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

[--Deb]

SO beautiful!! I just love those wheels but haven't dared to touch one.

Oh, and the green you see? Um, it's just my shirt. Really!

[Lucia]

You certainly are. I have come to terms with the fact that a Golding is not for me, and yet my green-eyed monster rears her head. Go to sleep, GEM.

[moiraeknittoo]

Right now I hear Fred Astaire in my head crooning, "Heaven! I'm in heaven!...." ::serious sigh of envy and oooooo::

[Carrie]

Oh.
My.
God.
That is art. It took my breath away.

[June]

Ah ha hah ha! I was wondering when you'd get around to posting about this one. I chatted with TG for a while when I was last at MDSW - great guy. Glad to hear he is so responsive (and so responsible) - only reinforces my good impression of the man. You deserve it 100%, ENJOY!!!

[Suzanne]

Very pretty wheel. I love the simpleness (for a Golding) of it.

[elisa]

Oh my good lord - I am so happy for you. Like I said to you before - I am glad that SOMEONE I know has a Golding, and it couldn't be a better someone than you.

Please give your wheel a little hug from me. :)

[Paula]

Beautiful and functional. What's not to love. Congratulations!

[Manise]

'Tis a beauty AND a dream to spin on! "Me 'gia" as they say in Greek!

[Danielle]

Form + Function = Love

Lucky lady.

[Kim]

Oh Laurie, it is stunning! You are a lucky girl, but a nicer lucky girl there couldn't be! I am so happy for you!!!

Hmm.....I am contemplating a trip up to Vermont this spring :)

[Cathy]

Lovely - and I could live with that in my living room!

[Rachel H]

Dear God that's beautiful.

[Marcy]

Woh

[Marcy]

Woh.

[Marcy]

WOH

[Kris]

Lovely. He is truely a master craftsman!

[Lynn]

You know, if I were you, I would never leave that wheel unattended anywhere. Most of us are just a little obsessive-possessive, if you know what I mean.

[Theresa]

absolutely beautiful! How wonderful that you will be able to craft your yarn on something else that is beautifully crafted! And what a treat to get to see his workshop -- like visiting Santa at the north pole!

[Theresa]

absolutely beautiful! How wonderful that you will be able to craft your yarn on something else that is beautifully crafted! And what a treat to get to see his workshop -- like visiting Santa at the north pole!

[vanessa]

i am so happy for you!!!

[Teyani]

What a beauty. Lucky girl.

[Spinneret]

Myrtle? Cherry? Glorious sheen to the grain. Woof.

[Anne]

I am obscenely jealous. I tried some of his wheels and if money were no object, I would have a cartload of them. They are really like upgrading to a Ferrari I think, after you've owned a Chevette.

Enjoy!!!

[Madame Purl]

Good G*d I'm jealous!!! That's one beautiful wheel. May you enjoy many happy hours of spinning on it. I hope we see it often on your blog so we can drool on our keyboards. (lol)