Ashford excitement and the joy of new toys

Yesterday Bridget collected her brand new shiny Ashford Knitters Loom and 10dpi reed. Last weekend Lindy picked up her Ashford Lace Flyer and spare bobbins. Julia is over the moon with her Ashford Joy spinning wheel. 

One of the most rewarding parts of being in the shop is sharing the excitement of new tools with you. As much as big piles of squishy yarn gets us all excited, there's something extra special about finally deciding that yes, it's time. Time to order in that loom you've been thinking about for months. Time to treat yourself to a new craft, a new way of discovering meditation through making. 

As Bridget walked out the door with her arms wrapped around a big box with Ashford printed all over it, I was thinking about how she'll get to experience the fun that is opening that box. Of unwrapping each component, of learning all the details of the loom through the process of putting it together. I can't wait to see what Bridget makes first. I hope she doesn't mind my using her to paint a picture of what it's like to be a new owner. 

Not so long ago I put together the shop's Ashford Traveller. There's something really special and rewarding about rubbing each piece with wax polish, and figuring out how all the pieces connect and play a part in the process. 

I guess it must be like someone who loves cycling buying a brand new bicycle (a bike shop has just opened across the road, by the way). Or someone who loves sewing buying and using an overlocker for the first time. Taking that step up, and exploring a new way of using yarn or fibre to create different outcomes is so thrilling. 

Now I know purchasing some new hardware can be a bit daunting. It's also not a decision to be made lightly - it is an investment. While we don't have any looms set up at the shop right now, we do have an Ashford Joy spinning wheel, a Traveller wheel and a drum carder for you to try out. It's best to set up an appointment with us so we can have everything ready to go when you arrive - it's a good idea to try out a couple of options before settling on any decision. Everyone has different preferences and it's good to have a bit of time to figure out exactly what it is that will work for you.

And yep, we totally do layby. Hooray!