Spinning Workshop for Romani Arts :
click here for tutorial https://youtu.be/XduBcxMg9n0
Romani Arts on YouTube https://youtube.com/user/romaniarts
Using a Navajo / Diné style spindle, also known as a South West, lap, hip or floor spindle.
These are the online resources I used to explore and learn the technique of spinning on a Navajo / Diné style spindle, and it is so valuable to watch cultural elders demonstrating craft techniques, and I respectfully thank these elders for sharing their skills with us too;
Clara Sherman; https://youtu.be/D_p7OIghMVw
Mary Louise Gould; https://youtu.be/QQvhnn3tGfo
TahNibaa Naataanii https://youtu.be/bJYmbEj2_KY
Navajo Pollen Trail; https://youtu.be/se-TqaoLVlk
Navajo Gramdma; https://youtu.be/3PZHb6EXHJQ
Jayde’s Creative Corner; https://youtu.be/f1ToitsvR4E
Short documentary on Navajo / Diné craft process; https://youtu.be/DeAlIgHhPAE
Research lecture on Chahta / Choctaw textile history with Jennifer Byram; https://youtu.be/nFHZELroeSE
Academic paper by Jennifer Byram;
“Reawakening Chahta Nan Tvnna (Choctaw Textiles)”
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2072&context=tsaconf
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Book;
“How to Weave a Navajo Rug and Other Lessons from Spider Woman” by Lynda Teller Pete & Barbara Teller Ornelas, Illustrated by Mychal Yellowman
This book has an excellent background into Navajo / Diné cultural weaving and spinning with practical guidance and lessons;
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Tools and Equipment
Schacht Spindle at George Weil;
Bodrighy Wood, hand made spindles and niddy noddy;
http://www.bodrighy.co.uk/bodrighywood/prod_3646712-Navajo-Spindle.html
http://www.bodrighy.co.uk/bodrighywood/prod_3646673-Niddy-noddy.html
Ashford Medium Niddy Noddy (1.5m skein);
Spinning bowl;
This can be any simple wooden bowl with around 10cm diameter and a wide base, used to guide your spindle as you practice, (low and wide is best, and too small and tall will tip over);
Olive Wood Round Dipping Bowl 9cm
Wool Roving;
This is usually supplied in 100g packs, I’d recommend getting a mix of different wool breeds; British rare breed wools are really interesting and varied, and make up sets of sample yarns to see what you enjoy and perhaps weave a sampler with the different yarns you spin.
Fibre Hut; https://www.fibrehut.co.uk/collections/fibre
North Ronaldsay; https://www.northronaldsayyarn.co.uk/Results.asp?category=6
Saltwater Rose; https://saltwaterrose.com/shop/spinning/
(*if you would like to purchase the ethical Southdown I use, please get in touch*)
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You will also need;
Linen or cotton yarn for a leader (used at the very start to begin spinning) and also for skein ties (they are cut away before weaving so simple yarn is fine).
Metal hooks for hanging and drying wet skeins (I use a set of copper kitchen hooks)
https://propercopperdesign.com/products/copper-s-hooks
Hanging ceramic weights (or old tea cups to act as weights)
Small scissors https://merchantandmills.com/store/equipment/scissors/baby-bow/
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Other links;
Heritage Crafts Association https://heritagecrafts.org.uk
Romani Arts https://www.romaniarts.co.uk
Christabel Balfour https://www.christabelbalfour.com
Jessica Mason https://thekeepboutique.com/blogs/in-conversation/in-conversation-with-jessica-mason
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Enjoy exploring spinning and good luck,
All best wishes,
Imogen
Imogen Bright Moon 2021 for Romani Arts https://www.romaniarts.co.uk