Greek and Albanian Spinning: A Closer Look at a Unique Method
I learned this method of Greek and Albanian Spinning with spindle and distaff from a woman who grew up in Greece.
I have also found evidence of this spinning method in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, the Sudan, and what was once called Yugoslavia (so, perhaps also Serbia?).
Do you or someone you know also spin this way? I’d love to talk to you about it – please contact me!
I have been collecting all the images and videos I can find of this method on my Pinterest board for Rotation of Spindle in Hand.
Here are a few video clips of this spinning method in action:
From Romania
From Serbia (see spinning method at 3:46)
I have not been able to identify where this video was taped
From Yugoslavia (see spinning method at 5:12)
I believe this method is what Grace M. Crowfoot refers to as “spinning by rotation of spindle in hand” in her book “Methods of Hand Spinning in Egypt and the Sudan.” The PDF of this book is found in the On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics – a truly invaluable online resource for textile artists.
Spin on!
Oh so late to the party, but I just got linked to this page, and this is an amazing technique! I spin on a Turkish spindle generally, but this looks like you could get much longer skeins of yarn without interruption.
It tends to be most efficient for a lower-twist yarn. But it is very efficient then – I watched a woman win a longest thread contest spinning this way with a spindle, competing against spinners with wheels!
Thanks for your post and the link to the very interesting pdf! I
You are welcome. That book is an invaluable resource for handspinning research. I’m glad to spread the word about it. 🙂
How interesting! I’ve never seen that type of spindle before. I’m going to have to try that. 🙂
Cool! That is great to hear.
How wonderful! I’ve been searching for clues as to how to draft one handed (for true Medieval style spinning) here are several videos in one place! Thank you, thank you! 😊