Distaff and Spindle

Spinning on a medieval-style distaff and spindle. I'm spinning hand combed wool sliver. The distaff and spindle were given me by my friend Ineke, and my friend Pimmie taught me to use it - thanks ladies, think I've cracked it!

[@DirtScraps]

You must be a magician… This is amazing to watch! I’ve often wondered how a distaff really works. I’m absolutely blown away by the elegance of simple tools.

[@ADHUK]

No not a magician, not even proficient with this type of spindle yet, but thank you for the nice comments anyway! If you want to see a really skilled spinner doing it, watch Pimmie who taught me! ua-cam.com/video/yuGF8fycEEQ/v-deo.html it is a very good clear video clip.

[@inekev.d.heijden3393]

Yes Amanda!!! You have 👍

[@Forrsierra]

Thank you!

[@ADHUK]

You're welcome!

[@nancyskinner5207]

I have never seen a spindle like that. So much work was done with simple tools. Is there any kind of notch at the top of the spindle or is the yarn secured by wrapping it around the top. I’d like to see the distaff without the fiber. Thank you for the video.

[@jenniferlee4893]

Nancy Skinner Looks like she has it in a belt. The top is just wrapped with ribbon snug but not tight. You can look up wrapping a distaff. Some are quite ornate.

[@ADHUK]

Sorry, I hadn't spotted the comment! Yes the spindle is very simple just a shaped stick, but it works very well. It has a very tiny little knob on the end, so the half-hitch sits just below it and holds well. I would really love to try one of the antique French spindles next that has a spiral groove in the top, apparently no need for the half-hitch on those. The distaff is simple too, just a long stick with a couple of notches. Pimmie made it, here is a video of her making another and dressing it with wool. ua-cam.com/video/xS5nfjEksiI/v-deo.html

[@mammaearly]

What type of spindle?

[@ADHUK]

Oh sorry, I didn't see there were comments! It is a Balkan style spindle, I think this particular one comes from Bulgaria.