For Christmas, DH bought me an antique walking spinning wheel. This thing is HUGE and I haven't the slightest idea how to operate it. I guess he thought it would be a good conversation piece??? :ugh:

Anyway, this is the sort of thing I would like IF I could USE it and not just dust it. Has anyone here ever used one? The other catch is I don't knit...so even if I did spin wool into yarn, what would I do with it????

And to think some poor woman somewhere got jewelry for Christmas!!!

Walking wheels are, just that. One hand holds the fiber and the other turns the wheel, as you walk backwards. I've never used one tho, but a spinner can easily walk ten or more miles backwards/forwards, on a spinning day. When you can't reach the wheel anymore, you wind up the fiber and start allll over again.
As an aside: it takes 7 (hand)carders to keep a spinner goin', and 7 spinners to keep a weaver goin'...
lacyj

Farmgirl, when we moved here, dh purchased me a spinning wheel for Christmas as well, but I haven't used it yet. I so want to learn, but its sorta been put on the back burner for now while I get some other things done.

Mines a antique one has well. It does make for a very nice conversation piece. There are a couple of people in the area who spin their own yarn. I plan on talking to them to see if they can show me how to use it. One of the ladies makes sweaters and sells them everywhere.

Is there anyone near you who might be able to show you, or that you may be able to watch while they do it. I'm so visual that it makes it much easier for me to learn something if I see it. Just a thought.

farmgirl, no doubt, you may feel a bit daunted as you try to find the best way to move forward. Have no fear-but expect a few false starts. I have a mid 19th century "walkin' "wheel that has been in my family since it was new. Q:do you also have wool cards? you'll also need to purchase or contrive a winder to transfer your finished yarn onto as it comes off the wheel. As a solid first step I'd recommend just a dab of homework as to how to process your raw wool to prepare it for spinning. local book store should suffice.hint: modern navahoo weavers are the best source of practical info.

:idea:farmgirl, no doubt, you may feel a bit daunted as you try to find the best way to move forward. Have no fear-but expect a few false starts. I have a mid 19th century "walkin' "wheel that has been in my family since it was new. Q:do you also have wool cards? you'll also need to purchase or contrive a winder to transfer your finished yarn onto as it comes off the wheel. As a solid first step I'd recommend just a dab of homework as to how to process your raw wool to prepare it for spinning. local book store should suffice.hint: modern navahoo weavers are the best source of practical info.