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Eli’s ropes, or The Spinster in action…

While working on some samples for my manuscript the other day, Eli–already bored with summer and having read a book a day for nearly a week–wandered in to my studio. Poking about he asked, “What’s this?”

The Spinster

Well known to a select few and a mystery to others… it is a cord winder! After a bit of internet surfing I found it here (please note, I have never ordered from this store… it’s just the first place that popped up on the google search) and it is, apparently, called “The Spinster” (yuk yuk…not!).

There are several approaches. If you want a cord of all the same color, make a loop of a yarn or, as Eli did in these samples, knot two equal lengths of two different yarns (or more!!!) . Slip one end around something stationary like a doorknob or bedpost–it has to be something you can pull against. Slip the other end of the loop over the hook (on the right in the photo below). Then, you just wind in the reel, like on a fishing rod. This action twists the cord. When it is as tight as you would like, stop. The cord shortens as you wind.

The next step is easiest if you have someone to help you, especially if the cord is LONG. Figure out the midpoint and have your helper hold it and move away from the doorknob (or whatever) as you take the hook end toward the knob. Hold the two ends together and have your helper release the midpoint. The cord will instantly twist up into a rope.Eli’s cords

Eli’s lower sample was made from a thick purple chenille and a thin gold yarn (about as thick as string). The second string is made of a sport-weight cotton yarn (the turquoise skein pictured) and a decorative / fancy yarn, the green. Isn’t that awesome? As a matter of fact, it perfectly matches some fabrics I’ve sorted out to make a totebag and some other goodies. Doesn’t it look delectable?

Eli’s cord on batiks

And, in the process of trying to find a website with the Spinster, I came across this fascinating site about making reproduction 16th and 17th century garments… I can see getting lost on that site for more than a few hours… I just love learning that kind of stuff! Happy surfing!

4 Responses to “Eli’s ropes, or The Spinster in action…”

  1. LoieJ Says:

    I learned making a cord this way, way back when, in girl scouts. I’ve always done it by hand, no problem, just takes awhile, but twice as fast if two people do it, one on each end of the cord.

  2. Deborah Says:

    Wow! Those batiks and the cord are luscious! So Sarah!

  3. Marie Says:

    I have been using a cheap Conair hair twister – a friend mentioned it as a less expensive solution to this – and I found one on ebay for 10. !

  4. Joanna Says:

    I have a third way to make twisty-cords, as shown to me by my MIL – just use an electric hand-held beater! Easy peasy!! I love your cord with the batiks – it goes so well with them!