Some interim conclusions and a mystery object

I have given up trying to cram any more cormo on to either of the Golding spindles. Both of them were still spinning very well - little diminution in duration or speed of spin. But winding on was becoming a complete and utter pain. Now, this may be due to deficiencies or idiosyncrasies in how I wind on - but try as I might, the yarn was slipping further along the shaft in each case (although slightly worse with the top whorl). This meant that it was getting harder and harder to hold or grip them efficiently or comfortably to do the actual wind on. In addition, as the cop grew larger, I had to pay more and more attention to how I took the yarn up to the hook before starting the next spin - if I didn't get it just so, the yarn would abruptly slip.

Here is how they ended up.



I will make some attempt to gauge the yardage as I proceed, but I make no promises!

And the conclusions? I got a grand total of six whole grammes more on to the top whorl than on to the bottom whorl. That, I think, is barely statistically significant! So, with both these trials, my overwhelming conclusion is that if one or the other type of spindle is capable of having more yarn packed on to it, that is immaterial. I reach my comfort limit with a particular spindle quite a way before it is "full". And that is likely to vary depending on which spindle I am using anyway.

It has, I have to say, been an interesting experience to use a really good bottom whorl spindle, for the first time in years. Much nicer than I had thought would be the case. But I remain overall a devotee of top whorls - I still find them more comfortable and more efficient to use, because of the ability to insert twist by rolling on the leg.

And now, for a complete change of subject.

We visited my sister over the holiday weekend, and she produced this.



She had found it in a collection of sewing and mending paraphernalia she had bought at a charity shop, and we none of us have any idea what it could be. Damn - I have just realised that I should have put in something to indicate scale - well, it is two and a half inches from top to boot heel, and the spikes make it two and three quarter inches. It is made of brass, and on each side is stamped A V 16/4/19. Almost certainly initials and date. The is a small hole at the centre top, and the two bluntish spikes on the "sole". It looks more like the representation of a stocking than a boot, I feel. It could have originated anywhere in this northern textile area, even from Macclesfield and some form of silk production, I guess.

Anyone have any suggestions? We would love to know more.