Issue: #33 - July 2001

European wheels are our primary theme, from little girdle wheels to several different styles of double-flyer wheels, both horizontal and vertical. But there is a secondary theme, that of our contributors' adventures while searching for a rare or unusual wheel.

The Search for the Elusive Girdle Wheel
by Jeanne Asplundh

For many years Jeanne Asplundh of Fort Washington, PA, has been seeking a girdle wheel. Then when she least expected it, she found not one but two of these rare wheels. She shared the second one with Patty White of Harvest, AL.

Photos: Girdle wheel from the collection of Jeanne Asplundh, front and back views.

A Girdle Wheel by Fosters of Carlisle
by Jan Lenderman-Kruse

Jane Lenderman-Kruse of Bonner Springs, KS, has also been searching for a girdle wheel for many years. Recently she acquired one, but its history is confusing, involving a family of clock makers.

Photos: Girdle wheel from the collection of Jane Lenderman-Kruse, front and detail views.

Two European Double-Flyer Wheels
by Pat and David Bownas

Two new additions to the ever-expanding wheel collection of Pat and David Bownas of Poughkeepsie, NY, are very different double-flyer wheels. Pat describes "Kaethe" and "Gretchen," while David explains how he is restoring them. Then they discuss their philosophy of spinning wheel restoration.

Photos: Both wheels from the collection of Pat and David Bownas.
1: A wheel called "Kaethe"
2: A wheel called "Gretchen"

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A Dutch Double-Flyer Wheel
by Heidi Hubbs

While living in the Northwest, Heidi Hubbs, who now lives in Cache, OK, discovered pieces of a spinning wheel in a box at the back of an antiques shop. Much to her surprise and delight, it turned out to be a double-flyer wheel.

Photos: From the collection of Heidi Hubbs
1 and 2: Double-flyer wheel, front and detail views
3: Postcard showing a similar wheel

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Restoring a German Double-Flyer Upright Wheel
by Earl Sorrels

Earl Sorrels of Gig Harbor, WA, enjoys building and restoring spinning wheels. He provides "before" and "after" pictures of a European vertical double-flyer wheel that her recently fixed.

Photos: Double-flyer wheel from the collection of Marrie Quasy
1: "Before"
2: "After"

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