The Beauty of Padise: Spinning Wheel Restoration

This video documents the restoration of a unique spinning wheel from Padise, Estonia. I am a folklorist researching the material culture of wool and textile crafts in Estonia, and part of my work involves studying antique textile tools. I am also a handspinner, so I love to put those tools to work in my own craft.

I found this spinning wheel for sale in Haapsalu, Estonia. The seller told me that his grandfather made it for his grandmother, who used it extensively throughout her life. When I got the spinning wheel, it needed a fresh coat of oil and wax, and the moving parts needed to be realigned and lubricated. This video shares the restoration process and explains some of the unusual features of the spinning wheel.

As a craftsperson specializing in handmade textiles, it is always a delight and an honor to bring a spinning wheel back to life. Knitting and weaving with yarn from wool that I have processed and spun myself makes me feel more invested in the process. This beauty from Padise has taught me so much and broadened my sense of what was possible in the design and construction of spinning wheels in Estonia. I hope that this video gives you a sense of its unique beauty and compelling history.

Research for this video was supported by the Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad (EKKAV) programme and the Education and Youth Board of Estonia.

All music is from https://www.epidemicsound.com/
Sandra Marteleur -- Våryra
Sandra Marteleur -- Över Vidderna
Solomon Elwes -- You Might Learn To Fly (Instrumental Version)
Sandra Marteleur -- Drömmaren