Once I had one of our drop spindles for myself, I couldn't resist giving it a bit of love. They come unfinished, and they are smooth and ready to use, but personalizing mine was a fun project. I used a fine sanding paper to make the surface smooth as glass. Then, I begged some wood stains from our decorative painting division. Actually, the entire project was done through begging. The sandpaper and Jo Sonya wood stain came from The Artist's Club. Alison supplied the wood oil that she uses to keep the wood of her spinning wheels glowing.
Notice the difference between the niddy noddy and my drop spindle. You can find wood stains and sandpaper in a craft store or even Home Depot. You might even choose a colored stain - dark green, blue, purple - you get the idea. Wood oil is usually in the furniture polish section of most grocery stores.
We are finished with photography, video recording, etc. That means I have a green light to start my spinning project this weekend! I'm going to start this evening while we are out to dinner with friends. I can't wait to show them our drop spindle.
Jan 21, 2011 at 9:27 PM I got my drop spindle as a holiday gift, and I love it! It spins lovely, it floats beautifully too! I'm stll somewhat new to spinning, but so far this spindle is my fav. If you're having problems, you might want to contact cstomer service - you may have unfortunately gotten a poorly manufactured one. Dear Kelley & the knitpicks staff: Pretty please make a lightweight version too (for lacey stuff)
Jan 21, 2011 at 5:09 PM I can't speak to how the spindle wiggles but KnitPicks offers tutorials on using their drop spindle that specify using a half hitch to secure the leader yarn to the spindle (much like when casting on to a knitting needle). I imagine the crossbar on the whorl wouldn't stay wiggly for long as the yarn is being stored there and a long enough leader could likely effectively secure it (as shown in the free tutorial video), but again can't speak to that as I haven't purchased the product (although I may after purchasing another turkish drop spindle so I can compare).
Jan 10, 2011 at 7:11 PM I very much agree with Susan. After becoming somewhat of an intermediate spinner using a drop spindle, I was eager to buy the spindle from Knit Picks so that I'd have an extra for plying, a different yarn, etc. When it got here, I could not believe how cheap this spindle was. The holes in the cross bars are too big, so when you flick the spindle the bars wiggle and the spindle stops spinning. Also, there are no notches or hooks on either side of the bar to secure the leader yarn. Definitely not a good product for a beginner, or for anybody really. I'm sending it back tomorrow.
Jan 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM Knit picks has always sent me great product. However, this turkish drop spindle is cheaply made, and for a beginning spinner would be a nightmare. The holes are drilled too big, so the cross bar wiggles, and would make the spinning very loopy. All that I have ordered from Knit Picks for knitting has always been fantastic.This has to be returned.
Aug 9, 2010 at 1:06 PM I Know the EXCITEMENT you're ALL Feeling :)))) I ORDered '2' Spindles WISH I'd of Orered 3 !! I FOUND 3 Stains I want to Use .. oh well Cherry Blossoms VERY Purpley & Island Waters will have to do to start & YES the SAL is GREAT !!!! For Anyone who doesnt know .. SPIN ALONGS OPEN !!!
Aug 9, 2010 at 12:03 PM The Home Depot can mix colors of stain. That could make it all kinds of fun
Aug 9, 2010 at 9:08 AM Hi Janet, My plan for the Leftovers vest is to spin up one bag of the dyed Corriedale roving and then supplement with commercially spun yarns - City Tweed in DK weight. Hope that helps, Kelley
Aug 8, 2010 at 2:12 AM Looking forward to ordering one of these spindles very soon. What a great price!
Aug 7, 2010 at 8:03 AM Mine is on the way, and roving, too! I'm so excited about the Spin Along! This has been worth waiting for!!!!
Aug 6, 2010 at 7:14 PM Stop! Stop with the temptations! Now you tell me I can bling up a spindle if I get one? My resistance against trying drop spindling is deserting me faster and faster...
Aug 6, 2010 at 3:55 PM Okay Kelly, now I need to order the spindle and noddy, and some roving. How much roving do you figure you need to do your vest/sweater you are planning. Since you are adding some DK weight form KP's also? I'm very interested in learning to spin, especially since no one in the area I live spins that I know of. Can't wait until next payday to order, yeah!
Aug 6, 2010 at 2:06 PM All I used to finish my spindle was a nice wood oil. The whole process was easy! :) Kelley
Aug 6, 2010 at 1:48 PM That came out great! Did you have to seal it after staining it?
Aug 6, 2010 at 1:12 PM I'm really happy to see this. I've been keeping tabs on different spindles, and so far kp once again has the best price I've seen. I also read that the Turkish spindle spins a little slower than the whorl, which makes it more ideal for beginners. What I'm still wondering though, is do I really need to look at a different spindle for say silk roving? Or is that just a you gotta buy our other spindles speel from the makers?
Aug 6, 2010 at 10:56 AM P.S. Mine will have a matching niddy noddy. E
Aug 6, 2010 at 10:54 AM Gee, Kelly, that makes a really good looking spindle. Can't wait to get my own. (order placed yesterday) ? E