Collections Database

Description:
Basket floor swift (also known as an umbrella swift) used for unwinding the yarn from a spun skein onto a bobbin or quill in preparation for weaving. This example consists of 18 wooden bars spinning around a central shaft mounted on a round wooden block. There is also some yarn. When fully extended, the winder is 28.5 x 28.5 inches wide. Adjustable; bottom drops down with thumb screw and top remains stationary.

Subjects:
Textile fabrics

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+69.1133

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.