Hello! I recently got a support spindle after only using drop spindles. I’m enamored with your method of spinning and drafting with your support spindles. Are there any resources you’d recommend for learning more about that style of support spindling? Some videos I’ve watched on getting started say not to use combed top because it’s challenging to do long draw from it. But your technique in your advent calendar videos looks really smooth and it looks like drafting is happening without having to pull hard on the fiber. Would love to ready any thoughts you have as currently support spindle feels so so clumsy compared to my drop spindle lol.

Wow, thanks for the compliments however I can’t take all the credit for this style of spinning. On my supported spindles I do a semi-continuous style of spinning known as Fleegle; named after a spinner who goes by the name and has several videos that all just drafting & spinning on support spindles semi-continuously. I too started using drop spindles & I actually stumbled across fleegle spinning because I was having a hard time teaching myself long or short draw on a support spindle. I enjoy the semi-continuous method because it allows you to keep up a good rhythm for a long time without having to stop as frequently to wind on the cop from the temporary cop. Here’s a link for one of the videos; https://youtu.be/8VypPdls_ds?si=NFGF9SUtvBVHqShv

As for what fibre to use, I honestly don’t know why combed top has such a bad rep. I have only ever used combed top in various fibres/blends and had no problem. The two main things that prevents a fibre from drafting smoothly are holding your fibre too tightly in your non-drafting hand & trying to draft too soon for the staple (ie the end of the staple is still held in your fibre source in your drafting hand but you are also trying to pull the other end out of your drafting triangle). My tips for this are to familiarise yourself with the fibre you are trying to use, work out its staple – a long staple might need to be drafted at longer intervals compared to a shorter staple. Also, pre-drafting can help A LOT; I always pre-draft the hank I’m about to work which helps the fibre draft out like butter, very important for sticky fibres like mulberry silks or clumpy ones like sari silk.

One last thing to remember is that the support spindle will feel super clunky until you get used to it, but don’t be discouraged because the more you use it the faster your body will adapt & you’ll find how spinning support works for you! I think it took me about a month before I really felt comfortable with my supports.