Spinning history

One Saturday morning we found ourselves at a nearby antique market. One thing I noticed  as we walked around was that a lot of the store holders were selling these wooden stands. I'd never really noticed them before, but they are actually spools that are used to wrap silk and/or cotton thread around the outside of the legs. Like a large bobbin in your sewing machine. Little did I know that my interest for these spools would be connected with the Osawa Onsen Hotel that I shared with you in my previous post here

The town of Matsuzaki was one of three major silk worm producing areas in Japan. The other two areas in Japan being Gunma and Nagano. 

Of course my spools were not going to be used for their original purpose. I don't see myself weaving a kimono anytime soon! I gave my frames a wipe over since they looked like that had been kept in some dirty, dusty old box for a considerable amount of time and a lick of  clear varnish. It was a very therapeutic project sitting outdoors in the open air with the bamboo forest surrounding me.  

Here are two ways I like to use mine....

Firstly as a plant stand and secondly as....

 ...a plate stand.

I love how they turned out and since buying these I have added to the collection with a medium sized frame. They were a fun and budget friendly DIY project. 

   

Have you ever bought something with another use in mind?