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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Any Flax weavers out there?  |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 26 2007 : 11:35:01 AM
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MIL is going through yet another purge and asked is there anything in the basement anyone wants. Everyone shook there heads and mumbled but I said I'd go look since you never know what she is hauling out as the whim strikes her. Well I nearly fell over, there on the floor was this flax wheel I have loved ever since I met my husband's family. It used to sit up on the landing and was never actually used but is an original (not frou frou repro wanna be!) Well up I come and say "If no one wants the wheel, I'll take it" and I hear cheers of "Yeah! now we don't have to deal with it!" (Am I hallucinating?) Anyway MIL informs me that it is missing some "pieces" for where the flax "went". How likely does anyone think it is that I will ever find these pieces or find an accurate picture of this so I can have clever dh repair this so it works? And an even better question: Do I want to learn to spin flax and can other fibers be spun on this wheel? ( It is as tall as me!) Is this what was also known as a "walking wheel?" See...I really need some expert help as I am far from knowing what I am doing here! HELP...the sooner the better!Thanks!
with a happy heart |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2007 : 12:02:26 PM
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is there a metal plate affixed anywhere on the wheel with a name or something under the bottom of the frame or anywhere something written or etched ..that might help to locate info at least on the internet about it more..like who made it and when.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2007 : 12:27:18 PM
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I'm no expert, but I thought that walking wheels were for wool and flax wheels were smaller. Did your MIL ever see any older family member using it?
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
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Photobugs
True Blue Farmgirl
363 Posts
Pamela
Post Falls
Idaho
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2007 : 1:19:31 PM
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Wish I could be of help, but I am lost too. I bought my wheel a couple of years ago at a yard sale for $5.00. But as of yet, know very little about it. I did find lots to compare mine to on ebay...so that was fun. I am missing a part or two, I think. I know there are local groups that would help me...just have not taken the time to search them out.
I finally bought a belt to fix my treadle sewing machine...got it at MJF's sale last summer when I had a booth there. But it is still not put on. One more thing for the 'todo' list. This list keeps growing and I'll have to live to be 200 to do it all. Silly me.
Pamela
http://homesteadmercantile.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2007 : 6:14:39 PM
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Bramble-
I would suggest trying to find a spinning group in your area and having one of th experienced ladies come over and take a look at it- that is if you can't find a manufacturing mark. What a wonderful gift!
Pamela- I am so jealous that you got your wheel for $5! Spinning is something that I would love to learn but a wheel is so expensive that I just have never pursued it before. You are so lucky!
Alee
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2007 : 8:40:31 PM
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Bramble - check the website <allfiberarts.com> and do a search for spinning wheels or walking wheels. I believe Grace from Larkspur Funny Farm is our resident expert on spinning and most likely could point you in the right direction.
Many find spinning a most relaxing, meditative activity. I've tried it three times, but it just isn't clicking. My neck muscles tense, my lips get tight, and I begin to curse. But I have a low tolerance for inefficiency. Whatever I attempt, if I don't "get the hang of it" relatively quickly, it's not for me. I don't expect perfection, but I at least expect an "aha" moment.
So my wheel is a lovely decoration in my family room!
Pamela - if you have a guild in your area, ask if they rent equipment. Ours rents spinning wheels for $5.00 a month!
I've learned that it takes as much time and energy to wish as it does to plan.
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 10:15:14 AM
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Thanks, I knew you girls would send me in the right directions!
As far as I know it was made by an individual (and signed) for someone and is dated late 1700's. It was never usued by anyone in dh's family, I think it was an "aquisition" many years ago!
And Sandy, I definitely understand that feeling! When I was about 13 my Gran tried to teach me to knit. Beyond knit and purl, it just was not my "thing"! So...this might just end up on my landing!
Mikki- A very similar configuration to your wheel but larger yet and the "fork" at the back is what is missing right now.Thanks so much for the link, now I can show dh he doesn't have to rebuild the whole thing! (I have given him one too many of those projects recently!)
I'll do some more research and keep you posted, thanks everyone! We have a great Craft Guild in Bucks County and they have a show coming up. Might be a good place to ask around at.
with a happy heart |
Edited by - bramble on Apr 27 2007 10:26:07 AM |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Any Flax weavers out there? |
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Any Flax weavers out there?
