1800's Great Wheel Restoration - Can she spin again?

[@sophie1301]

As a trained museum conservator, unless that Great Wheel was associated with an important person or a significant event in history, you’re absolutely fine to restoring it to usable condition. There are many Great Wheels already in museums. There is no reason to not restore yours. No one needs to be coming at you about it. Happy spinning!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! I feel relief to hear that. 💜

[@barbaragaspard1989]

​@JillianEve I have one thing to say that is, the moment you bought and paid for this wheel it is YOUR choice to do with as you please. You don't need approval of anyone to or not to restore, sorry it really urks me when someone tries to shove their authority or opinion based on that person's position.

[@robinmitchell4721]

I have a meme for that.@@barbaragaspard1989

[@Sunburst_No]

To be clear, museums don't have authority over paid property. That's just ridiculous to believe otherwise.

[@eingliskzoo]

just what I was going to write! I'm a retired museum educator.

[@katievowell212]

Thank you for always wanting to do things as true to historically acurate as possible. Sometimes that balance of what is historical vs. what makes a piece functional is hard. I've refinished some heirloom furniture, and I always tell myself that it's needs to die just a little bit to be reborn again. So cool to see the old corn husks, but it's even better to see her restored with new ones to be a working wheel. ❤❤❤

[@JillianEve]

It is hard sometimes and I don't think there's any one right way. I like how you phrased it! 💜🧶

[@FreyaWarr]

I always wondered wtf they were talking about in sleeping beauty! Thanks for clearing up one of my greatest childhood mysteries ❤❤

[@JillianEve]

Absolutely! That part of the animated movie when Aurora is in a trance was absolute nightmare fuel when I was a kid. I remember it so clearly that I wonder if it's why I ended up as a yarn spinner! 😅🧶💜

[@jimiwills]

I AM in Scotland... Though "Muckle" is not used throughout Scotland... I think. I've only heard it on the east coast. (Means "big", btw)

[@JillianEve]

Thank you for that clarification! "Big" definitely makes sense for a wheel like this. 💜🧶😊

[@elineeugenie5224]

Beautiful work, I'd for sure watch a session of pure spinning on this wheel, great asmr!

[@saraht855]

While i do very much enjoy the trope of women hiding their yarn stash from their husbands (it just tickles me for some reason) it was so nice to see Mark being so supportive of you with this wheel 😊

[@JillianEve]

He's so supportive and actually really enjoys the referbs. He just gives a show of resistance for the camera. (Shh, don't let him know we are on to him!) 😂

[@saraht855]

@@JillianEve haha, mine is pretty supportive too

[@vikiworley5930]

My DHis very supportive and often talks me into buying!

[@hookthatyarn]

1399!!! Omgosh I’m so here for this. 👀 thank you 🤗 You are rocking the sweater you made ❤❤❤

[@kristalburns3490]

Poor Mark. He tried so hard. He also knew he was taking that wheel home. I love the look of Great Wheels.

[@erikagreenwell9892]

i cried as you cut this woman's(most probably) work. but worth it.❤️ but also cried again in love for saving the wheel. you KNOW that human loved kudos

[@resourcedragon]

If the woman who originally made those cornhusk bearings were still alive and actively spinning (i.e. imagine a fantastical world in which people don't age), she'd probably not be the least bit sentimental about it. In fact, she might well decide to use some other materials to make the bearings. I think, however, she would have been pleased with Evie's lovely reconstruction of her originals.

[@TokiWithCheese]

What a lovely video, thank you for posting

[@lisabecker9809]

Thanks!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much Lisa! I'm glad you enjoyed my great wheel video! 💜

[@clarebrady1532]

I'm so glad you made this video! I see so many wheels that need restoring on e-bay and I'm so scared of doing it because I have no carpentry skills but this has made me rethink the whole thing and maybe I can do more than I think! Thank you for restoring this gorgeous wheel so it can do what it was made to do again. I think museums should restore some more and have a working model next to their old beaten up versions they want to keep as found. So people can truly appreciate what wonderful machines they are. This goes for a LOT of broken things in museums. As someone who likes to learn how things work, I think kids would be more interested in history if they did that.

