Handmade Spinning Wheels
Spinning wheels are used to make yarn out of raw fiber. Handmade wheels are usually made of wood, but can vary in many ways, from decorative style to the mechanics that make them work. Although they may be thought of as a relic of a bygone era, spinning wheels are still made by hand in the 21st century and available for sale. Some bear the traditional form, while others have a far more contemporary appearance.
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Mechanics
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There are three major mechanical types: bobbin-led, single-drive or Scotch tension, and double-drive. The bobbin-led wheel is the first and simplest type of spinning wheel, with the drive band connected directly to a bobbin whorl. This wheel has a good deal of tension control, which will aid a beginning spinner. The single-drive wheel is the most versatile, with two drive bands -- the main one connected to the flyer and another one to the bobbin. The Scotch tension name comes from the brake that regulates the speed at which the yarn winds onto the bobbin. The double-drive is the style used on most modern wheels, with one drive band in a figure eight over both the flyer and the bobbin. This wheel is designed for experienced spinners, with its delicate adjustments and high twisting efficiency.
Materials
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Handmade wheels are usually made from solid hardwoods, such as oak or eastern cherry. Bearings for the flyer, bobbin and other parts may be made of leather, or can be traditional metal ball bearings. Many metal finishings are brass, and the wheels are usually stained and coated using modern techniques for a lasting finish.
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Aesthetic Styles
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The traditional image of the spinning wheel is the Dutch style, with a large, spoked wheel at the heart of the device. But other wheels can have radically different styles, such as the "castle" style with a large drive wheel beneath a smaller wheel and spindle combination. Some wheels feature a compact design for ease of transportation.
For Purchase
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The craftsmen who make spinning wheels by hand may be found all over the world, from America to Ireland to New Zealand. Prices vary from the $300 range to more than $1,000, plus various costs such as shipping. That's in addition to replacement parts and raw materials. One advantage of handmade wheels is that many makers will customize certain aspects of your machine to meet your needs.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
