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Around and Around

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Today I bought something that I really don't need, but that I love. It's something that lived in my grandmother's house for my entire life -- a magical object.

My grandparents were amazing people, whose home was filled with books, and all sorts of fascinating natural objects, and antiques. Due to family ugliness, I have have no idea what became of any of the lovely things that my grandparents owned. Some days I'm sad about this. But in truth, I'm glad to be free from the toxicity and dysfunction of that part of my family. Both my sister and I knew that my grandparents were the glue that kept our family from completely shattering. When they were gone, everything finally fell to pieces.

On this day, when we honor family, I'm struck that I had the opportunity to own a version of something that symbolizes my grandmother.

It needs a little work, but Robb assures me that the repairs are not beyond our ability. We'll make it work again.
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Curbstone Valley Farm said…
OMG! I love that you bought a spinning wheel! Next comes the carder...then the sheep LOL. But seriously, part of my family has a history in the cotton industry of Lancashire during the late 1800's. I remember weaving shuttles being around in the house, many with spools of cotton. Remnants of that era when I was a child. The 'originals' are lost to time, dysfunctional family, and well...just plain lost. However, I had a chance to purchase some about 20 years ago, and even though they're not the 'original' heirlooms from the cotton mills my family worked in, they're still some of my most treasured possessions. I totally 'get it'. How cool! Seriously...if Robb gets it working, look out...I knit LOL!
7:12 PM
Lisa said…
You *do* totally get it!
7:49 PM
Mel said…
What odd timing... I just sold my spinning wheel (an Ashford traditional) to a friend named Barby, she taught one of the scenic art courses I took in college. She's gotten interested in spinning and fiber arts. For me, it was a hobby I hadn't touched since high school, and I do still have two drop spindles and some fiber around if I want to make yarn again. That's fantastic that you bought one!
7:57 PM
Lisa said…
Mel -- that cosmic wheel must be spinning for the scenic artist/spinners.

Very odd, indeed.
8:53 PM
Christine said…
Sooo exciting! Have you heard of "A Verb For Keeping Warm"? They're a local business that dyes and spins their own yarns- even grows their own dyes! I'm not a knitter, but I am an overly active reminiscer, so I totally understand if it just graces a corner of the living room, too!
8:22 AM
knitica said…
Wonderful! Do you know if it's a wool wheel or flax? How old? I can't remember, have you used a drop spindle? Come visit, I'll get you started!
4:38 PM
Gothknits said…
Love it!!!! Why did we not start spinning back when we worked together?
5:17 PM
Lisa said…
Erica -- It's got a flax distaff, but all the Antique Spinning Wheel types on Ravelry tell me that a flax wheel can always spin wool.

I'm pretty jazzed. And Robb has been enjoying tinkering with it. He's not good at using the treadle, unfortunately.
8:47 PM
Martha said…
Oh Lisa!!!! How exciting. The same will hold true with the wheel as it did with the bees. Find someone who knows what they are doing to teach you. Spinning is so tactile, it's hard to learn from a book.
8:23 AM
Anonymous said…
More pictures please :)
10:45 AM
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