Reeves Spinning Wheel

Yesterday I did some maintenance and care of my hard working spinning wheel.  The cotton drive band was worn and frayed and was soon going to break, probably right in the middle of a plying experiment at the worst time.  So I replaced it.  I like to sew the ends together rather than make a knot, just something that I came up with that works for me.  It's been several years since I had to replace the drive band, so the cotton works pretty well.

I also oiled all the places that should be oiled: the wheel axle, the treadle, lightly oiled the leathers and the spindle, and anywhere else that there is metal on wood.  I dusted the table and wiped up the other surfaces.  This wheel was made by Rick Reeves in 1994.  It's a wonderfully balanced tool and I can spin hours on it effortlessly.  It works very well with fine fibers, my favorite material, and spins a lovely even fine single.  I can ply on it as well, just as easily as spinning.  I'm lucky to have such a splendid wheel to work with every day.

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Posted by spinninggrandma

Lovely wheel!!! I have an Ashford Travler that is my favorite ... but then, Norm hasn't finished fixing my 1836 wheel, so I won't know if that will be my favoirte one or not.

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Posted by friggawomen

My MIL has a spinning wheel just like that one that she has had for years.. but never uses.. I'm trying to talk her out of it!

Have you every done any spinning w/ a drop spindle?

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Posted by Greenberry

I learned to spin on a drop spindle, but since I've been working with finer fibers I find that I enjoy working with a supported spindle very much. This is a low whirl spindle that is spun in a cup on your lap or a table. The silk I'm plying with Coopworth now was spun on a supported spindle, I think. It's been awhile.

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Posted by maidmyown

spinning must be so calming...I'm hoping to take few classes this Summer at our 'past times' theme park. BTW, is that a smidge of TARTAN in your work room??!!

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Posted by Greenberry

That it is! Sharp eyes you have there. When I was in Scotland I bought half a dozen rugs. Unfortunately the dogs think they are lovely to wad up and nap on!

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Posted by haras

I know absolutely nothing about spinning, but it's a beautiful wheel and it sure does make one want to learn how!

Sarah

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Posted by GrandmaRosie

Your post always make me feel cozy and calm. I plan to learn to spin the first chance I get. In the mean time, I really love reading your daily post.

Beautiful wheel. It sparks my imagination. For years I have studied and done genealogy research. But the old ways and arts make you feel more like you "know" the women you have compiled so much data on. They make them personal. ^..^

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Posted by SpinnerGal

That is a lovely wheel. I haven't had a chance to try out a Reeves, but I hear good things about them.

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