
Spindle shafts seem to be 50/50 (in my collection anyway) between having some finishing and simply being sanded wood. I used to "treat" my shafts with Wood Beams, but find I like the natural wood surface better for grippability both of the fiber and of my hand when I get the spindle twirling (finger-flick or palm-against-thigh). If you prefer a really smooth finish, Wood Beams does a very nice job on raw-wood shafts like those on the Bosworth spindles.

I'd say the main care I've taken is in keeping the spindles upright in spindle stands, to help prevent the possibility of the shaft warping. Though for some spindles (my Russians come to mind immediately...) that just isn't feasible. I did "score" a really nice skinny rectangular vase last Valentine's Day (ok, it had roses in it at the time!) that is terrific since its skinniest part is about as wide as the widest part of the Russians; so they are more upright than they've been in the past.
**
Do you have spindle care tips? Post your ideas in a comment on the blog or contact me. Thanks!
3 comments:
I found the worst damage to my spindles happened when I was carrying them around, shafts broke, hooks got bent. So now I try to always carry my spindles in a hard case of some kind. I find that those cardboard wine bottle gift boxes are perfect for carrying a spindle and some fiber. I get them at Michael's and AC Moore when they're on sale.
I also have a few other hard cases that I've found in thrift stores.
@Katherine: thanks! I found a terrific zippered hatbox that I keep all my cottons and cotton spindles in to grab-and-go at the local thrift shop. Those wine canisters are great, too, especially the ones with little rope handles.
I'd say the main care I've taken is in keeping the spindles upright in spindle stands, to help prevent the possibility of the shaft warping. Though for some spindles (my Russians come to mind immediately...) that just isn't feasible. I did "score" a really nice skinny rectangular vase last Valentine's Day (ok, it had roses in it at the time!) that is terrific since its skinniest part is about as wide as the widest part of the Russians; so they are more upright than they've been in the past.
====================================
ponting
Post a Comment