Well, okay. Did I need another wheel? Hmm, probably not. But I didn’t have a bulky spinner. And I was trolling around on Craigslist and somehow got out around British Columbia, where bulky spinners are not uncommon, and well, um …
The seller was most accomodating. Truly, you can meet the nicest people in the world buying spinning wheels. This belonged to her husband’s Aunt Stella.
It was the most beautifully, well-packed box I’d gotten in a long, long time.
Love the graceful flyer — my husband said it reminded him of Nero’s lyre …
And the treadle looks a bit like the paddle of an oar …
Someone thought this might be what is called a “Mud River Spinner”? If anyone knows the lineage of this wheel, please let me know. In the meantime, I just enjoy looking at her!
The Wool Merchant's Daughter 
in that area, isn’t it likely to be a cowichan bulky spinner? they are called indian head spinners and were popular among the coast salish peoples / cowichan tribes for spinning the bulky yarns used in sweaters. i have one but it’s a bit different from yours, although i think there were a number of makers and cowichan/indian head simply refers to the style of wheel. i’ve also heard of mud river bulky spinners, or something like that, but i thought that referred to a specific maker.
Yes, the previous owner knitted cowichan sweaters and used this wheel for plying. She used a different wheel for her spinning. Apparently, the Mud River or Mud Valley Spinner (not sure which) was a specific maker, but I have yet to turn up anything about either the maker or the wheels. I just thought the flyer on this was so charming! I have a bulky flyer, for which I bought an old Singer sewing machine treadle, but never quite got around to figuring out how they hook up together. This seemed so much easier. And stylish. And you know I am trying to acquire one of every type of wheel, so this was a great example of its type!
Don’t you love the way I rationalize everything wheel-related?
did you see this rav post? http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/working-wheels/1597416/26-50#42
looks an awful lot like your beauty!!
Hey there,
I just wanted to let you know that is in NOT a Mud River Spinner. The Mud River Spinner was made by man named Lin Black (my Dad). Mud River is an area west of Prince George, B.C.
Hi,
I am very interested in your Mud River Spinning Wheel!
My Grandfather agrees that this is what you bought. My father copied the plans for this kind of spinner, making minor changes and he made several while living in B.C. himself! If your could ever part with yours I am very interested as my father passed away 2 years ago of cancer and his second wife and I are not on good terms. She last had possesion of the only remaining wheel.
This is a Mud River Spinner named after the maker who lived in Mud River, BC just south west of Prince George. I bought mine in the mid 70’s and looks just like this. A nice feature is the ability to spin a thick or thin yarn.
Whoa! Lin black is your dad?! I just came to see about mud valley spinners and i have one in front of me right now!! It has “1980” “LiN” in the arch! I’d love to know more about it if he’s offering info, or if you are! I adore it!!
I have a Lin Black made Mud River Spinning Wheel for sale. It’s in very good shape. I’m downsizing some and own 2 wheels. I live in Williams Lake. Let me know if you’re interested. Carol
Carol, hi! Would be very interested in your Mud River spinner! Where is Williams Lake? Do you have a photo of your wheel? What are you asking for her? Out of complete curiousity, what is your other wheel? You can email me directly at: woolmerchantsdaughter@yahoo.com Thanks for thinking of me! — Kat
Hi, I was born in Vanderhoof B.C. and will be driving there this summer. If you can wait that long. E-mail bednarikcheri@hotmail.com
I’ve used one, back in the late 70’s. They were made by a guy who lived in the Mud River valley, about 12 miles west of the city of Prince George, BC. I was too clumsy to run a trad wheel, but I could go like Hello with the MRS. In that day and time, the College of New Caledonia had a very vibrant Fiber Arts program and the MRS was quite common.
Hello Lindy.
I lived in Prince George in the 70’s and bought a spinning wheel that I was told is a Mud River Spinner.
May I please send you a photograph for confirmation that it was made by your father?
If you read this, may we exchange e-mails so that I can launch the photograph to you directly?
Please and thanks
Shirley
I too am looking for a wheel like yours. If anyone has one for sale please contact me at bittersweetfarm@socket.net
Lindy..I have a wheel that your Dad made, It is Signed by him. but it isn’t a bulky spinner. I got it from Laura Fry from PG. Mine is Very different & have no Idea how many he made. I can send you pictures of it. Is it possible to ask him about it? do you know about the other wheels he made other then the Mud River Spinners?
I bought my Mud River spinning wheel in Prince George in the early 70’s. I loved using it, but moved on to other things. Have held on to it because I love it, but would now be happy to sell it to someone who will use it and love it too! I’m on Vancouver Island, near Nanaimo.
I have one like you are describing I bought it today 2nd hand but the band on the bigger wheel keeps slipping when I apply any tugging to my draft …any ideas how to remedy this issue?
What is the driveband made from? It sounds like it wants more traction and a little more tension, maybe?
Can anyone leave a link to other photos of these wheels, i have one that I am trying to find the history on it. I purchased it in the early 1970’s. although I thought I was made in Napa, ca.
Cynthia, you can forward a .jpg photo to: woolmerchantsdaughter (a) yahoo[dot]com and I can post it for you. In fact, it might be interesting to our readers to have a separate page for identifying wheels. I’m always interested in seeing what other wheels are out there!
I am interested in purchasing a Mud River spinning wheel or one like it. I can be reached at jryder1@hotmail.com. I have heard it called several different names as well. Thanks so much.
I am definitely interested in your Mud River Spinner. Please contact me at jryder1@hotmail.com
Today I got my Mud River (Valley) Spinner and mine says “Lin 1978”. I am so excited to start using it! It is just beautiful to look as and I am thinking it will be wonderful to spin with! Just thought I’d post an update!
how does one know if they have a lin or not? where should i look for markings? and what would they be?
I wish I could find one for sale… I would absolutely love a wheel like that.