This is a Russian-style spindle turned using ebony wood. It's so beautiful and elegant and the wood is super dense giving it a good weight. It has such a wonderful feel to it. We believe this is Macassar Ebony which is why it's not black. All I can say is I'm totally smitten. It's beyond what I ever hoped for.
I picked out the wood when we were at a woodworking shop in Champaign a couple of weeks ago and she gave it to me at spin club last night. I fell so deeply in love that I kicked it up last night with some fiber I had on me and got what you see on the green bobbin done just from last night and a little bit this afternoon. If you want to see how a Russian spindle works (from someone who really knows what they're doing with it), have a look at this video from YouTube:
Or this one:
She also made the Navajo spindle I use most often. She's been making the most beautiful spindles and is getting us all started with this style of support spindle. She's getting so clever with her lathe that it's not leaving her much time to spin! or weave. or sew. The price of fame is often steep!
You are so sweet to say such nice things about my woodworking! It really is the wood though, and not my turning 'skills', that made it beautiful and well-spinning. I love seeing it being used. :-D
ReplyDeleteThat is some beautiful spinning! I hope to do some of that tonight myself, before heading back to the lathe Friday - I want another phang! :-D