About a month ago, while surfing the internet, looking for gift ideas for the upcoming Nativity, I came across a site (Knitting Any Way) featuring a support spindle, which I found so unique I had to purchase one, for myself. I felt a little guilty since this is the season for “giving”, but not guilty enough, obviously, to ignore this intriguing interpretation of a support spindle. And the price was reasonable enough to make it that much easier to talk myself into it.
Since I am so fond of knitting lace and Crispin offers such beautiful Angora fibre, I spin a lot of lace weight yarn, which can be a little tricky on a drop spindle. I can’t count how many times my “drop” spindle took on a whole new meaning as I picked it up off the floor over and over, or just gave up on using this tool all together turning to my wheel in its stead. Still there are times when bringing a spindle along is so much more convenient and practical when wanting to spin outside the home.
For anyone who has spun on a “support” spindle, attaining the ability to keep the spindle spinning upright and spinning while drafting, without falling out of control can be quite frustrating. What I love about this Spindolyn is that it fits into a secure support allowing you to take your hand off the spindle and draft with two hands if you want, as it continues to spin. It makes spinning more delicate and/or shorter staple fibres a delight. I absolutely love spinning on it.
