Ladybug wheel
made by Schacht Spindle company

Cost $525

Features it comes with:
Ratios on the medium whorls 7:1 & 9:1- Ratios on the fast whorl 10-1/2:1 & 12-1/2:1
Scotch tension or double drive

Has three handles for picking it up and carrying. It really is light and easy to move

I found it was easiest to pick up with the front handle.
Uses all the same parts as the Schacht Matchless.
Double treadle
More specifics can be found HERE

Available Options:

A lazy Kate - You can get one that integrates right with the ladybug or a tensioned Matchless one.

Slow whorl and High speed whorl

It’s double drive or scotch tension. Though it took some fiddling to get it to be happy as a double drive. It runs as smooth as the Matchless. Which is good. It uses the parts from the Matchless.

I’m not sure you’d NEED both the lady bug AND the Matchless. I can see why you’d WANT both though. I can always justify wanting a new wheel.

There is a tensioner thingy on it. They say it can be used in scotch or double drive mode. If you use a double drive you already know why you need it. In scotch tension they say it’s good to use when you are using the fast whorls or as your band stretches.

I show it there in use in the double drive mode. You can also put both strings into that wheely thing. I just found that it worked better with one in and one out. If you go to my flickr account (click onto the photo) you will see a more detailed close up of this tensioner as well.

I’ve only tried it out with the medium whorl. I’m so used to the big production wheels that I felt this one moved slowly. Well, it was on the medium whorl and the drive wheel isn’t some huge 30 inch thing. These days I use the castle wheels for plying only. I spun some singles on the Hyacinth yesterday so I can ply today.

Like the matchless, if you like to spin bulkies and novelties, this is not the wheel I’d recommend. For occasional bulkies and novelties it’s fine. If the majority of your spinning is bulkies and novelties then another wheel would be better. I’m not talking about how we all start out with funky yarn. I know people that they only like to spin the unusual and interesting novelty style yarns. If Schacht ever comes out with a bulky set then I’ll change my opinon on this.

I have to say overall I like the Ladybug, but not much more than I like the Fricke or the Louet. I think it’s way cuter than either of those and it is lighter/easier to move. The price point is good and it is usable as a double drive. All a plus in my book. I need to spend a little more time with it to see if it’s the right fit for me but I do have recommendations as to who I think it would be good for (and it’s just my opinion so take it for what it’s worth).

1.You want to upgrade - I think it’s a decent upgrade because it’s got the double drive. Though it’s not a huge step up. I think if you have the available funds or the patience then the Matchless is a better option. I like how the Matchless operates a little better in double drive mode.

2. It’s your first wheel - This is an excellent choice. It’s got a good price point and it’s got all the options for you to get a good start in spinning. I believe beginners is what Schacht had in mind when they designed this wheel. They hit ahome run in that category. It may just be the best beginner’s spinning wheel in it’s price range.

3. You want something more portable but not a tiny wheel. For this I might recommend the Fricke folding. I’m going to place this wheel right along side my usual recommendation of the Fricke. The Fricke folds so it’s smaller but the Ladybug has cuteness and it’s double drive.

4. You have an excellent wheel you like to spin singles on but you want something with a larger bobbin to ply. This is a good option for that.

When I find the time I’m going to test it out a little bit more and I’ll let you know anymore opinons I have.