Book Charkha
Last year Becks, of Tiny Fibre Studio, posted a reel on Instagram that led me astray. If you would like to be led astray you can take a look at it too. I was mesmerized by the beautifully smooth action of her book charkha and couldn’t stop thinking about it. After spending the autumn working really hard and doing lots of yarn and fibre events and teaching workshops, I decided to invest in a book charkha of my own.
I contacted Sheila and Jonathan Bosworth of Bosworth Spindles in the United States, in November and joined the waiting list for the February drop. Oh, the wait was long and exciting! Sheila kept in touch via email updating me on Jonathan’s progress as he hand made each charkha. Sheila even sent some fascinating photos of the various stages of Johnathan’s making process.
Book Charkha frames under construction.
Jonathan Bosworth making slots for the hinges of the book charkha
Here Jonathan is making preparations before fitting the accelerator wheel
Here Jonathan is adding a locking bar that enables the charkha to stay open if you are spinning on your lap.
I have to say the photos did not make the waiting any easier but definitely made it more exciting. Then, a few days earlier than expected, an email arrived with all the shipping information. My charkha was actually on the way! Honestly, I can’t tell you how exciting it all was! The postie was taken aback by my ridiculously enthusiastic response when I opened the door and realized what had just arrived.
Artisan to Artisan
So I have spent quite a bit of time this month getting to know this beautiful piece of equipment. My cotton spinning journey is proving to be an interesting one as I get to grips with this new (to me) way of spinning. Whilst spinning I have been reflecting on what a privilege it is to engage in my artisan work using a tool produced by another artisan. This book charkha has been designed and made by the head, heart and hands of another human being and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work with it. So a massive thanks to Becky over at The Tiny Fibre Studio for leading me astray and to Sheila and Jonathan Bosworth for such a fabulous buying experience and truly beautiful product.
Other Creative News
In other creative news, this month I have dyed some silk hankies for an upcoming new project.
I have also dyed yarn for yet another planned project.
Last summer I spent a day at The Saori Shed in Diss where the lovely Kim helped me get to grips with winding warps. Using the Saori table top beaming system I was able to make my own prewound warps. This month I have used one of these warps to dress my loom. Not much weaving has happened yet as I have been a bit distracted but March will see some metreage being created. Not with any of my hand spun cotton – yet!
I have spun all my new colourways into cowls which are now available for sale here on the website, at last. As always, the photography was a challenge. I have been brave though and have actually modelled them myself! You can click on my awkward looking face to take a look.
