The Spinning Wheel Lady

This is Betty Roberts with one of her inlaid spinning wheels. She's a remarkable lady who builds these wheels, of her own design, from scratch, by hand.

Her shop is a treasure trove of modern and antique machines, woods of every variety, and drawers of rattlesnake rattles, dried flowers and insects, and other objects she uses in her inlays around the wheels. She's an expert on the flora of the mountains and plains, and gives flower tours of the area. Did you know there are numerous orchid varieties growing in the mountains?

She raises her own sheep, and cards and spins the wool. You should see her go on one of her wheels. And she can crochet, and knit, and she has a big loom she weaves on.

She's able to support herself with the orders that come in from all over the world from those who want to own one of her one-of-a-kind spinning wheels. You can see a brief description of her work and achievements here. And you can visit her fan club yahoo group here. 

Betty is continually giving thanks to God for the inspiration and skill that have made her wheels possible. For her, the whole purpose for these gifts from God is to give her a powerful witness. She wears her Proverbs 31:13 shirt everywhere she shows her wheels, and invariably people ask her about it, and she is able to share her testimony. Just as importantly, she is able to form lasting friendships and supportive relationships. She has been a mentor and a surrogate mother to many down through the years.

Proverbs 31:13 says, "She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." That certainly describes Betty. But if you read on in Proverbs 31 you come to verse 30, which also fits our Spinning Wheel Lady:

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord

is to be praised."