This is the sort of spindle wheel that Europe imported from Persia/India around 1300. I don’t think the voluminous folds of the houpelande (c. 1400) would have been as affordable without it. Here’s a PDF of how to make one out of a cigar box.
OFFER: If any woodworking person would make me such a functioning device, I will happily make them a knit garment, such as the Hooded Mantle pattern, in the color of his/her choice. Or how about a t-tunic? (Realize I’m not up to cambric shirts, yet, folks.)
I want one of these for all future spinning demos. Having one will help people see the technological transition from a drop spindle, to a spindle wheel – a device that is essentially a "turbo-charged drop spindle" as the article linked above says – to a flyer wheel like the one I tote around.
Hi, Sarah!
Me again–I’m enjoying your blog.
The book charkha (the one the cigar box is based on) was invented by Ghandi–which makes it early 20th century.
I forgot to save your email–if you’ll write me so I have it, I can scan some pictures of more period-appropriate ones (and they look like a decent woodworker or tinkerer could make one–trying one is on my ever-growing “things to do” list.
–Ann