Spindle Solutions

I have a smallish spindle collection that I am attempting to not grow (it's hard). I love my spindles, and have always wanted to find a way to store them attractively. I see each one as a unique piece of art, both in the fiber they process and the construction of the tool, but up until now I have been stymied as to how best to show them off yet keep them safe.

I have hit upon a solution!

Back when our family first moved into our home in Florida, I bought a room divider from World Market. We tried to use it, but it just didn't function like we wanted so it went into storage. I pulled it out awhile ago and dragged it into my tiny office. Essentially it's a metal frame with crossbars that has a neutral canvas screen stretched behind it. I created a little reading/prayer nook and have been enjoying it immensely.

It was when my daughter and I traveled to Tampa and went to Ikea recently that an idea struck me. Why not get a towel bar and suspend the spindles from that? I bought an inexpensive rack along with the necessary hooks and brought it back home. Today I had a few spare minutes, so I decided to hang the rack, but to my chagrin I found it didn't have any screws that came with it! It was then I had my "Aha!" moment! Why not use the hooks on the cross bars of my cozy space?

I think it looks very decorative yet useful!

I pulled out burlap twine and got to work tying loops from which to dangle them. Some of the spindles showing include a Bosworth Midi, a Spinsanity spindle, a Simple Market Farms spindle, and an Ashford Turkish spindle.

I then got more inspiration and grabbed a bucket and stuffed in some cotton I'm presently working on as well as a nostepinne turned years ago for me by a guy who goes by the name by-Scott on eBay. I love this tool, as he also installed a WPI gauge right on the tool that is done in a contrasting wood. It's gorgeous.

I'm not certain, but I think the nostepinne is constructed out of Rosewood and Walnut. It's been a long time.

I was on a roll. I decided to go all out! I found a favorite Spin-Off magazine and hung that on the magazine rack. Then I grabbed a few small spinning books and tucked them into a compartment.

An oldie but a goodie!

I still have a few more spindles to hang, and I have space to tuck in a few favorite books in a basket under the side table, but I like the overall result.

The weird wooden thing on the table is a plying paddle.

Last, but not least, I love having a piece of art my dear sister sent me years ago of a Swedish knitter. I think she captures the essence of my creative space, and I know I'll enjoy every second I get to linger here!