I've had an interest in spinning for a few years. Recently a friend got a spinning wheel from her husband for a birthday or anniversary gift. She doesn't spin but "might some day". For now it just sits in her living room and I admire it every time I go to her house. At our last knit night one of the ladies gave me a small paperback book about spindle spinning. So the bug bit. I started searching Craigslist. I found a spinning wheel for what seemed like a reasonable price but not knowing a thing about wheels I did a little research, decided to trust my instincts and went to look at it nearly blind. I knew just enough to know some parts were supposed to move and/or separate from other parts and this wheel clearly had some issues and not worth what she was asking. A few days later I asked my dad to look at it and see if he thought it could be repaired and if so if she'd take $50 for it. He did, she did, he brought it home. When I went over to look at it a week later (with a week's more knowledge) it didn't look quite as promising. Dad seemed intrigued about fixing it up but i asked him not to put too much effort into it because I couldn't say if it would ever be useful for spinning. He's thinking he can put a little work into it and resell it. Meanwhile, another Craigslist posting nearby for a garage sale specifically listed a wheel.
Well, this has been an interesting experience to say the least! The wheel was still there and I gave it anoher good look. I. chatted with her a little more; she gave all it's history that she knew - that she used to be a Realtor and bought it from a client 30 years ago in it's current state and a few more prior details. I asked her again what she wanted for it. Still $175 but to make an offer and she would consider it. She mentioned another lady looked yesterday but never returned (anyone, anyone?) She said she knew it needed work and I told her I had done some research. She was very interested when I said I knew people who restore wheels; she went on about somebody not reputable could wreck something. My husband and kids were with me and I consulted with my husband off to the side for a good five minutes; how much to offer, how high we could go, what I liked about it, what needed repair, what repairs might cost, etc. We decided to offer $100 and see where it went. Here's where it gets interesting....my husband asked her name and we told her ours. She said "this is really hard for me " I asked, "selling this? " and she said yes and got a little choked up. My husband offered $125 and she just shook her head and excused herself and walked away. My husband said he couldn't bring himself to only offer $100 because of her reaction. We agreed on $150 while she was away. When she returned she apologized and said she didn't have a problem with anything else at the sale. Now she isn't and never was a spinner, the previous owner wasn't either. My husband offered $150 and through tears she still said no. Obviously there is more to his wheel to her than probably anyone will ever know. We didn't make another offer. I got he feeling that even if we would have offered $175 she might not have even taken it. She gave me her phone number in case i changed my mind. I'll keep my eye on CL in case it pops upagain. If I'm still looking maybe it would be the right time for her. It was clear today was not the day. I guess every wheel has a story; this one seems to have nothing to do with spinning.....I feel a little melancholy about the whole thing this evening. I did remember my actual camera and took a bunch of pictures. Sigh.
Wheel Pictures
1 from the end
2 flier and bobbin
3 tension knob & MOA
4 spokes
5 MOA & bobbin/flier
