Babe Spinning Wheels

The motto here is "function over form." While Babe Spinning Wheels are indeed made of plumbing pipe, they all work very well. The idea is that you can enter the world of spinning for almost nothing; if you like the fun, then moving up to a more traditional wheel may be in your future.

Another interesting fact: these products are produced with the help of adults with disabilities in a setting that allows them to achieve their maximum potential.

Babe Fiberstarter

If you don't mind its looks, this is a great inexpensive spinning wheel to start with. Yes, it is made of PVC plastic pipe but it works very well. It has a built-in Lazy Kate and SIX bobbins (2 ratios: three 5 :1 and three 6:1 bobbins) are included. Wheel diameter: 17 3/4". Orifice: 3/8". Ball bearings. Only weighs 7 lbs. Assembles in minutes. The BABE FIBERSTARTER is available as a single and double treadle model. Wheel prices include shipping within the continental US.

BAB-0117 - Single treadle $195 - FREE SHIPPING
BAB-0217 - Double treadle $235 - FREE SHIPPING

Babe Production

a larger model is also available. Wheel diameter: 21 1/4". Ratios: 5 7/8:1 (3 bobbins included) and 7.5.:1 and 19.5:1 (3 bobbins included). Orifice: 3/8". Ball bearings. Available as a single (7 lbs.) and double treadle (8 lbs.) model. Wheel prices include shipping within the continental US.

BAB-0121 - Production Single Treadle $215 - FREE SHIPPING
BAB-0221 - Production Double Treadle $250 - FREE SHIPPING

New! BABE PLYING FLYER KIT

Includes plying flyer with sliding thread guides and 3 large 8-ounce plying bobbins. Will fit Babe Fiberstarter and Babe Production wheels.

BAB-PLY - Plying Flyer Kit $57.50

BABE PINKIE

This wheel was designed for the smaller person or child. Like all Babe wheels, it is made of PVC pipe. This one is so light (4 lbs.) you can lift it with your pinkie! Wheel diameter is 12", ratio is 3.25 to 1 and orifice height is 20 1/2". It is a single treadle wheel. It comes with 3 bobbins, ball bearings for easy turning, a Lazy Kate for plying, 1/4 lb. of wool roving to get you started and Babe's Sure Foot to keep it from sliding on the floor. The price cannot be beat! Shipping within the continental US is included!

BAB-PIN - Pinkie $165 - FREE SHIPPING

BABE BIG RIVER SPINNER

this wheel is similar to the above but comes with a treadle! The wheel features ball bearings, a polyband and a 12" stainless steel spindle which is 26" from the floor. With the large 35" wheel, ratios are 25, 31, 35.5 and 43 to 1. You can use the smaller 22" black wheel with an optional drive band and ratios will be 15, 17.5, 21.5 and 24 to 1. Weight is 23 lbs. Price includes shipping within the continental US.

BAB-0135 - Big River $239 - FREE SHIPPING

BABE NW FLYER ELECTRIC WHEEL

Another winner from "Babe"! This table-top electric spinner comes with a foot controller that allows you to start out slowly and increase your speed after you get the hang of it. The foot controller has an adjusting screw which you can set so that you can go back to the speed you were at before you stopped. The motor operates on 110 volt AC. The spinner comes with two 4-ounce bobbins, one 8-ounce bobbin (great for plying), a built-in 2-bobbin Lazy Kate (pictured) and a threading hook. Wheel price includes shipping within the continental US. A great value!!

BAB-EL - $214

BABE LITTLE SPIDER (or Liten Spindel in Swedish)

Weighing just 2 pounds, 11 ounces, Babe's "Little Spider" is extremely portable. Simply set it on a table or on the floor to operate. It comes with Babe's Sure Foot, so it remains securely anchored during use. Small enough to be easily stowed away when not in use. It features a 12" diameter wheel, ball bearings, a 9" spindle, and a polyurethane drive band. A safety cork, to cover the tip of the spindle when not in use, is included.

No adjustments are necessary after the simple assembly. Ratios are 20:1, 17:1 and 14:1. The ball bearings enable the Little Spider to spin effortlessly. Great for cotton, wool, silk and many other fibers!

BAB-0012 - Babe Little Spider $121

Babe Accessories

BAB-3300 - Bobbins 5 to 1 ratio $7
BAB-3302 - Bobbins 6 to 1 ratio $7.50
BAB-3301 - Bobbins for larger Production wheel $8.50

— Bobbin Capacity

BAB-SK15 - Skeinwinder: 1 2/3 yards (60") $32.50

BAB-SK02 - Skeinwinder: 2 yards $35

BAB-3200 - Niddy Noddy, 1 2/3 yards $10

BAB-1063 - Drive band $7.50

BAB-0000 - Babe Aid - velcro attachments so you no longer need a leader on each bobbin.
3 for $.50; 10 for $1

BAB-3303 - Plying Bobbins $12.80

BABE'S JOY KNITTER

This easy-to-use knitting loom/rake allows you to make hats, scarves or mittens and more! Great for children and beginners but also very fun and quick. It has also found to be great therapy for the handicapped. 25" long. Includes instructions.

BAB-4400 - Babe's Joy Knitter $25.95

YARNBLOCKER

24" wide and 48" around, this handy inexpensive yarnblocker will hold 8 full-sized skeins. Use it indoors or out: It is UV protected for outdoor drying and waterproof - use it in the shower or tub!

BAB-501 - Babe's Yarnblocker $119