I've have a front load Samsung (I hate it, can't express this strongly enough) since 2010. I too only have a Rinse + Spin option. I will try some of this tricks, but why isn't any of this in the manual. Samsung support can't even tell me what to do and surely all washers have a spin only cycle, why wouldn't they??? I have recently spoke with a parts supplier (dryer needs another new part...ARGH!!! 3rd one in 5 months, timer keeps jacking up)... anyhow, he told me to never buy Samsung or LG for appliances mainly washer/dryers, they have the worst ratings and require a lot of repairs (they should stick to phones...maybe?). He recommended Speed Queen, basic units that are very dependable. For next time I will be looking into those. Never again will I buy front load. He also said to stay away from the top loads that do not have a center agitator, also bad on repairs and both front loads and agitator free washers do not wash well. Just for fun, put in an old set of sheets that are colored and add in the bleach, you will get a spotted mess, nothing gets evenly distributed on front loads. I have detergent and fabric softener on my wash all the time after a complete cycle. I've have to do an extra rinse for everything which costs more money and wastes a lot of water and time. Don't get caught up in how pretty front loads look, they are all horrible. I have yet to meet someone who likes there front load washer.

Yes, I spin. I have an Ashford traditional, but there are many kinds out there. Get on ravelry.com. It's free, and there is a site for buying and selling wheels, spindles, carders, drum carders, etc. Also check crags list, and most importantly of all, if you have a shop close to you, go test drive as many wheels as you can. Check your local yarn shop and put up a notice asking about wheel, lessons and all things spinning related. Being in MN there should be LOTS of people who spin! It may take a little detective work, but you won't be sorry. I have been a spinner for more than 30 years. I spin to spin, I never have a project in mind when I start. I just love the feel of the fiber and how it runs through my fingers onto the bobbin. I try to spin a little every day, some days more than others LOL. Good luck in your search, I hope you find what you are looking for!! Welcome to the world of spinners. Oh, and we have a spin in public day as well (don't know when it is) just like the knit in public day.