[@resourcedragon]

There are some museums that have "hands on" exhibits and I think they are an excellent idea. People have more fun that way and they learn more. However, they also then need a team to maintain the hands-on exhibits and keep them working .

[@valzahnzahn]

JUST acquired a great wheel a couple weeks ago so I believe it’s fate you posted this for my benefit lol❤❤❤

[@JillianEve]

Serendipitous! Happy spinning!

[@jsmxwll]

my great grand aunt was born in 1890 or so. she had a scar on her lower back from backing into a the spindle of a greatwheel when she was a teenager. she said they would turn it backward so the spindle faced the wall when it wasn't in use.

[@JillianEve]

🤯😱💜

[@deeztube1]

Oh my goodness, if that wheel could talk!!! 😮 so cool!!!

[@JillianEve]

I'm guessing she's maybe around 200 years old? She could be older or younger. After the bearings dried and I oiled them up, she spins with just the tiniest of effort. She looks rough, but her spin is so smooth!

[@elizabethmonsees3643]

Your sO CutE Jillian EvE💕😊Love thE CaR scenE LoL 😂 the looK on your face iS PricelesS 😄I think your AmazinG 😉 You did a GrEaT JoB restorinG your wheel sO excitinG 😃You continuE tO inspirE!🌟

[@MsLadyhorse]

She's wonderful. Im so glad you could bring her back to working life. My very first spinning wheel was a spindle wheel that i built by tying one of my drop spindles to a forked stick stuck in a hole on a 2x4 with a 26 inch bicycle rim as its drive wheel on the other end of that 2x4. I crocheted a shawl from that spindle wheel, then I learned how bobbins work...Now i have 2 cobbled together Frankenstein bobbin wheels that i built, 1 rescued flax wheel from a flea market that i think is at least 150 years old, and i still use my spindle wheel for plying and super bulky.

[@inchb.wigglet640]

Great video! If you put the old bearings in some cloth bags you could tie them on, so they would stay together forever. Also that sweater looks great on you.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

You are so skilled I marvel at your talents. Eve, I'd like to share a fun thing that happenned at PEI Fiber Festival, I met a spinner who doesn't knit, asked her what she did with her hand spun yarn, She said she was trying to sell it (only double the price she paid for the unspun fiber) but since she was from New Brunswick, a lot of people spin there and she didn't have much success at selling her handspun. So on our way back, I stopped at the place and bought 4 skeins I am so looking forward to knit, plus I offered to knit her something so she lended me a skein of Gotland which I transformed into mittens and a headband, then sent it back to her. What an honor to knit hand spun yarn. I was thinking about you a lot. I now can knit bread specific yarns !!! I have kept 10 gr, of her skein which I will incorporate on top of socks for Vicki, will send her as Christmas gift. So no need to become a spinner when I've met a non knitting spinner. I suppose may be one day we will share our knowledge.

[@lindaholmes1920]

I love that beautiful old wheel! I’m so glad she’s up and running again, what a lovely tribute to all the women of the past who spent much of their lives spinning on her.

[@JillianEve]

💜💜💜

[@pamelamaynecorreia1688]

I love that you bring them back to life.

[@drewadrawing]

I got to interact with a Great Wheel a few months ago at my spinning guild's wheel event. They really are captivating!

[@Butterflyjonesful]

Amazing.

[@sarajillianshepherd3858]

Thank you Jillian, im learning so much from you. 💕🙏

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

"No OSHA violations here." 😂 I'm all about it. What an exciting find. 🤩😍

[@VetsrisAuguste]

You just answered some questions I’ve wondered about my whole life. You also answered some I was only just starting to ask. Now I’ve got more questions. I want to hear more about spinning thread on a”great wheel”

[@runtsgal]

It’s fantastic that you got that old girl working again. I do wish I had the lroom, and the flexible spine to have one myself.

[@MarquitasKnottyCrush]

😊What a great way to start the weekend! Love your content so much and absolutely loving the crochet cardi you're wearing❤❤

[@JillianEve]

Thanks so much 😊 I hope you have a great weekend!

[@kellydietz6720]

You are so awesome, you did a great job on thee great wheel❤

[@wevrldy]

Thanks for another great video! I have a great wheel I found when living in SC Pennsylvania. I’ve spun on it successfully and now need a new drive band. Thanks for mentioning and demonstrating this!

