mable
Miner's Head Spindle Spinning Wheels Old Sturbridge Village: Minor's patent accelerating spinning wheel head. Minor of Marcellas, New York patented his improvements to spinning wheel heads in 1803 and 1810. Minor's patent greatly increased the speed of rotation of the spindle of wool wheels by adding a second pulley between the great wheel and the spindle pulley, more than doubling the spindle's velocity. This increased speed of rotation imparted more twist to the yarn with less effort.
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Designed and punched by Sioban McLaughlin, Dedham, Massachusetts. Made with a #10 regular Oxford Punch Needle and #8 cut (1/4") strips of wool fabric. Most of the wool was "reclaimed wool" from old clothing. Shown here on exhibit at the 2011 Shelburne Rug Show. 55" x 36".
