Weekly Spindle Review ~ Bristlecone Goddess Phang

Maker: Bristlecone
Weight: 24 g /  3/4 oz
Length: 10 1/2" Shaft  
Style: Support Spindle
Wood: Unknown - looks like Cherry


The Bristlecone spindles are hard to obtain - although at the moment in the Spindle Candy group they seem to be popping up.  

My sample is spun with a Merino/ Bamboo/Firestar batt from Luthvarian Fiber Arts in the colourway "Danae".  I LOVED this batt and I have already favourited this shop on etsy.  Since this is a Sherlock spindle, I needed to find a "manly" fibre to spin.  I thought this colourway was perfect and It seemed the spindle agreed.   I often hear that fibre spun on a support spindle referred to as the "spindles' dress".  Well this my friends, is Sherlock's suit.   

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I was lucky to obtain this spindle in one of my days stalking the ISO thread in the Spindle Candy Group.  A woman was in search of a Kuchulu turkish spindle and offered a couple phangs for trades.  I quickly messaged her and offered to trade another spindle for this particular one and she said she was going to hold out for the spindle she really wanted (totally understandable).  Several days later she messaged me back and Sherlock was on his way here. 

Phang spindles are a type of support spindle, with no whorl, often a bulge in the middle or two points and a low centre of gravity. The Bristlecone versions have a Goddess shape - thus the name. The grain of the wood, really accentuates the curves of the Goddess and create a very well balanced spindle.  I used the "waist" to wrap my spun singles around.

I found this spindle to be a very good spinner.  Without fibre on it, it spun smoothly in my hand and pretty much stood straight up.  The wood is nice and smooth, lightweight yet dense.  I was able to spin lace weight yarn no problem.  

I am happy with the wood burnt detail of the characteristic Sherlock pose on the base of the phang.  The colour reminds me exactly of what I have in my mind of the wood used in Sherlock's pipe.  A nice rich, purple-y brown, tobacco stained colour.  The carving is a nice depth and size and is in proportion to the rest of the spindle.  

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The base of this spindle is tapered gradually, creating a nice, sturdy point in which to spin.  The point is smooth and creates a nice area that doesn't create too much friction with the bowl but not so pointy you are worried about damage.  The circumference of this bottom bulge is approximately 2 1/2" leading to the "waist" which is 1 1/2" and the top is 2 1/4" around.  All of these areas distribute weight in such a way to keep the spindle rotating longer than expected.  Adding fibre helps even more (to a point).

Now, there is one detail that was overlooked - and this may just be me being anal BUT the tip at the top of the spindle is off centre.  I know, I know but it bugs me like crazy!!  When I hold the spindle with Sherlock centred, the seam of the bead used as the spinning point is staring right at me.  Was this attached before adding the Sherlock picture or was this just a simple oversight?  

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I am quite fond of the design and shape of the spinning point, and it suits the spindles' personality but... (argh).  I think this spindle would really be lacking without it though.  I have no difficulty spinning from this and the cable-y, knotted detail creates a nice grip in which to flick the spindle with.  It also is kinda "pipe-like" and I like that.

Spindle rating:
Length of spin: 4.2 seconds (average of three tests)
Fibre storage ability: Good
Looks: A very handsome looking spindle
Overall Rating: 8.5/10


The fibre/spindle combination was a win/win.  I enjoyed spinning on this Goddess.   This is my first phang and I have to say I was quite impressed.  I have lusted over some of the other Bristlecone Goddesses but I am head over heels in love with this one.  Much like all of the work done by Bristlecone, you can be sure you are getting a quality tool with stunning detail and thought put into it.  Add one to your Christmas wish list and keep your fingers crossed :)

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