[@beau2fulboys]

My SIL has a large walking wheel from a thrift store. The store' owner had no idea what it was. She got it for a steal. it was in rough shape, missing pieces, broken parts but she successfully got it working again.

[@MargaretUIUC]

Thanks for this video. I just bought a great wheel last week, and I'm looking forward to getting it working. I'll be rewatching this video several times!

[@LeonieHall-c4o]

That was wonderful. Great explanation Thankyou to both of you.

[@johannasaninocencio7458]

Jillian, I love that this wheel is now spinning again. I wish it could tell tales of all the women before you who graced it with use.

[@GodzHarleyGirlStudio]

4:22 worth it! This says it all. The happiest look, yeah. 🥰

[@JillianEve]

I was GIDDY! 😅

[@loganpollock1689]

I agree, holding the yarn above your shoulder for winding on or anytime is not necessary. Take a backward step and bring your left hand in front of you, at or below shoulder level then back off and wind on the yarn. For most wools, while drafting, I give the yarn just enough twist to hold together then pinch it and give the wheel a complete turn to put in the desired twist.

[@KitD2365]

I'm fascinated by walking/great wheels so I really appreciate this video. Now I will know what to look for if I decide to buy one.

[@Bd3849.]

I love a good English long draw, you've entered the world of double drafting! I think of it like the first draft is a shorter pencil roving, then you pinch off fiber source and the second draft is the real yarn. I find it's much easier to spin quickly and consistently than what most people call a long draw. It's a very good technique for CPW's and other such wheels as well (though flyer type wheels take some experimentation with tension and angle of drafting for the right amount of pull). I desperately want a great wheel but they take up so much space.

[@sandybrown1439]

I just love watching you I could watch you and listen to you for hours. The great wheel is such a wonderful addition to your channel. I look forward to spinning more on it. You did a fantastic job, I think, of getting her working again.❤ should we be calling you "Wheel Mama"? 😊

[@tracybird4547]

She’s a pretty old gal. Glad you restored her.❤

[@theverbind]

Aaahmazing! I love this so much!!!

[@EmsIsFab]

What a great video Jillian - the rgeat wheel is a cool piece for sure!

[@platedlizard]

Oh thank goodness! I bought a great wheel awhile ago but didn’t know how to fix it or use it

[@ColorsofHopeCraftsASMR]

I want to spend a weekend at your house. My husband would never let me get old wheels and restore them. They look so cool.

[@cuppajavaplease]

We have one of these great wheels as well as a flax wheel in our family home which was built in 1836. They are in storage and have never been "rehabilitated," sadly.

[@robinmitchell4721]

You might want to hot glue a bit of ribbon to the top of that cork and hang it some place handy on that great wheel so you don't misplace it & keep it nearby to top off that spindle. Wouldn't want any more 'Sleeping Beauty's now, would we?

[@kimreese9400]

Thank you for doing this video with the great wheel! She's truly a magnificent old lady, I'm so happy that you and the Wheel Daddy got her working again! I can imagine her humming with pleasure to be creating again! I once had the opportunity to try one of these wheels, but was a very new spinner and stupidly chickened out. That'll never happen again! Thanks for showing us how it was done! Lovely to watch!

[@LindsayBouie]

This is so cool!and i love your cardigan!

[@samio6978]

In my opinion, if it's in good enough shape that it can be repaired to be used, it should be repaired. These were tools and were meant to be used. I think if the person who made that wheel knew that it was being lovingly repaired to be put back in use in the year 2023, they'd be glad to know that someone was still using it.

[@herbwitch5681]

Someone on a FB group sent me here, and I’m so grateful they did. I just brought my elderly lady home today, and was clueless about what she needed. Your cornhusk tutorial was just what I needed! Thanks!

[@ThisSmallGnome]

This was such a great video. I love seeing old tools in use and something like this Great Wheel that requires skill to use is wonderful to see. Also enjoying the cameos by Mark & his hands. Favorite moment: cutty thing.

[@traceytowner176]

Very Cool! I just bought my second great wheel! This second one works fantastically and I am so glad I bought it. The first one has an accelerator that is being rebuilt. The inside of the hub is made out of bone which is so cool. I am jazzed someone is sharing my love for great wheels! I totally laughed when you were in the car filming with that priceless look on your face of dragging something home that only a mother (spinner) could love! Best to you!

