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Don't let this short-stapled fiber intimidate you—it's a joy to spin with simple tools!
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Don't let this short-stapled fiber intimidate you—it's a joy to spin with simple tools!
Curious about spinning short-stapled fibers such as cotton? Consider the charkha!
While shepherds tend to sheep in high-altitude Nepali pastures, artisans in the lower-altitude rural villages spin the wool for weaving using a homemade spindle wheel they call a charkha or rad.
Using a minimal number of tools and materials, you can build your own functional charkha.
An antique textile found close to home sends Chitra searching for silk in South India.
Can you use book-style charkhas for big projects? Yes, you can. Learn how I store my cotton singles for plying with this short video.
Season 5, Episode 6: An icon of Indian textile tradition and independence, charkha spinning has mostly disappeared from contemporary life. Avani Varia works to preserve the skill, create a living for spinners, and spread the charkha joy.
My love affair with charkha spinning was starting to leave me frustrated and grumbling. Here’s how I regained my loving-kindness.
So you’ve gotten the hang of spinning cotton on a charkha. Now what? Take some inspiration from a few of our favorite projects and explore easy dyeing ideas to create beautiful color!
In 1941, a letter and a charkha traveled between Henry Ford and Mahatma Gandhi in the midst of the chaos of Pearl Harbor.
Who knew that Lego fun can be had by adults, too?
Sometimes our tools need a tune up and extra care to run well.
Part of the mindful act of charkha spinning for me is slowly winding my singles into a tidy spindle cop.