In Episode 2 of the Peahen’s Ponderings, I discussed how to select a first drop spindle. During the conversation, I mentioned a category of Spanish Peacock spindle we affectionately refer to as “Do Not Drop” spindles. These spindles have large amounts of wood removed from the whorl to lighten them. The cut-out designs also result in more of the whorl’s weight being on the outer rim, and this weight distribution provides more momentum as the spindle turns.

Here are several photos to help visualize what we mean by “Do Not Drop” spindles. There are other designs as well, but these should get the idea across. If you are new to drop spinning, consider using these over a carpet or cushions … you know, just in case! (They call it “drop” spinning for a reason!)

This last design is a bottom whorl, not a top whorl; however there is a hook on the end you can’t see which allows it to operate as a drop spindle.