Spinning equipment Old and New

Antique distaffs

From the left:

1. Beautifully carved courtship or marriage distaff, mid-late 19th century. Origin probably Poland/Slovakia/Western Ukraine
   $90

2. Serrated carved distaff Romania/Carpathian region
   $75

3. Plain paddle distaff
   $45

4. Cage distaff probably late 19th-early 20th century European, generally used with a spinning wheel
   $70

Forsythe 4 pitch fine wool combs

I’ve always enjoyed the whole process from the washing of the fleece to the spinning of the yarn. And the pleasure derived from handling and using beautifully designed tools. For some inspiring videos showing these tools in action, go to the Forsythes’ website www.woolcombs.com and follow the links to the you tube videos.

$250

Forsythe Russian Paddle Combs

It’s tricky to figure out how to photograph these combs. When in use, you actually sit on the L-shape frame and spin directly off the combs. Check out the video of Susan Forsythe demonstrating how it’s done. These combs, like the 4 pitch fine wool combs above are just beautiful and a joy to use.

$300