clock reels
- Scope note
- Mechanized devices used for measuring and winding a desired length of yarn, usually a skein. These devices comprise a spoked wheel with gears attached to a pointer with a face resembling that of a clock. The user manually twists the wheel to wind the yarn and, when a skein of yarn has been wound, the pointer makes a popping or clicking sound to alert the user that the desired length has been attained. The nursery rhyme "Pop Goes the Weasel" is widely thought to refer to the clock reel's popping sound.
- Date of creation: 29-Apr-2024
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024