Table-top Spindle for spinning yarn...I think. I saw something similar in a yarn shop and, being into gears and things, I had to build my own version. However, since neither of us are spinners, it just sits there looking pretty. Plans include how to build it, but no instructions on how to actually use it are included in the Yarn Lover's Package.. If you are into cool spinny things, this is for you.

Update: We had a spinner over on Monday, and she showed us how to use it. The Table Top Spindle works GREAT! She said it operates similarly to the Charkha, a spinning wheel used in India.

With a regular spinning wheel one uses two hands to feed the roving into the wheel. With the Table Top Spindle you use only one hand. Here’s how…

Attach the roving to the SS spindle rod – tape it, or tie it – it doesn’t matter much. Hold the roving parallel to the rod with your left hand and turn the handle. The roving begins to twist into yarn. Put a half-hitch of that yarn at the far end of the SS rod, very much like one would do with a drop spindle. Then “fluff” the roving a little, and continue to hold it with the left hand while cranking. The yarn begins to form. Move the left hand out further into the fluffed roving as you see this happen. Once you have about 6” of yarn spun, stop, unhook the half-hitch, and wind the yarn onto the SS rod. Replace the half-hitch, fluff a little more of the roving, and repeat. It really works well, and it so simple.

She even had me doing it, and having never spun anything before, I made some pretty nice yarn on the first try! (Although I will admit, hers looked a bit…well, a lot better than mine. “Practice, practice, practice.” was her advice.)