The Beginning
Lendrum Spinning Wheels was born in 1976, when, recent mechanical engineering graduate, Gord Lendrum began developing his first spinning wheel. Inspired by his mother, who was a spinner, and recognizing a space in the market for a fresh, modern spinning wheel design, Gord started to develop his iconic spinning wheels.
Starting in his parents' basement near Peterborough, Ontario; Gord built and sold his first six spinning wheel all to local spinners.
Following these six, he built five more wheels and began looking for opportunities with retail shops.
Growing
Gord successfully found retail opportunities, beginning with Romni Wools in Toronto, who has remained a partner ever since.
Following more local interest, Ted Carson from Handcraft Wools began taking the wheels on the road for workshops. This led to the Lendrum name growing in notoriety and reputation.
Gord worked from his parents' basement for five years as the business expanded, eventually moving to a larger shop in Peterborough and hiring his first employee.
Building a Legacy
In 1986, he moved to his current shop, where he has been building wheels ever since. Over the last 50 years, he estimates he has built 15,000 wheels and countless bobbins. While the design has seen steady improvements over the years—such as replacing the original string connecting the treadle to the wheel—the core fundamentals have remained the same.
The Future
With a multi-decade legacy, Gord slowed down production, looking for another enthusiastic individual to take over the creation of his globally loved wheels.
At the end of 2025, Gord signed a deal with another mechanical engineer, James, and his wife. Both excited to carry on Gord's legacy of producing high-quality spinning wheels.
We are excited to see where this adventure will take us as we get busy making wood chips.