early, but it was not so. 

Instead, I tried the NH Saxony.  It was there, and it was for sale.  I couldn't spin on it to save a Viking's life.  I left, knowing clearly that it was not the wheel for me, tail firmly between legs, to meet Lorrie at Barn A. 

I was weak.  Vulnerable.  She told me I had to try this wheel. 

I knew I shouldn't.  But I did. 

It was a lush, smooth, flawless spinning experience.  But it was too ornate.  Too expensive.  No and no and no.

Yes??

Lorrie and I made a field trip to Tom Golding's studio just after Christmas, 2006.  He was willing to work on a simpler design with me.

The center motif had to be modifiable to accommodate the footman attachment.  Several Celtic designs were rejected as either edgy, ornate, or difficult to modify without ruining the design.

Working with Tom Golding was wonderful.  He was cooperative, responsive, knowledgeable.  He made it very clear that he wasn't done until I was happy with the design and with the wheel.  He sent pictures at several steps along the finishing way.  We emailed and talked.

His workshop looks like a set from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Every machine and tool is spotless.  (There were no Oompa Loompas the day I was there.)  His ventilation and dust evacuation system would pass any surprise OSHA inspection. 

His wheel construction is equally meticulous.  When he finishes each drive wheel, before he attaches the footman, he sets it to spinning, and times how long before the wheel stops.  He records the time in a notebook.  (The longest time was 19 minutes, shortest was 3 minutes.  Mine was 16.  I have no idea what this signifies other than less or more friction, and weight of the wheel.)  When the wheel meets his technical and aesthetic criteria, he gives it to his tester.  Diane, his wife, test-spins each wheel.  (She is equally gracious and warm.)  When Mr. E and I went up to Vermont in January to pick up the new wheel, she ran through the ratio changes with me, and answered all questions.

The wheel never needs oil.  Anywhere.  It spins just like you remember from trying it at the fiber festivals, only BETTER because now it is mine.  He signs each one.

I am a very lucky grrl.

Comments

[Kristine]

The exquisiteness of that wheel puts my poor, unfinished little Kiwi to shame. How gorgeous! How wonderful! How lovely!

[Caroline M]

I didn't know that anyone ever actually owned one, I just thought they were for dreaming about. It looks so good, I like the ring on the wheel that matches the ring on the spindle.

Some things are worth waiting for.

[Carole]

I've been wondering when you were going to get your Golding. It's gorgeous, Laurie! I think you should invite us all over again and let us, errr, help you, adjust to the wheel.

[Chris]

G is for Gorgeous great goodness, Grrl. I can't think of anyone more deserving. Now please excuse me while I mop up all this drool.

[Judy]

Wow! Whoa! Whew!
You are a lucky girl! Very good choices you made with the pattern.
Wonderful!

[margene]

I've been waiting to see this lovely G. It must be heaven. You are lucky and very deserving of such a fine work of art. Use it long and well.

[minnie]

truly divine

[Teresa C]

While the rest of us dream.....

[Wendy]

What a lovely lovely wheel. I've been lusting after one for the longest time, but since I haven't done any spinning in over a year, it would be kinda pointless.

[PumpkinMama]

You know - Cheryl mentioned you had one at our last spin night (we were speaking of fantasy wheels) and was trying to describe yours to me - its nice to see it for real. It is truly gorgeous? Do you ever let other spin on it?

[Cheryl]

I do love that wheel.

[Norma]

Wowsa, wowsa, wowsa!!!! Grand! Great! Good Heavens!

[Lynne]

ooooooo aaaawwwwwww I am pea green with wheel envy. That is one beautiful wheel.

[claudia]

That is very beautiful. The ornateness (sp?) of Golding wheels definitely has put me off looking at them with lust. Yours, however, I really like.

[Marcia Cooke]

About damn time, missy! I'm happy now, thank you. (Seriously, though, it is MAG-NIFFF-ICENT! You deserve it.)

[regina]

I wish you many, many years of joyful spinning on your beautiful new wheel.

[Beth S.]

*sigh of contentment*

[Angie]

Gorgeous! You gave me the warm and fuzzies talking about your new wheel. I knew they were beautiful wheels but had never read a review of how well they worked. Thanks!

[Kathy]

I am swooning just looking at that gorgeous baby!

[Jackie]

Wow.

It's beautiful.

(I have goosebumps.)

[Sylvia]

Lust.

[Risa]

Here's another G for you: Green. As in with envy!! Oh my. That's a Gorgeous wheel. Use it in Good health!

[Kellee]

Oh criminy. Just look how beautiful it is. That's a match made in heaven, for sure.

[maryse]

that is one pretty wheel.

[Cassie]

It sounds like now you have the perfect wheel. May you have many many happy hours (and years) together.

And yeah, I might be jealous. ;-)