I am the proud new owner of this beautiful Great Wheel. It has no brand name, no signature, no date or identifying marks of any kind. It is a one of a kind, gorgeous piece of art that was handcrafted by a local craftsman. It is a combination of red oak and mahogany. The wheel itself is just two pieces. It has been oiled to perfection and smells wonderful. I was not looking for an additional spinning wheel. I have two Ashford wheels that I love and am very satisfied with. My Ashford Traveller is my wheel of choice when I have a chance to spin.
Ashford Traveller
It wasn't so much the look of the wheel that drew me to it but the history that goes with it. I'm not sure of it's age but I do know it was made locally and used by local families. I don't have all the facts as of yet but I am hoping to gather as much information as possible and compile them in a journal of sorts to keep with the wheel to pass on to my future generations. I am hoping to meet the couple who were the last owner's at some point. It really is a treasure and I feel so lucky to have become the new owner.
After minor repair work the wheel is in perfect working order. I purchased it with the intention of using it to spin on. I have never spun on a Great Wheel prior to today. It is very different from spinning on a conventional wheel. You stand at the wheel rather than sit on a chair or stool. I found I really enjoyed standing at the wheel. It's a very quiet, patient, process. I have it in front of my large picture window, overlooking the farm. A lovely place to stand and relax and I think spinning on this wheel would be a great stress reliever. I'm hoping once winter arrives, I'll fine more time to practice at it. I thought my beginning yarn would look like rope but much to my surprise, it wasn't half bad :)
My first attempt at spinning on the great wheel
Speaking of yarn, I picked up 75 skeins of our finn yarn from the processor last week. It is so soft and just has a wonderful feel to it. The dye pots are going on the stove and we will be busy until we have a rainbow of beautiful colors. Pictures of the finished products coming soon........
The gladiolas just keep coming :)
