Spinning into July with Travelling Spinning Wheels

Jul 4, 2025

Winter is truly here, and it’s the perfect season to settle in with your spinning, felting, or fibre projects. Spinning holds a very special place in the hearts of some of the Kraftkolour Elves, so we always love the chance to nerd out and talk wheels for a bit!

We’re all busy these days, and when looking for a wheel, portability is one of the key features many spinners consider. And often, if we’re thinking about portability, we’re also thinking about space-saving solutions.

Having a wheel that can adventure with you—or just take up a little less space at home—can be the deciding factor when choosing what to spin on. At Kraftkolour, we offer two fantastic spinning wheels designed with travel in mind. So in this post, we’re diving into the details of the Ashford Joy and the Kromski Sonata Encore to help you compare these two compact champions.

We love the versatility of these wheels. They’re easy to travel with—ours have come along to interstate weddings, spinning group meetups, and even the family Christmas holidays! Thanks to their clever fold-up designs and carry bags, they fit easily in the back seat of the car (or tuck neatly into a camper), and they’re sturdy enough to go the distance. Each of these wheels has lived with one of the Kraftkolour elves for decades, and they’re still going strong.

And of course, we can’t talk spinning without talking fibre—hooray! So if you’re new to the fibre craft world, we’ll also be sharing a beginner-friendly look at one of our absolute favourites: Merino wool.

COMPACT, CLEVER AND CRAFTY - TWO OF OUR FAVOURITE PORTABLE WHEELS

Just before we jump in......

✨ Meet the Sonata Encore

It’s worth noting that Kromski have recently upgraded the beloved Sonata spinning wheel—the new version is called the Sonata Encore.

So, what’s changed?

The Sonata Encore builds on the original with some thoughtful new features, including:

  • A redesigned flyer system

  • Easier bobbin changes

  • The option to spin in double drive mode

  • A new magnetic flyer head (replacing the traditional "mother-of-all")

Like the original, it’s still beautifully made, fully portable, and comes with a padded backpack for easy transport. A true evolution of a favourite! You can check out more details below in our comparison!



WHICH WHEEL IS FOR YOU?

Choosing between the Joy and the Sonata often comes down to your personal spinning style and preferences. Here are a few things to consider:
The Ashford Joy
If you're after a lightweight, compact wheel that folds up easily and comes pre-assembled, the Ashford Joy might be your match. It's perfect for spinners who:
  • Travel frequently or spin on the go
  • Prefer a more modern, streamlined aesthetic
  • Want something super easy to set up and use straight out of the box
  • Already use other Ashford tools and accessories (everything’s designed to work seamlessly together)
  • If you need a more durable wheel, the Joy wheel is better protected for knocks.
  • Fold up easier and quicker than the Sonata
The Kromski Sonata Encore
The Kromski Sonata Encore might be ideal if you love a classic look and want a bit more flexibility in drive options. It’s a great fit for spinners who:
  • Appreciate traditional, beautifully turned wood finishes
  • Are keen to explore more technical spinning (like double drive or higher speed ratios)
  • Don’t mind doing a little setup at the start
  • Want a full-size feel in a portable body
  • The orifice is adjustable, which is ideal for those taller spinners that need a higher orifice for ergonomic comfort.
  • Beginners may find it easier as they can touch the wheel more easily, which can help the wheel get going in the right direction if you are having trouble doing this from just the treadles.
Both are excellent wheels — the only major differences that may influence your choice is the height of the orifice and the aesthetic design. One of our shorter Kraftkolour Elves can’t sit comfortably at the Sonata as the orifice is high for her, even at the lowest setting. The Joy has the option of single or double treadle and can fold up and be away in under 30 seconds, whereas the Sonata takes a few minutes to fold down fully.
 
Either way, both of these wheels are a fantastic choice for beginners and longtime spinners.

Happy Spinning 😊

A QUICK LOOK AT MERINO WOOL

Merino wool is one of the most loved and versatile fibres in the spinning world—and for good reason. Whether you’re brand new to fibre crafts or just brushing up, here’s a friendly guide to help you understand what makes Merino so special.


We hope you’ve found this month’s wheel comparison helpful!

Choosing the right wheel is an important decision—but please remember, you don’t have to rush out and buy one straight away. A spindle is a perfect way to begin your spinning journey: even more portable, very budget-friendly, and a wonderful way to learn until you figure out how to get your hands on your dream wheel.

Whether you’re spinning on the go or settling in by the fire, we wish you a joyful season of fibre crafting. May your spinning be smooth, your colours vibrant, and your projects full of heart.

Stay warm, stay creative, and happy spinning from all of us at Kraftkolour! 🧶💜


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