A solitary crane
In winter snow
Needs no jewels.
Deng Ming~Dao
Do you believe in Karma? I do.
Earlier this spring out of the blue I was contacted by a man named Tom Livernois. He had found my contact information via my blog. It turns out that he had read this post from 2007.
Anyone who knows me knows I jumped all over his note regarding the revival of the Magnus Drudik Spinning wheel.
Tom and I emailed back and forth and he told me his story of how he had been apprenticing with Magnus over the last year and was curious as to if people would be interested in purchasing these wheels made by him under the direction of Magnus.
Hmmmm…..again…..hmmmm….
Of course not knowing Tom or seeing his handiwork, I had to admit that I was extremely curious and hesitant all at the same time. I told Tom that if he had a wheel in birdseye or curly maple I would love to see it……and wouldn't you know….yep, he had one and would send me some pictures…
There was a tiny part of me that was almost hoping that this wasn't true….that the wheel would not be that special…because you know me….how would I be able to resist? Refer back to the old post that Tom found……yes, it is indeed a sickness. A sickness that I keep telling Mr. Woolen Rabbit that will take better care of us in our old age than our 401K. ;-).
The pictures of the wheel in the beginning stages of production arrived and I gulped. Yes…even in it's unfinished condition, I could tell that this one was special, and I was intrigued and VERY excited. Excited not only for me, but for all of the spinners out there.
Many of our beloved spinning wheel masters are aging and there is the fear amongst us that the craftsmanship of these wheels will disappear with them. Magnus has been considered a master spinning wheel maker and his wheels have been coveted for as long as I can remember, so to know that Magnus is training up someone to take the helm for him…is well, just wonderful!
Over the next few months Tom and I conversed back and forth via email about my wheel that he was making and wheels in general. I think that he and I share a passion for wheels that speak to us. Just this evening we were saying how each wheel is it's own entity and has it's own energy….and should have it's rightful owner.
I believe this amazing wheel has found her rightful owner and I am so thankful that Karma led Tom to my blog. In turn I want to send some of that Karma back to Tom by introducing him to you. He is such a kind, enthusiastic and kindred spirit and you can reach him here.
The Woolen Rabbit 
Oh, Kim, I’m gasping….this wheel is magnificent! Can’t think of anyone who deserves it more! (I did “know” another Magnus Drudik wheel…that one belongs to the woman I used to call my mentor. However, she took an attitude when she learned that I bought my Schacht Anniversary wheel from YOU…my mentor no more! On the other hand, you are now my HERO!) Enjoy every minute you spend on that treasure! (Yes, I know there are a lot of exclamation points…that’s the way I feel about this post.)
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Enjoy, enjoy! I’m glad to see you post this, I hope Tom gets a lot of new wheel orders.
I pulled my Drudik out of its long hibernation finally and am spinning again. It was a long hiatus, waiting for the babies to get a little older, but now I have a precious few minutes every few days to spin. I am also knitting up yarn that you dyed… So wonderful to feel fiber in my fingers again.
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Love.
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It’s a gorgeous wheel, Kim, and I can see why you fell in love with it. The wood! Oh, the wood! Enjoy.
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Love. Love. Love. She’s a real thing of beauty alright. Enjoy her! I saw that post Tom left you and wondered what would come of it. Very, very happy that you now have one.
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It’s easy to see how beautiful the wheel is and why you and Laurie needed to own one. You have a lovely collection, not a sickness, it’s a true love of great spinning tools (and beautiful home furnishings). 😉
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It certainly is a beautiful wheel! How could you possibly resist?
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I still have my blinders on in regards to spinning, myself, but I can still recognize and appreciate beauty… right there! It’s lovely, Kim. And love the story of how you all met. ; )
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Believe me, I could hardly speak when I saw the wood. Incredible. Tom was very nice and thrilled to be showing off his wheels.
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Beautiful wheel. Beautiful quote.
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The wheel is spectacular…and I don’t even spin. Jo
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I’m jealous. I just started spinning with a drop spindle and have started looking for wheels. I am just now realizing how hard it is to find the right one.
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Wow wow wow! Your wheel is breathtaking!
It was a thrill to see Laurie’s wheel on Friday :/)
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Such exquisite pictures! You did the wood perfect justice. It really is karmic, isn’t it? I’m just starting to understand that better.
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oh kim, what a beautiful post; i’m glad you got a little consolation prize for missing rhinebeck. i hope you spent lots of time with your new wheel over the weekend.
we really REALLY missed you at the fair; you can’t stay home next year!
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I have to thank you, Kim, for bringing your wheel to SOAR. I saw your wheel and RAN to your booth. Having been on Magnus’s waiting list for years, I was thrilled when you told me Tom Livernoir was taking orders on them. I’m happily on his waiting list and owe it all to you. THANK YOU!!!!! Blessings, Lynn
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Well, I came back to look at Kim’s pictures again, and I still can’t figure out how she managed to hide all my mistakes. :)… must be great photography. 🙂 I was certainly surprised to read all the comments! Much thanks to Kim for being so encouraging, supportive and trusting.
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Hi, just found this by chance on the web. I make spinning wheels in the Scottish Borders and would like to make contact with Magnus’S Apprentice to swop stories and construction querries.
Illustrations show high quality craftsmanship
Roderick Grant
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