I have, to my surprise, discovered that restoring antique wheels is a remarkably satisfying and engaging activity. It’s a hobby that probably borders on obsession/addiction, but hey, I’m okay with that.
I regularly surf the local Kijiji for wheels that might need some restoration or the attention of a spinner/fixerupperperson and this past week I found an ad for an interesting European wheel. I emailed the seller and discovered that they had THREE wheels for sale – one complete, one with the flyer but no bobbin, and one with neither.
I am now the long-distance-almost-owner of ...
- an intact wheel with a really neat metal flyer that has slits-and-holes for the yarn, instead of hooks:
- a really neat 'sideways' wheel – the spinner sits facing the edge of the wheel, rather than the hub, and the yarn makes a sharp ‘right hand turn’ into the flyer assembly:
- another sideways wheel in need of a full flyer/bobbin assembly and a maiden repair:
I can’t wait to see how these wheels clean up and to get them back into spinning condition. Once they are restored, I hope to put them in the hands of spinners who will be part of ensuring that they have ‘another century of productive life’.
you are indeed your father's daughter...the original Mr. Fixit. We must share some genes as the need to repair/prepare the pieces is as much a part of the hobby as the artwork.. Both a craft and an art. Interesting wheels!!
ReplyDeleteSharon
You will need to build a shop soon! Glad you are getting so much enjoyment out of the antiques!
ReplyDeleteMom