Posted by Mike on Tuesday, 30 November 1999, at 8:51 p.m.:
In Reply to: drop spindle posted by Undonestitches on Friday, 19 November 1999, at 4:20 p.m.:
I don't have a particular spindle to recommend, but
I have some suggestions that might help.
Normally, you would use a drop spindle by spinning
it and letting it hang by the yarn that you've
already spun. This is different from a support
spindle that rests on something or
a hand spindle which you turn in your hand.
A drop spindle has at least two qualities
that will affect your yarn.
The first is weight. A heavier spindle should
be used to spin heavy yarn. A light spindle
should be used to spin finer yarns.
The second is the size of the whorl (the round disc
that's at the top or bottom of the spindle shaft).
With a large whorl, you will be able to spin at
a slower speed. This will allow you to spin thicker,
heavier yarns that don't require much twist.
You will have to spin a spindle with a small whorl
pretty fast to keep it spinning. This is just
what you need to spin light, fine yarn. Of course,
the whorl size will affect the overall weight of the
spindle.
Something else that you might want to watch for is
the overall balance of the spindle. Tie a
leader (a short piece of string or cord) to your
spindle and give it a spin. It should spin reasonably
true. A little wobble's OK, but the truer the spindle
turns, the longer you will be able to keep it spinning.
There are several different ways to tie off your yarn
to the spindle when you're spinning. The simpliest
spindle will have a pointed end and you will have to use a
half-hitch to secure your yarn. Other spindles might
have a hook or a slot. I think that the hooked or slotted
variety are a little easier and faster to use.
Although many spindles are beautifully made, you can
get the same results with one you make yourself. I've
seen people use all kinds of simple items to make
usable spindles. I'll describe one that I know works.
Cut a circle out of heavy cardboard and carefully (so
it's in the center), stick a large knitting needle through
it. If you cut out several circle of different sizes,
you can experiment to see how the size affects the way
it spins. You may have to add a little weight to make
your spindle spin smoothly. You could add a couple more
circles of cardboard, or maybe some washers.
There's a lot of sources for spindles on the web. Hope
you have good luck finding one that's just right for you.