First thoughts on my new Majacraft Aura

Just taken delivery of my first ever brand new spinning wheel, the beautiful hand crafted Majacraft Aura supplied by Ruth at thewheelewe.co.uk

My previous wheel was a very old single treadle Scotch tension Ashford Traditional.

First big difference for me is the ease of treadling, so little effort is required and there is no noticeable difference as the bobbins fill.

The bigger bobbins are a real joy especially when it comes to plying.

Despite looking so solid the wheel is not heavy and folds and has a built in handle so is easy to transport around the house. Having a much smaller footprint this wheel is happily sitting in any room ready for a spare few minutes to have a spin.

The drive system is different but I haven’t found it too complicated. Once you understand one drive is giving you the amount of twist and the other controlling the take up you are away. I have found I need to spend a little more time getting the setting as I want for a particular type of yarn but then never have to adjust anyhting again which seems to be giving me much more even results.

The challenge is now to get out of my comfort zone of spinning fine / dk weight yarns and attempt something more towards the art yarn style. After years of trying to spin fine and even yarn, bulky and slubby is quite a challenge. This was my first attempt on my new majacraft aura wheel pure corriedale plied. I’m quite pleased with this first attempt and the low twist has certainly resulted in a lovely soft squishy yarn.