Meet the Great Wheel - spinning wool in the Revolutionary War era

Wool yarn was a necessary textile in the Revolutionary War era - but where did it come from? Join us as we visit Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation and speak with Eva Mergen about how to turn wool into yarn. We will also learn a little about popular sheep breeds of the era. This overview will take you from the barnyard to the wheel to clothing!
This episode is made possible by our strategic partnership with ALHFAM. Find out more about their excellent work in the museum field at: www.alhfam.org/
Interested in visiting Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation for yourself? Find out more here: www.colonialpl...
Do you like the soundtrack to the episode? Find out more at: 1stmichigan.com/
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[@charlottehertlein996]

Thank you for this! So much information learned in just a few minutes!

[@RevolutionaryGazette]

Glad you enjoyed! We can’t wait to be back with more soon!

[@kellicoffman8440]

Loved this video just wanted to mention that a lot patriotic people boycotted British imports during the revolution and home cloth spinning became more widespread.

[@Beaguins]

I used to teach carding to school kids at a Colonial Days event, and my mother and sister taught spinning. I miss those days! COVID interrupted it, and sadly the director hasn't brought it back since. Great video! I love anything to do with historical farming and practical crafts.

[@michaelpthompson]

Well done on that spinning wheel Will.

[@rickschuman2926]

Spinning give immediate gratification, as happens with all the trades that involve something spinning as part of the process.

[@mycosys]

I used to watch mum spin on her Ashford and much later her custom differential castle, she used to spin and knit to make some side money after she kicked dad out. Would dearly love to see someone as expert with the great wheel, they must have been so busy.

[@bowmac54]

Wonderful video, easy to hear and understand. Thank you

[@944gemma]

Great video.

[@williamkuhns2387]

Please make a video of the original wool carders made from dried "fullers teasle" seed pods from a type of thistle plant. The dried thistle heads are anchored into a wood frame side by side.

[@RevolutionaryGazette]

We will look into it!!

[@williamkuhns2387]

@@RevolutionaryGazette The wild fullers teasle seed pods have straight outward pointing burrs and the cultivated form with selected seeds the pods have inward curving burrs/hooks. The burrs have just the right "spring" to card the wool fibers without breaking them.

[@abcstardust]

Excellent video. This is the first one I’ve seen that actually shows the walk away/ rewind.
Thank you!

[@ScottAvellino1]

Next time you come back to the CPP I’ll be there in my 18th century stuff to greet you 😂

[@kathosim501]

This was interesting - I’ve never seen a great wheel in action. It seems like more work than a drop spindle and not appreciably faster, though. Or is that just walking through it for the camera?

[@RevolutionaryGazette]

It works more like a drop in that it's a spindle rather than a bobbin for sure. The load and re-load time is rather quicker than a drop, in my experience - as well as the length of yarn you can create before having to stop. Glad you enjoyed! Will

[@yolandaacuna4237]

Me gustaria que la explicación fuera en estañol

[@loganpollock1689]

The only thing I don't agree with is all the stooping as they're turning the wheel. I have always kept my back straight and moved my right hand to another spoke to continue turning the wheel. There is some difference in carding and spinning depending on staple length and fiber thickness.

[@RevolutionaryGazette]

Some of the issue might be that I’m 6’2”. Lol. Happy New Year!

[@williamkuhns2387]

Flax is spun on the "small wheel " that's the one with the foot treadle.

[@flyingpinguu]

Thank you for the video! I have a question. Why was this type of walking wheel still in use in the 18th century when there already where spinning wheels with foot pedal and flyer around? Seems much easier on the body and probably faster.

[@MrChinasyndrome]

Few people these days have the skill to use a walking wheel at the speeds common in the past. The wheel would be given a flick and the accomplished spinner could run, skip or dance back and forth. There is a technique for flipping the yarn across and winding on without stopping. Sitting for a long spinning session can be harder on the body than using a walking wheel. Also the walking wheel is much easier to make, maintain and repair. The danger is the spike which must have caused many nasty injuries in busy households.