W is for.....

Wheels.

I don't really collect wheels, since I only have 2. I love both of them like children - very different, but equally.

The first wheel I purchased was a Lehigh Valley Saxony (alas! It doesn't appear to me that Dennie is making wheels anymore).  I had tried this wheel out at the first MD S&W I attended and absolutely fell in love with it.  It is maple, with just a light clear finish on it.  There are no plastic parts.  The metal parts were fabricated right in Dennie's shop (he's a blacksmith too), and it would be a great wheel to use for a historic reenacter.  This is my workhorse - when I need to sit and spin quickly and consistently, this is the one I pick.  Effortless treadling and the weight of the wheel makes it a breeze.

My other wheel is my traveling wheel.   I tried out several small wheels, but I finally decided on the Ashford Traveller because of it's size, and the many options you can get from Ashford.  As a little extra gift, I had it painted with pictures of my bunnies, our old dog Sam, flowers and a few things that had a symbolic meaning to me. 

Margrett at Running Moon Farm did the painting for me from photos I sent to her (this is also where I purchased the wheel), and I absolutely love the way she captured the personalities of the bunny boys.  Here's a closeup of Pippin.

Finally, a special add-on......My grandmother had a large back porch with lots of windows that looked out over her gardens and the pastures.  She always had a couple of rocking chairs out there and my favorite was a little one that had been her mother's chair.  My gram was never sure why the chair was so low to the ground, but she knew I loved it and when she decided to sell her house, she had the chair cleaned up and my mum sent it to me to use.  I've come to find it is the most comfortable chair to spin in - set low to the floor, so you aren't leaning over all the time, and it rocks so you can rest your back and change positions while you are seated.  I have no way to know, but I'd like to think my great-grandmother found it equally comfortable when she sat and spun too!

All for now......

Comments

[Marcia]

Awww....I love the idea of the paintings on the wheel! I never would have thought of a rocking chair for spinning, but it sounds comfy. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Chris]

Multiple wheels are a good thing. They each "specialize" in different ways. I have 4, though one is long term visiting with my sister and my electric needs some motor attention and my Canadian Production wheel is currently buried out of reach in the back of what will eventually be my nicely organized fiber room.I love the Lehigh Valley wheels and was quite disappointed when I discovered he wasn't making them anymore. I love the wheels I have but one of these days, I'm going to invest in a super nice wheel. Which means I have to try out as many options as I can - oh boy!!

[Judy]

I use a low rocker, a lady's rocker, for spinning also. It is the most comfortable way I have found.

[Norma]

Huh, I'll have to try that.....I never would have thought "rocker" with spinning wheel. I love my little $35 high-backed spinning chair, though.

[Carol]

Much more than wheels and a rocking chair. You have beautiful memories that they represent. I see they are both in full use too;) Happy belated Thanksgiving! I am thankful to have met you.

[Birdsong]

I love the paintings on your wheel... what a delightful personalization. I am glad you got the chair. I have a few special pieces from my childhood home that really take me back and they are treasures. I got my painted ornaments last week; thanks so much for that connection

[Kim]

Your Lehigh Valley wheel is beautiful and I just love the little rocker. What a lovely gift from your grandmother!

[Maureen]

What a wonderful gift grom your gram...... I remember when you had the wheel painted. It is truly special.

[Cathy]

Gee - did anyone ever tell you that low rocker is called a nursing rocker?