AboutBJ Heeke Expertise I can answer questions about spindle spinning, low whorl, high whorl, & supported spindles. I can answer questions about navajo plying on a wheel, & andean plying from a spindle. I can also answer questions regarding making one`s own spindles from CD`s or wooden wheels and dowels.
I have limited weaving experience, but if I do not know the answer, I surely will find someone who does!
Experience I have been spinning for 20 years. I make my own spindles. I have taught spindling classes.
Organizations Northwest Regional Spinner's Association, Texas Fiber Guild, Heart of Texas Spinners & Weavers, & Spindlitis. Past member of the Little Flock Handspinners of Seattle (disbanded) and Valley Spinners (opps, lapsed membership).
Publications I have written a series of articles for NwRSA's newsletter 'Loose Threads' for spinners about finding information on the Internet called 'Wired Threads'.
I have served as an editor for the Contemporary Handweavers of Texas as well as membership chair for 2 years. I also taught a spindling class at the 2005 conference in Austin, TX.
I will be teaching at Kid 'n Ewe in Boerne, TX November 10-12, 2006.
Question I have a spinning wheel and wish to learn. I am buying my first spindle. I tried to make a CD spindle and it didnt work. Is there as easier way to make a spindle? Either a beginners one or one to spin cotton or fine yarn for embroidery?
Answer Hi Sonya!
You can make CD spindles very easily. This is how I make them:
I like to make mine with only one CD/DVD and use a 5/16" dowel (I like ones about 11-12" long)with the 3/8" grommet I get at Home Depot. Then I take a piece of clear 1/4" polyvinyl tubing about an inch long, slit it lengthwise, pop the grommet into one CD, slip the tubing in the grommet and then gently twist the dowel into place, put in the hook and you have a long spinning versatile spindle that only weighs 1.2 oz or less. I position the CD about 2 inches from the hook to make a high whorl spindle, my favorite as they spin a long time!
For spinning cotton I would use a support spindle which is spun in one hand in a bowl and you draft fiber with the other. You can take a look at my website for the support spindle and bowl I have to get an idea of what I am referring to. http://www.bluemoonfibers.com/otherfibers_accessories.html
