The Kromski family has been making spinning wheels for more than 100 years. In their local cultural museum, you can find a spinning wheel made by Daniel Kromski’s grandfather. It’s no surprise that Kromski wheels are not only well engineered but they have several designs to suit any style preference. Ranging from simple modern to wood-turned embellished, you will find a wheel worthy of the investment of money and creative energy.
There is a Kromski Spinning Wheel Owners group on Ravelry that is bursting with information on each Kromski from spinners who use and love them. Where better to get advice on which wheel to buy?
The Fantasia is the newest in the Kromski collection. Yes, thoroughly modern in every aspect, but the concept and design are obviously Kromski.
What is not obvious is a new style single drive flyer design. The whorl is “changeable” for different speeds; to change bobbins, the front of the flyer simply pulls off – no drive band to deal with. Very fast bobbin change. Watch a video to see how it is done. The flyer also has sliding hooks. And both the flyer and the wheel spin on sealed ball bearings for a truly smooth feel.
The Minstrel is setting a new standard for castle style wheels. It features a wide, steady base for the double treadle operation and the wheel, which is larger than many upright wheels – 18″. The wheel is easy to mount on the two support posts. The third post will mount an optional distaff. Larger than the Kromski Mazurka, The Minstrel has stronger, bolder lines and a larger base to accommodate the larger wheel diameter and the double treadles. It is a double drive wheel but comes standard with Scotch tension set-up if your prefer the single drive feel. A threading hook and extra whorl are conveniently stored up front for easy access. The Minstrel is made of European alder and birch. The design is perfect for reenactors. Very easy to assemble.
The Mazurka has the classic look of eastern European wheels of old. The novel wheel-within-a-wheel makes you think of mazurka dancers spinning round and round. The Mazurka design won recognition for Leon Kromski throughout Poland. One look at the details in this wheel will astound you – what craftsmanship!
Made of European alder and birch, the Mazurka features both double drive and scotch tension spinning.
The Symphony wheel fits the image you may have of “ladies in waiting” gathered together in the castle spinning together near a crackling fire in a huge fireplace.
This wheel has the details spinners have come to expect with Kromski products – lots of finely turned wood, attention to detail, and all the features spinners ask for. Start with a good size wheel diameter – 24″ – that rotates on bearing sleeves that contribute to effortless treadling. The double treadles are well engineered to be comfortable through long spinning sessions. The flyer is double drive but also has Scotch tensioning for single drive use (at no additional charge). The bobbins are large size – and hold about 50% more yarn than some other popular bands- and they fit on all the other Kromski wheels if you start a collection.
The Symphony is made of European alder and birch. This a perfect wheel for reenactors.
I have a Sonata wheel because I love packing it up to take out and about – friends’ homes for dinner, picnics, traveling and outdoor concerts.
The Kromskis have put a lot of thought into the Sonata. Full size yet small dimensions when folded, easy to set-up and take down, solid feel, solid footprint, plenty of foot room, easy treadling on double treadles, orifice at a comfortable height and classic looks. Spokes that draw your attention, every piece of wood with cuts, curves and character; this is an appealing spinning wheel that is a pleasure to use.
A custom-made, heavily padded bag offering you a convenient way to pack-up your Sonata for travel or storage is now included with your purchase of a Kromski Sonata.
The Polonaise features functional wood threaded wheel angle adjustments so the proper angle can be obtained with the flyer. “Pin and socket” bearings support the wheel, offering low friction and exceptional ease of treadling. All of the wheel hardware sits between the wheel posts and the footman passes through the bench to the treadle.
It has the look of wheels from the Baltic area of Poland and Scandinavia. In fact, a well known spinning wheel historian has said that the manner in which this wheel is built is as close to being historically correct as he has seen. This will be a plus for spinners wanting the “real thing” and for the growing community of reenactors. The amount of decorative turning on this wheel is substantial, making it a sight to behold. The level of detail and turning is breathtaking. Notice the marbling of the wood grain that is highlighted by the stain and finish. No other wheel being made today comes close to this level of detail. This wheel is a great value and it spins as well as it looks.
The Polonaise is made with European alder and birch and comes standard with double drive and scotch tensioning.
The Prelude is an ideal wheel for a new spinning wheel spinner – though you may never outgrow it! It has the look of an antique wheel and the high degree of wood turning that the Kromskis are famous for, but it also has all the touches modern spinners expect.
The Prelude is a single drive wheel. The good news here is that it uses the same bobbins as all the other Kromski wheels, even the double drive wheels. This means that, as you consider adding a second or third Kromski wheel, you know your bobbins will work with all the different models.The Prelude is easy to treadle, very easy to transport, and has an 18″ diameter wheel (same as the Kromski Minstrel) for excellent ratios. If you like, you can swivel the mother-of-all in line with the bench for a more compact “package” when moving the wheel or for storage.The Prelude is made of European alder and birch. This is a perfect wheel for reenactors.
