Meet the Girls ;)

Well, I wasn't too sure what should be my next post. I wasn't sure if I should just jump into the deep end on my current or recent projects. However, I thought that introducing my current support spindles would be an organic evolution from my introductory post.

At present, I have 4 support spindles; 2 Bulgarians, 1 Rose hybrid and 1 Russian.

The lovely antique Bulgarians

I bought 2 antique Bulgarian from a chap from *drum roll* Bulgaria on the addictive Etsy website. These two weight about 17 grams and the one on the right has charming wormwood holes on the surface.

I am not too sure how old these beauties are. I am guess-timating at least 100 years due to comparison with other available Bulgarian spindles that are available online, which are stated to be about a century old and do not show as much stress or age on the wood, as well as the painted stripes that frequent Bulgarian spindles are not as faded as the paint stripes on these two I purchased.
The tops of the spindles have had the little bulbous bit at the top shaved off that is commonly seen on this style of spindle (and I admit, I've yet to try spinning with one of those... I would imagine it would get in the way of spinning supported, or it is meant to be used with a half hitch for suspended spinning perhaps?).
In regards to spinning, these spindles actually work very well! I was a wee bit surprised when I tried them out  but they do just fine once you give them a spin. I will eventually get around to purchasing some more Bulgarian spindles to spin with because even though these two are functional I do like how old they are and would like to retain their quality.

The Rose

Now, this gorgeous spindle is a French/Russian hybrid spindle, also known as a Rose. This is a Lisa Chan design, the woman behind Gripping Yarn. I was fortunate enough to get  this spindle shortly before she stopped taking orders. I wish I had also put in a request for a reproduction of a French spindle. Alas, life's regrets!!

It is made from Black Alder and weights 19 grams.

As can be seen, the bottom half is in a contemporary Russian style with the pointy bulb at the bottom to spin supported while the tip is in the French style with an engrained ridge circling the top.
Here are a couple closer pics of top and bottom;

   

Lisa Chan explains that this design provides the ability for both styles of spinning; the faster supported Russian spinning, and French twiddling which is slower.

I opted to have copper instalments that clip on at the top of the spindle to allow for semi-suspended spinning.

Copper tips for spinning (right) and plying (left)

Now, I have to be honest.. I found this spindle hard to use. However, it was my first spindle and I struggled! Also, getting a French/Russian hybrid probably wasn't the best idea for a first timer to spindle spinning! I have since played with it for a short period of time and couldn't get into the rhythm of using it for Russian spinning as I found the French style groove at the top did get in the way, but I do stress that this was only a short play. I do intend to get re-acquainted with this beautiful spindle in the future now that I have learnt how to spin supported. I also look forward to learning how to use the copper tops too!

The 'Olive'

I bought this Russian style spindle after my emotional fallout with Rose. I thought I should bite the bullet and commit to either French or Russian before I go for a hybrid. Boy, was I happy when I got my hands on this gorgeous gal!

Made out of Olive Wood (thus, the name is Olive), weights in at 44 grams (so she is on the heavier side but that doesn't matter now, does it? It's all about what's on the inside ;) ) and she was produced by Pumpkin Hill Farm. I noticed people on forums speaking highly of them. I bought mine from the online store Spunky Eclectic, along with some other lovely fibres. I'm not sure if they have a regular stock of Pumpkin Hill Farm spindles but they do have other lovely spindles as well as anything spinning, weaving or fibre related.

The Olive spins well and is very well balanced. I believe the heavier weight of this spindle allowed me to learn supported spinning a lot easier. However, after building up the thread it adds to the weight of the spindle and can be slower to spin. Mind you, this isn't necessarily bad and I never used to notice it but after spinning on it after a while you can feel the weight slowing the spins down a little bit.

As ever, the watchful feline eye, approving of the Spinster's activities...

Anyway, there you have it! My current support spindles. Be sure, when I collect new spindles I will share them on here :)

Stay spun!

- Mokosh