All these wonderful items on the table and the stands behind it, even on the stage. See what I mean when I say I am blessed to have these ladies teaching me to spin and weave? Very talented!!
Here's one for Kiwi! This is Louise's spinning wheel. It's an Ashford Traveller, made in New Zealand. I think this wheel is really nice and would love to have one, or maybe better yet is the Ahsford Joy (ultra compact and ready to go).
6 comments:
HAHA! Identical to MY Ashford traveller! A great little wheel.
They are such cute little wheels, I love the look of them. I also like that they have the spare bobbins right on them. Can you ply right from where the bobbins sit on the frame of the wheel?
Yes, it's great to be able to store the bobbins there. so much tidier too. I think it's best to use a Lazy Kate for plying.
I was given a traditional Ashford spinning wheel by a very old lady and it had the original instruction manual with it. I actually prefer the traveller though.
That is so special that this elderly lady gave you here wheel... and so cool that it still had the manual with it. However, I can understand why you'd like the Traveller better than the Traditional... hehe.
I once bought an Ashford Traditional wheel at a garage sale. $20 for the wheel, 3 bobbins, Lazy Kate, and a set of hand cards. I replaced the little bit of leather between the treadle and the footman, put a new cord on the drive, minor stuff like that to the wheel and got it working properly. Also reglued the bobbins and used coat hangers to replace the missing "bars" on the Lazy Kate. All small stuff. Then I sold it for $200 (still have the hand cards). It was a good wheel, but I have my Lendrum and my Almaas Traditional (locally hand made) so didn't need it. Used the money to buy a floor loom.
Most of the wheels that I see in the thrift shops or garage sales are priced about NZ$70. (NZ$1 = approx US.63c)
According to xe.com (currency converter) 1.00 NZD = 0.693096 CAD
and 70.00 NZD = 48.5167 CAD (these conversions of course change pretty much by the day, this is for June 18, 2006).
That's pretty cheap for a spinning wheel if it's in very good condition. I guess it all depends on what one wants it for. Some people want them to spin with, and some just want a decoration.
Post a Comment