At Last

I think the first Schacht Matchless I ever saw belonged to Laurie.  Or perhaps Cheryl.  It could have been Monica’s but I don’t think so.  I know it wasn’t Kathy’s or Manise’s because they got theirs much later.  In any case, it was at SPA in 2006 and I was immediately taken with the wheel.  I hadn’t seen very many spinning wheels at that point and I seriously fell in love with that wheel.  Of course, I bought my Reeves that weekend but that story is old news.

My point is that I have wanted one of these wheels for nearly 3 years.  Those of you who know me know that I don’t generally wait that long for something I want.  But I have plenty of wheels at home and the idea of bringing in another wheel seemed silly.  It wasn’t about the money, it was about space and time and overload of spinning wheels.  I kept reasoning that if I found a used Schacht then I would sell the Lendrum.  Every time I thought that through, though, I realized that I really didn’t want to part with the Lendrum.  My Lendrum is all set up with a Woolee Winder (a significant investment) and its a truly portable wheel.  I guess what I’m saying is that even though I would occasionally look at eBay for the Matchless and I kept my eye on Craig’s List and Ravelry the opportunity to buy one just never came up.

Last weekend at Rhinebeck I was discussing my yearning for the Matchless with Kathy and Cheryl.  Kathy kept insisting that I should definitely not sell the Lendrum and Cheryl agreed with her.  That’s when it dawned on me that the wheel to sell would be the Kromski Polonaise.  I bought her from Adrian and I honestly never use this wheel.  While she’s great for reeanctments, well, I hardly ever reenact anymore.  And when I do I can certainly use the Canadian Production Wheel.  So, there you have it – multiple wheel problem solved.  The only thing left to do was find a Schacht Matchless.

On Wednesday, just for laughs, I checked eBay.  I was shocked when I found one.  I was even more shocked when I realized the selling location was only 30 minutes from where I live.  And I was completely shocked when I bid $600 and became the high bidder.  Long story short?  I won.

Meet Millie.

As in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

A wheel that was meant to be mine.  A love story that was meant to be.

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This Post Has 64 Comments

  2. Oh, she’s beautiful! I’ve always loved the looks of the Schacht Matchless, but haven’t had the chance to try one out yet. Enjoy your new wheel Carole!

  3. Obviously, a Match made in heaven! (Doh!) Congratulations – even though I don’t spin, I can see that is a lovely object to own. Enjoy!

  4. That’s a great wheel. I love mine and I got a Woolee Winder a few years ago. It’s the perfect wheel for me and so versatile. Congrats!

  10. Congrats my friend! You saw your first on I believe at Alpaca Kathy’s when Cheryl and Monica had theirs there. Kathy spun on them too. Lucky you to get one inexpensively. You aren’t using your typical rule of thumb naming her though btw ;-).

  14. I love my schact ! Best thing i ever bought myself. I have a Woolee Winder for her, and the spinning is a joy. It is such a beautiful design, and a wonderful piece of engineering.

  16. Some people have all the luck! Congrats – look like you’re already on your way to a long and wonderful relationship!

  20. You’ll love it. Ever since I got my Scahcht Wolf Pup Loom, I can’t believe the sturdy construction of their tools. This’ll last you forever. (I’m holding out for a Reeves production wheel. myself.)

  22. Such a pretty wheel. A few girls in my guild have it and they just love it. I have my eye on the Ladybug but can’t justify it yet.

    Did you sell your Polonaise? Let me know – I will pass he word along to my guild if it is still available. I bought one last year from a friend and I love it. I can only use so many wheels though…….

    Enjoy your new toy!

  26. Oh, she’s beautiful. Enjoy her. I have admired the Matchless but I’ve resisted trying one out because I’m afraid I’d fall in love and become obsessed.

  27. Congratulations! You are going to love your Schacht. What is it about spinning wheels? You bring home one, and the next thing you know, there is a whole tribe of them living in your house. I have four myself, and if I had to get rid of one, I honestly don’t know who would get the boot—each one seems to have it’s own strengths.

  29. Woohoo!! Another Schacht convert!! 🙂 It was obviously meant to be with all those circumstances falling in place. I bought one used last year and have never looked back. Just be careful, now you’ll want a Ladybug too. 😉 Enjoy her!

  32. Oh Lust!! I’ve wanted a Schacht Matchless since I first spun on one (which was actually the first wheel I spun on, come to think of it). I really really want one, but can’t justify another wheel until I have a larger apartment/house.

  34. Woo hoo! And what an excellent price! I paid more for mine, but I did get a WW with it. The first Matchless I ever saw was at Alpaca Kathy’s two years ago? I think? and Cheryl, because she is evil, let me spin on it until I was quite entranced.

    I too need to scale back on the wheels. The Babe is the obvious one to go; I keep hoping I can make a long-term loan of it for enabling purposes, sort of as you used to do (still do?) with Alice.

  42. This message is left in a fit of fright,
    About a package you should receive by Halloween night.

    My minions (aka fingers) are knitting as fast as they can,
    And binding off quite soon is my (no so) evil plan.

    Though your socks should arrive by the Halloween bell’s toll,
    A witch’s life can spin out of control.

    A call may come in spreading sadness and gloom,
    With a need to fly out . . . on my trusty broom?

    If I’m called away before your socks make the post,
    All of my planning and toil will then be toast.

    If they end up late I’ll put in extra treats,
    As an apology to your sad and cold feets.

    I’ll keep you informed at things unwind,
    And I hope you won’t think of me as unkind.

  45. Congratulations on your Matchless! I have been enjoying a new-to-me Matchless for about 2 weeks and love that double drive with a Woolee Winder. Clearly, for you, the right time, the right place, the right wheel! Have fun and happy spinning.

  46. Carole, I’m so happy for you! Those wheels are beyond gorgeous and yes, I lust after them, too … Good luck with her!

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