[@jimiwills]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing this ❤

[@rodneyferris4089]

What an amazing project!

[@valeriegeorgevitch3876]

That was so enjoyable!!! I am currently reading The Armor of Light, by Ken Follet in the Kingsbridge Series and it involves spinning and weaving in the 18th century.

[@mindyalbright4491]

I watched someone recently who used the hub to align the yarn to wind on. It was an interesting method. Obviously, when it was the only style of wheel, it was used for whatever type of spinning was needed. Spinners did what was needed, and adapted. ("I can do that.")

[@TheSarahLindy]

She is the moment 😍 I always love seeing items restored to working order, especially when they were originally created to be *used* 🥰 I think you’ve honored her by giving her new life & an opportunity to teach generations that may never otherwise have occasion to see one of these in action! ♥️

[@kelleybyrd6303]

Oh thank goodness I found you!!! My sister gave me a great wheel for my birthday and I am now ready to restore it, thanks to you!

[@nghtguy13]

Fantastic video. It's always a good video when ✨️Wheel Daddy✨️ does a cameo. Lol Also, the editing on this and the quality of the video is 🤌 Chef's kiss. Awesome stuff, Evie ❤ Ps: I love when Mark is ways like "no, it won't work and we aren't getting it" then every time... you cut to you taking advantage of your wifey ways and end up with whatever it was you wanted 😂😂😂🎉 Played, Mark, played. 😂

[@JillianEve]

He knew as soon as he spotted it that it was coming home with us! 🤣🤣🤣

[@nghtguy13]

@@JillianEve 😂🤣😂 well trained! Haha

[@resourcedragon]

@@JillianEve: I had the feeling he knew, he just needed to put up some token resistance.

[@barbaragaspard1989]

I love watching and listening to you, also so proud that you figured how to spin on your great wheel comfortably and not trying to copy the ballet dance often seen when watching others use this whel. Can't wait for more videos, I always learn something new with you.

[@mylena3086]

Everything about this is beautiful

[@Tinas_Workshop]

You did "GREAT" and proved hubby wrong, you got it working. I was given one in working order but have yet to use it as my "studio/workshop/familyroom" is only so big. When you said how you hooked your thumb my brain went to "hook your thumb" just before you said it, ha, GREAT minds think alike.

[@emmagoff]

So glad its not just me that gets stressed trying on a new drive band😂

[@aggierowe9574]

I sub to a number of wool related YT vids and I love love love this video. I am a diehard knitter and won’t learn to spin bc I love yarn too much haha but I do love learning about the history of spinning. You could say I appreciate you guys a lot!

[@lizabethhampton4537]

Taking up spinning is dangerous for folks like us lol

[@aggierowe9574]

@@lizabethhampton4537 yes indeed!

[@seedsanddreamshomestead5357]

This was so very informative as always !!! I passed up purchasing a great wheel this summer , not knowing where to begin And after seeing this I know I made the right choice. In comparison I would have had to do a huge amount of part replacement and the wheel looking back now was way to warped. Thank you for this education it is much appreciated

[@adinasalmansohn9842]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a Shaker great wheel, and I need to replace the corn husk bearings too but on my wheel, the bearings fit through holes in the maidens and are fastened on the back sides. You have given me the courage to finally tackle this job, even though it means digging the remains of the old bearings out of the holes. I actually cheered when I saw the corn husks on the screen!

[@JillianEve]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lizrose7195]

So fun and fascinating! Thank you! 💖

[@melsmith5833]

Crazy, incredible and amazing! I would love to own a spinning wheel!

[@nz-nz]

What an amazing video!!!! You have such great knowledge and appreciation Evie. Have you watched the UK program called “The Repair Shop”? This reminds me of that.

[@JillianEve]

Not yet! I'll check it out. Currently Mark and I are enjoying Flea Market Flip on Hulu. We watch the background of the flea markets to spot old sewing machines and spinning wheels. It's fun!

