Honk if this has happened to you: On a sunny Sunday, you go to a sheep and wool festival, just to look around and maybe buy some spinning fiber (and nothing else!). At one of the booths, you see a wheel about which you've heard many good things ("effortless treadling", "spins like a dream"). You're not in the market for a new wheel because 1) you're in love with your Lendrum double treadle and 2) spinning isn't even your major hobby. But it might be interesting to see what all the fuss is about, so you sit down for a test spin. It is a nice wheel. The treadling is, indeed, effortless. Nicer than the Lendrum? Definitely not. But different.
You walk away, pleased at your maturity and restraint. You are actually capable of looking at a new toy and not coveting it. You love your Lendrum. It's the only wheel you'll ever need, right?
Before leaving, you cruise by the booth a few more times, just to look. Driving home, you hear a tiny voice say "It is a beautiful wheel. Not nicer than the Lendrum, just different."
"But I don't need another wheel."
"You didn't need another loom either, but aren't you happy you have it?"
"Well . . ."
"And because of the weak New Zealand dollar, this wheel is actually cheaper than it was two years ago!"
"Well . . ."
"It would be false economy not to buy it now. Who knows when the price will go up? And besides, having two wheels will allow you to have two projects going at the same time!"
"Well . . ."
I guess I don't have to tell you what happened next.
