It's always
rewarding when you listen to a speaker who is passionate about their subject.
Val Bryant told us about her interest in spinning wheels. Born into a family
with a long connection to the textile industry, Val has been spinning since a
young child. After retiring from the NT
Styal Mill, she and her husband have been researching the history of spinning
wheels and searching out wheels from all over the country. Val described the
development of domestic spinning technology from Roman times to the early part
of the 20th century. Her researches have taken from the Scottish Islands through stately homes to Royal
residences, from crofters' wheels to those owned by Queen Victoria. Her
particular interest is in the different designs from different makers. Val
demonstrated how to use a wheel to turn
carded wool into yarn. A craft which she made looked deceptively simple.
Val's husband David
repairs and makes spinning wheels. See his website.
For those wanting to
know more about this subject follow link.
Val also alerted us
to events at her local Knutsford Heritage Centre. For example there is an
display on the History of Booth's supermarket. Follow link for more
details.