[@nz-nz]

@@JillianEve sounds “dangerous”!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@lisadavies5949]

I love love love your channel. This episode is friggin awesome. Its playing as i write this, but i had to comment. I dont think you should worry at all about negative comments. I agree with the others who said its yours to do with what you want. It is always clear that you approach anything you are sharing on your channel with both respect and gratitude for the history of that tool or subject. Keep doing what you do. You have such a nice and friendly personality.

[@alexisasheep6554]

I think a walking wheel would be just a bit bigger, i remember in one of the farm series documentaries with Ruth Goodman the walking wheel she used was really good and she really needed to actually walk yo use it, it was pretty funny and amazing

[@rusticwool4637]

Thank you for this! I’ve been looking for a wheel just like this but can’t find any information. I feel like I know what to look for now, I love this channel!

[@bethhasilo1536]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video...I enjoyed it so much, I watched it twice! You are preserving history even if you have to make a few modern tweeks. Bless You! Question: Why does the spindle have to be so pointy? I don't see the point being used say like a knitting needle's point. Was it to poke the spindle through the bearings? We didn't see you put the spindle through the bearings so I think I may have answered my own question. 🤔😉

[@JillianEve]

As it turns, the twisting fibers/yarn flick off the point. If it is blunt it makes a vibrating sensation that isn't pleasant at best and could snag and tear at the yarn at worst if the edge is rough. Pointy just works best.

[@bethhasilo1536]

Thanks for the quick reply. This makes total sense. Did you name your Great Wheel? She's a Beauty...hmmm, Beauty would be a great name for her. 😂

[@tattercandy]

i got myself a flax wheel , need some tlc , the area in my room is not ready for it . I look forward to using it . i do not know anything about it yet as i have left it wraped to keep it safe in storage for now .

[@jimiwills]

I never preserve.. always get things useful. Though it can be nice to try and maintain the aesthetic, it's not always possible for me. Also, I love the purple nails.

[@YarnyMassings]

Hi I really liked the information on the great wheel. Would it be possible to get some measurements on the spindle shaft and the mother of all?

[@lisastone345]

cooollllllll

[@tamesonob]

Your great wheel is so tiny. I'm the same height as you or slightly taller (5'8 in highschool but probably not anymore) and I do have to take a few steps with mine. Gonna try your thumb trick and see if it works for me.

[@JillianEve]

Yes! I've seen wheels much taller than this one. I'm not sure if this wheel was made for a smaller person or it was just the way someone wanted it. It fits well in my space though so I can't complain.

[@benf262]

I would consider that preserving, in other cultures, its not what makes the object but the intent of it and I like to subscribe to the same idea. imagine what the original owners would do to the corn husks today. it would be right in the trash and much less delicately. getting it in working condition is preserving the original spirit anyways

[@MamamanaDoDo]

This is so very cool. What resources do you use to determine how things might have been done?

[@JillianEve]

Primary sources whenever I can find them, academic papers, artwork, books, etc. Lots of reading!

[@thegadflysnemesis4102]

this is so interesting!!! I've been really enjoying your channel for getting a sense of the more intricate practical details of historical spinning, and this video couldnt have come at a better time as I've been very interested in historical great wheel spinning lately. I wonder if it's possible to spin flax on the great wheel? You briefly demonstrated a two-handed drafting method, which makes me think... maybe so? but then again all references ive heard to great wheels only mention spinning wool on them

[@JillianEve]

We should experiment!

[@Zimoria]

They say, 1400-00, yarn over Oops, out of time So tonight I'm gonna spin like it's 1399

[@elfieblue3175]

Do the thing you need to do to get the thing you want to use. I wouldn't be making quilts on my treadle sewing machine if I valued its original parts over its original function.

[@NWFLDeaconsWife]

Your Great Wheel is marvelous! I used to have a Box Chakra from India for spinning cotton into sewing thread. I wonder how historic one would be? I gave it away to a collector who did me a huge favor once, as she was extremely interested in it, so it was my thank you gift to her for her help. I went back to my drop spindle spinning and have stuck with that ever since (bottom whorl, in case you were wondering). Some day I may get another Box Chakra, but I have to save my pennies for it. Are there any plans available to build a Great Wheel replica? Or are most folks interested more in the Treadle Wheels now? I love your videos, btw! Thank you for teaching us so much about this honorable craft! ❤❤😊

[@amazonhubert4907]

I think it was good you replaced the bearings it does no one good to leave them on there and not use the wheel. Although I would be interested in if you could test to see how old the old bearings were since this is an old wheel. How efficient is it to spin on that wheel?

