It’s amazing to think that a long, long time ago humans figured out how to spin yarn out of fiber using sticks and stones. The science of twist has such a long history.
Toolmaker Robin Goatey of The Dancing Goats continues to dive into history with his creations that replicate or reimagine tools used for spinning in ancient times. The question is, What happens when a toolmaker puts a modern spin—pun intended—on the simple weighted stick?
Join us for a little trip around the world as we introduce you to some magnificent spindles and their makers.
Republic of Georgia: Kravelli
Our tour starts with the beautiful support-spindle set by Kravelli that graced the cover of Spin Off Fall 2024.
Kravelli’s founder and owner, Dea, travels her local, mountainous region connecting with skilled artisans to craft high-quality spindles using traditional techniques. What comes out of these workshops are lovely, handcrafted spindles, each one a unique approach to a traditional shape. Crafted from a variety of hardwoods in intriguing styles, no two spindles are alike, in part because the wood is locally sourced from naturally felled trees.
This Kravelli spindle set made an appearance in a number of shots at the Spin Off Fall 2024 photo shoot. Photos by Matt Graves
Read more about Kravelli and see more of their spindle styles by visiting the Kravelli Etsy Shop or Kravelli’s Instagram page. Kravelli’s spindles are available in the United States at The Woolery.
Australia: The Spindle Shop
Exotic woods and titanium tips give Jory Freyee’s spindles a rich feel and a long spin. Jory started learning about nature and various woods from his father at the age of five. In 2015, he had the opportunity to learn woodturning from a new resident in his community of Crystal Waters, Queensland: Malcolm Fielding. A few years later, Jory took over the spindle business started by his mentor and continues to create works of art by hand from the material he has loved throughout his life.
Get a closer look! Click on any image in the gallery below to open it in full-screen mode.
The exotic woods that Jory starts with result in truly unique spindle designs. Photos courtesy of Jory Freyee
The Spindle Shop’s intent is to create tools that combine beauty and function using locally sourced, sustainably harvested wood that’s been ethically felled. Jory says, “I am excited to combine new and old techniques to take The Spindle Shop products into a new phase, exploring my own creative ideas, and expanding my own range of skills . . . In today's technological world, where so much is machine made, it is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to keep the skills of the handmaker alive.”
Find out more about Jory and his works on The Spindle Shop’s website or on Instagram @thespindleshop. The Spindle Shop’s tools are also available in the United States at Handywomanshop.com.
Germany: Christoph Nigg
Christoph Nigg came from a background of doing house renovations and making medieval-style musical instruments. His wife, a prolific spinner and weaver, suggested the idea of making spindles. From there, his ideas took off. He travels to Hamburg yearly to select various types of wood, specifically looking for unique types of wood or woods that simply call to him. The shapes of his spindles are not preplanned, and the unique cutouts come to him as he is working at the lathe.
Get a closer look! Click on any image in the gallery below to open it in full-screen mode.
Christoph’s process may differ from other spindle makers in that he does not plan the designs before sitting down at the lathe. Photos courtesy of Christoph Nigg
“I don’t build series of spindles, and I don’t have models that I build exactly the same multiple times. A piece of wood lies in front of me on the workbench or lathe, and while I’m turning, an image of the finished spindle appears in my head. I very rarely work according to a plan; the plan arises while I’m working on the spindle.”
In addition to the variety of woods, Christoph also works with Elforyn, an ivory substitute that is used in making billiard balls. He adds Elforyn to the tips or whorls of his spindles to make them spin more smoothly.
Learn more about Christoph and his work on his website, Spindles and Other Beautiful Things from Holzwolle (the wooden wool).
Spindles Then and Now
Over time, simple, found tools—now crafted by modern makers—have become almost magical when created by artisans who combine their cultural heritage with old and new techniques. Perhaps some of the magic from their lathes stays in the wood, and when combined with fiber in the hands of a spinner, magic is made in the form of a skein of yarn.
Read more about the world of spindles and the interconnections between the past and present, global traditions, and the many reasons we spin in the Fall 2024 “Spindle and Spinner” issue of Spin Off.
Katrina King is the assistant editor of PieceWork magazine, an avid crafter, and a continuing student of life.