22 Spin Off • http://www.interweave.com
onto a spindle that has gotten too heavy to use
comfortably. The latter is not recommended, but it
happens occasionally.
Plying with a low-whorl spindle is a joy. Andean
spinners often use a roll between the palms to get
a plying spindle moving speedily, which makes it
much faster to ply singles that are very fine, high-
twist, or both. I learned to ply this way from Abby
Franquemont. I only ply with a low-whorl spindle,
as I find this the most efficient method of plying.
And I have to admit, I do enjoy showing off the roll
between the palms and launch of the spindle, but
what spinner does not enjoy showing off just a bit?Find Your Own
Low-whorl spindles are oft en more difficult to
obtain from modern spindle makers. They are so
basic and do not require the elaborate balancing and
rim weighting of high-whorl spindles. They are easy
to make, however. If you get a chance to purchase
a low-whorl spindle, particularly if you can find a
pushka, I highly recommend it. They are economical,
sturdy, and a joy to spin. For me, low-whorl spindles
let me spin with the least fuss and most pleasure. ●Resources
Callañaupa Alvarez, Nilda, and the Weavers of the
Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Secrets of
Spinning, Weaving, and Knitting in the Peruvian
Highlands. Loveland, Colorado: Thrums Books, 2017.
Cubicle Monkey by day, Fiber Fanatic by night, Devin
Helmen has been feeding his fiber obsession since he
taught himself to spin at age eight. He spins, knits, and
weaves in beautiful Minnesota. Devin’s writing has
been featured in Spin Off and Ply, and he teaches at
the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. He has a passion for
spindles and everyday textiles and blogs, intermittently,
at http://www.afewgreenfigs.blogspot.com.Plying on a pushka: “Quickly move your right hand
forward and across your left hand, rolling the tip of
the pushka through your palms. Let the pushka drop
when it leaves your palms.”
—Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, Secrets of Spinning,
Weaving, and Knitting in the Peruvian Highlands
Photo by Joe CocaPlying with a low-whorl spindle is a joy. Andean spinners
often use a roll between the palms to get a plying spindle
moving speedily, which makes it much faster to ply
singles that are very fine, high-twist, or both.