Hero
William Golding, not the author, but, well-known maker of spinning wheels was at the NY wool festival. He’s legendary. But, his booth was tucked in a far corner and could be easily missed. His work is prized and the prices for his work are stupendous. How much? I came across his name at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival where one of his wheels was auctioned. The bidding climbed into the thousands and a woman won with a bid in excess of $3k. Yeah! That’s a lot of money. It was easily the showstopper item of the auction. So, to meet Mr. Golding in person was an honor. He was a bit embarrassed to be sure. Nonetheless I shamelessly asked for a picture of he and his son. We bought as drop spindle for some money but not nearly the $9k for one of his wheels shown here. Craftsmanship! It’s like a Ferrari. You can drive in style… or not. Your choice. I was tickled to meet the man.
Spindle
Made it. Me. I made it. Them. I recall the words of Barry Schact of Schact Spindle Company. The company started by making spindles from door knobs. It’s pretty simple really. You need a dowel and a round (knob) object. The funny thing is that we visited The Woolery. They had spindles from $12 to $100. And I am sure they are even more expensive as the intricate artwork is embellished. See: “Golding” (like the Ferrari of weaving gear). Duh! So I got an old spinning wheel part (broken and discarded) and a round disc (Michael’s). The dowels are from Lowe’s. We don’t go to Home Depot anymore. They are bad politically. Hooks too. A little stain and finish, done. I guess the price was about $10 – the pair. Oh! Sorry! I got dowels in Michael’s; these were made from wood knitting needles (Michael’s). Dead simple and eminently more economical. Thank you Barry. (We actually met him in Boulder about this time a year ago.)
Schacht Spindle Company
We took a tour of a factory. Schacht Spindle Company started making spindles and are since famous for their weaving products of which they make well known and well regarded looms and spinning wheels. Barry, the President cordially met us when we showed up unannounced. He personally gave us a tour. The hand made products are made and assembled with highest regard to quality. Improvements are constantly being made. It’s a fine operation. There’s something nice about watching the care and craftsmanship so abundantly on hand as we toured. The sheep were photographed, reproduced and later painted from a trip to Scotland many years ago. Many thanks Barry; we were so impressed.
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