[@JillianEve]

I wonder how they could be tested 🤔 this wheel, paired with rolags is incredibly efficient!

[@amazonhubert4907]

@@JillianEve I'm not certain but maybe carbon dating would work.

[@kerrynelson94]

I have seen spindle on a traditional wheel And also the end of the spindle gets sharper I have seen a traditional spinning wheel with a spindle I do not know if it was custom built also the end of the spindle wear with use I

[@belligerentkitten]

I'm curious as to what would have been used in medieval europe instead of corn husks, since if I understand correctly, corn is native to the americas, and wasn't available in europe until after the colonisation of the americas.

[@JillianEve]

Maybe stalks of wheat, rye, or oats?

[@thesentienttoadstool9369]

I’m curious. Since corn as we understand it today is a North American species, I wonder what would have been used during the medieval period for the bearings

[@jacquiz.6837]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@JillianEve]

I would guess any similar kind of braided, fibrous, material could be used. Maybe the dried stalks of wheat, barley or rye? Leather could also be used for bearings. Whatever material, it just needs to be strong enough that it won't fall apart under the friction of the spindle turning and hold some kind of lubrication to run smoothly.

[@thesentienttoadstool9369]

@@JillianEve Thanks!

[@jant4741]

See the hole on the maiden? Looks to me like that’s where a heavy leather maiden bearing could be pegged on.

[@elynapege6467]

Absolutely fantastic find and restoration project. That's one of my favorite types of videos. Old tools, new fixes and a whole lot of crafting! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more content about your finds! 🧶l 🛞

[@l.e.5930]

No name for this one yet? What about Ruth? I think you found a new "friend" 😉😉

[@valeriegaddis5973]

Thanks for covering the great wheel. Several restoration tips on my KZbin channel Valerie Gaddis. Great wheels are a fantastic fiber tool

[@Sincyn241]

Very excited for this video, but immediately distracted by your glorious cardigan! Did you spin the yarn for it? If so, please more information about the color palette? If not, where did you get it? It’s beautiful on you.

[@JillianEve]

Thanks! The wool was dyed by Created By Else B. and I have a few videos on my channel about how I spun it and crocheted it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2qXla2Gn82WrKc

[@holliebuff958]

Is that wheel ok for a beginner?

[@JillianEve]

A beginner with determination and motivation will be able to spin on just about any equipment as long as it is functional. Go for it!

[@zoegras4787]

How exactly would someone used this wheel for worsted spinning?? Was it just a ton of finger control?

[@JillianEve]

I'm working on a video to explore this with historical references 😄

[@craycray375]

There is no treadle or crank for these kinds of wheels?

[@JillianEve]

Not this wheel! 😀

[@cathleenc6943]

Can you spin linen with it?

[@JillianEve]

We should experiment!

[@rosakoko5049]

WHAT KIND OF SHOES ARE YOU WEARING, DID YOU SEW THESE SLIPPERS YOURSELF?

[@JillianEve]

Thanks! They are made by Everleigh Meadow. 💜

[@rosakoko5049]

@@JillianEve very rare- thank you 💖💖💖

[@kayrigetta9462]

Have you named her yet??😊

[@JillianEve]

She hasn't told me her name yet, so I haven't! Any suggestions?

[@kayrigetta9462]

@@JillianEve Grand old long draw Susie.

[@valoriec]

How old do you reckon this wheel is?

[@JillianEve]

Probably from 1800s. Could be older could be newer from that century.

[@valoriec]

@@JillianEve That's so exciting! You're spinning on something a woman used over a hundred years ago. I just love it.

[@tracysmith7935]

I saw a "re-enactment" about 40 yrs ago where a woman was using a "wooden stick" in her right hand to turn the great wheel while she spun some white wool rolages. It helped her get the angle off of the spindle tip she was comfortable with. I believe that each spinner got into their comfort zone while spinning.

[@JillianEve]

Brilliant!

[@CarrieCraftGeek]

As a girl from Indiana I am just fascinated by the corn husk bearings. So cool.