Sunday I started making a floor distaff, but a big stick takes longer to shape and smooth (however minimally) than a small stick, so today I made a hand distaff.

Of course, I immediately dressed it and so have no pictures of the naked stick, just a video of me using it with my drop spindle, like this lady here, but with more motion and less elegance.

After dizzing Shetland fleece off a hackle repeatedly and making several slivers recently, think I finally know what the lady next to the spinner is doing.

Anyway, here’s the video of me spinning with a drop spindle and a hand distaff, which was so much easier than I thought it would be. I had anticipated something like juggling, but it all came very naturally and is actually much easier than constantly having to throw the fiber back over your shoulder.