Skein Reel journey

These reels are based on equipment learned about in Southeast Asia.  I first noticed them in Laos. I later saw them in use inThailand, Burma and Vietnam.  Both the Lao and the Cambodians use them to wind their pirns for their weft ikat.

My first reel was built out of loom parts salvaged from our guild house.  You’ll see how I used the old cloth beam as my axle point.  And some old tapestry joints worked well for providing an axis

I later bought one from Habu and gave the prototype to a friend.

I plan to make another based on a simpler format as illustrated here.

They all work well with fine silks.

Silk Reel Winder