Thanks for the morning feedback. It's nice to know I'm not alone and get some ideas going about how to get past the idea stage. The conversation and wine over at love-to-dream's is great, by the way, if anyone wants to join us. It's rather nice to have company along the way - especially if no one in your real life is at all interested in, well, obsessive kitchen discussion! @wi-sailorgirl - I do spend a fair amount of time at Houzz and have some idea books. I also have extensive GW files of inspirational kitchens, features and possible layouts. I guess I'm not finding it pointing me in a direction yet, but I'll step back and take a longer look and see if that helps illuminate! @ eleena - Glad to know I'm not alone! It sounds like you have not found your investment with a designer to be particularly helpful? I appreciate the advice to go slow. On the other hand, I actually think one of the things that might force me to move faster would be having a GC instead of this DYI nonsense. I guess I even go back and forth on that! On one hand, the money saved through DYI is pretty substantial and my partner has all the skills, though we'd hire out some parts. On the other hand, partner is busy, I am a dreamer and a GC would force us into mobilization and deadlines and structure which MIGHT be worth it. @herbflavor - I appreciate the layout advice and have posted various options over the past year - more will no doubt be coming once that wall comes down and I can template out what I am working with, as I know my vision about how much space it is going to open up is just not real in this small house. An L + island would allow me to put a pantry on the end of the cabinets opposite a fullsize fridge on the other side instead of going with a tall, skinny fridge with a pullout next to it. However, the island doesn't seem to play as nice with the new backsplash window or sit in the best spot given the 2 traffic patterns required - and many people have commented that a U seems better for me given it blocks off the kitchen floor from the front door. Definitely holding off on that until the wall actually comes down and I do think that will help me commit at least to layout. (Please, please, let it help lol) @ caryscott - You make a good point that budget does eliminate a lot of options. I also think you are right that making one decision forecloses on many other things I might love. The place where I see that the most in my situation is counter/tile choices. I find a great tile, then try to imagine what that means for counters and it almost invariably just doesn't work with the other top choices. Maybe I should ask for help with creating some idea boards... @lovetodream - the wine and reassurance that I am not alone is more help than you can know. Promise! And it is so much easier to give you advice, strangely, than myself. (What's up with THAT?) I think if you (me) could just start with SOMETHING, the rest would maybe start to fall into place. Or, start a few idea boards with a few favorite choices and have a few options to mull over instead of a million? At the least, we'd end up narrowing the field and having SOME choices made, likely. Or, on the other hand, we can open up another bottle and talk about it some more... @2LittleFishies - I agree, the good news is the bad news here. It's nice to have time to really research, ponder, take breaks, etc. However, I'm really not sure, objectively speaking, how much I've gained from the time and additional research. Minus some big moments, like seeing BrooklynGalley's Liebherr tall and skinny fridge and realizing I -could- have a pantry with a U if I went that way. What ends up happening is I look at various kitchens and say "Ooooohhhh, ahhhhh! I love that! I could totally just replicate those pendants, cabinets and tile and be perfectly happy!" Then tomorrow I see another kitchen and do the same thing... I dream of being one of those efficient, clear-headed decision-makers. lol @Kali615 - Do you mind if I ask what one thing you started with that your DH loved? I really do think that's probably the thing - to get a general direction started with that first decision. I've also decided the box stores are probably not my friend in any of this... though I am going to go into the new Lowes and HD that were just built and see if they have anything that appeals before I totally give that up. Your island sounds like it is going to be great. How did you come across that bowling alley wood? Craig's List? @kashmi - I appreciate the functionality questions. Once that wall comes down, I'm going to mock up a kitchen and play around with how I want to work in the "new space". GW is so great for considering those questions. The truth is, there are 2 of us and neither of us are huge cooks. However, I'm really hoping that changes SOMEWHAT with a new kitchen and this isn't all for superficial reasons. lol @ ArchitectMamma - This idea board is definitely something I have been contemplating. I haven't learned how to use the on-line options people around GW have been using and I struggle to find all the pieces and parts of what I want. It's really getting to be about time to take it to that step, I think. @ Marcolo - Good advice. I wonder how much I could get done in my life period if I was off the net. lol Both you and ArchitectMamma are recommending some of the same resources and it's a good suggestion. I do try to peek through magazines but generally end up not buying because nothing is really grabbing me. However, I absolutely agree that the same stuff recirculates on-line. That's one of the reasons I got bored at Houzz. I just am not finding a lot of trade showrooms in Anchorage. I need to look harder and actually get out there. I admit to a little terror that I am going to find "the perfect stone" in some obscure granite yard way before I am in a position to use it and be haunted by it forever... What I need, ultimately, is a whip and a ruler to keep myself (get myself) on task. lol And as a final note of irony, I found a thread yesterday through GW on Shiloh cabinets. There was a link to a kitchen I really liked. A little cottage - a little modern. And, I thought to myself, "Self, you could just do this. You like it. It would go with the house great. They are well made. They are well reviewed. It's a good look." Then I went to the website. They don't have dealers east of the Mississippi, basically. I'm in Alaska. And so it goes...

Figuered I'd start a new thread with a catchy title... http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4971367/miele-4840-about-to-give-up-the-ghost?n=17 I've never really paid attention to how the drum looks like when it's rinses... Still waiting for one more part. I could not stand it no more, so I just buttoned it up ad-hoc, ran a quick rinse cycle with nothing in there, no leaks, no noise, spin look smooth and round... Decided to do a load. Right now, on it's 1st rinse cycle, it found it's balance quick (was not errently spinning for what seemed like longer than usual like prior), and while the 1st rinse spin was short, no noise or heavier than normal vibrations. I DID observe the drum moving a smigen more up/down than going round but maybe I'm just being overly cautious. Afterall, it is held in suspension with springs and there is some level of eccentricity as the drum spins. Anyone care to share. Again, I have no idea what the behaviour is on a normal operating drum.....I never did really looked at it. Sidenote - and maybe it's just me being cautious as well, but it felt like the rubber door seal was moving a bit too forward towards the glass port. It did not make contact but then again, I'm got a 3K Lumen light I'm shining at the drum right now, observering and taking wine notes It's on it's 2nd rinse/spin. All the vibration is gone and the machine is rock solid smooth though ! I took the top off. Everything sorta looks normal when looking with the top cover removed. It's been a interesting experience. I now have a more basic grasp on the ins/outs of the mechanics of a washer.. EDIT - Update Seems normal. I suppose it's just a little more eccentric in spin on the 1st rinse, where there is more water. Final rinse, is smooth as silk.