This week I am going to be teaching my first spinning class ever (hope to see you Thursday evening!). It has me thinking about all the different details there are to keep in mind. Top whorl? Bottom whorl!? Wool preparation, staple length, twists per inch, s vs z, and so much more. But this is only the beginning.

Once the creative juices get flowing, I start thinking about all the different ways you can make a spindle. There are cultures that spin with just a rock, using it as a weight to hold the wool down and twist it around. But it can get so much more elaborate! The recycling bin is the perfect place to scrounge up spindle materials.

…I say spinning-waiting-to-happen

To get you going on making your own, check out some of the ones Ragga and I have been putting together! Old CDs work well, as do chop sticks, bottle lids, rubber bands, hanging hooks and more. The most important part of any spindle is the balance- you want to be able to keep it going. Make a few and see how you like them!

Left to right: CD drop spindle, traditional spindle, chop stick and jar lid spindle, another traditional spindle