Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Fiber tools: skein winder and lazy kate

  • wcu_craft_revival-6102.jpg
  • After the fiber was spun, dyed, and plyed, the finished skein was wound onto a spool or bobbin. The skein winder and lazy kate mechanism helped to speed up this process. The spool was stuck onto the metal arm and the handle was turned to take up the thread. The remaining four dowels would hold bobbins filled or waiting to be filled. This piece dates to the 1800s; its creator is unknown.