Description
Highlights From This Issue
In this issue we learn about two more variations on small spindle wheels from Central Asia. An unusual accelerating wheel is discovered in Iceland. Three examples of great wheels by members of a family of wheel makers from Tennessee are studied.
Spinning Wheels Along the Silk Road
Zephram de Colebi continues to acquire and restore small spindle wheels that originated in various countries of Central Asia that were part of the ancient Silk Road. One wheel was almost complete, but the second required extensive restoration. He describes the process.
An Icelandic Accelerating Wheel
While on a “Wool and Wonder” tour in Iceland, Cheryl Callahan discovered an unusual wheel she had never seen before in the Textile Museum in Blönduós. She asked me about it and I realized that it was an accelerating wheel. Elin S. Sigurðardóttir, the curator at the museum, shared what they know about the wheel and its original owner.
Bedwell Great Wheels Revisited
Susan Richardson recently posted about a highly decorated great wheel, marked JB 1868, believed to have been built by a member of the Bedwell family from Tennessee. I review what is known about the distinctive style of great wheels they made and who might have made it.
