For many of us, the sight of a beautiful spindle makes our heart beat a bit faster. The mix of ancient technology, modern re-invention, beautiful materials, and usefulness makes them endlessly captivating.
Cultures around the globe have created and adapted spindles to fit the fibers they wished to spin and the textiles that best suited their needs. Spindles large or small, whorled or whorl-less, supported or suspended—the adaptations are fascinating. As modern spinners, we can focus on traditional uses or pair tools and fibers in new ways.
Spindle (1948.485 ) circa 600–1000 CE. Peru, South Coast, Wari Culture, Tiwanaku Style, 7th–10th Century. Wood with carved clay whorl; overall: 22.3 x 2.7 x 2.7 cm. Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of John Wise
Are you a spindle-centric spinner who wants to share your thoughts on whorl shape? Are there tips for supported spindle spinning that you think will help your spinning fellows? We want to hear from you! In our annual tool issue, we want to discuss spindle traditions; helpful tools, such as spindle kates; pairing fibers and spindle types; and projects that are a perfect fit for spindle-spun yarns. How do you keep your spindle safe when traveling? Do you have strong opinions about hooks?
A Pu Yok-style Tibetan spindle from The Spindle Shop. Photo by Sukrita Mahon
Join us in the Fall issue of Spin Off as we celebrate our beloved spindles!
—Kate Larson, editor
Submissions due: November 20, 2023
We are looking for:
- Feature articles—stories, profiles, history.
- Handspun projects—instructions using knitting, weaving, crochet, or other techniques with handspun yarn.
- How-to articles—tell us how it is done.
- Web content—if you have an idea for a shorter piece, about 300 to 500 words, please submit your proposal to us.
Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue.
Use our convenient online submissions form to send us your article and project proposals and attach photos and sketches, too. Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue.
Forms and information:
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Online Submissions Form Spin Off Fall 2024
Submissions due: November 20, 2023
We will notify you of our decision: December 2023
Articles and projects due: March 11, 2024
Do you want to be added to the Spin Off Call for Submissions email list? Sign up here.