The Sleek Spincraft Story
Hi, I’m Katie — the maker behind the wood lathe and the wool. I’m a hand spinner and wood turner based in beautiful Central Oregon. Each wooden fiber tool you find here has been thoughtfully designed and lovingly handcrafted by me, with attention to both its function and its form. My hope is to create pieces that feel as beautiful in your hands as they are useful in your craft.
Each whorl and shaft blank begins its creation dance as a rough piece of wood. They being to find their final form as they spins on my lathe, shaped with hand-sharpened tools and guided by practiced hands. Every contour is refined with intention, then sanded to a silky-smooth finish—bringing out the natural beauty of the wood and further refining the shape. I finish every spindle with multiple coats of a shellac-based finish to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and give it a glossy look that’s both elegant and satisfying in the hand.
My journey into hand spinning began in 2007 at a local farmer’s market, where I was captivated by the vision of some ladies spinning lofty wool into yarn. That moment sparked a deep and lasting love for the craft, and after years of wheel spinning, I found myself drawn to the rhythm and intimacy of spindle spinning. When I couldn’t find the perfect spindle that had all the characteristics I found most pleasing, I decided to make my own—and that decision changed everything.
What started as a personal project quickly grew into a passion for creating tools that feel just right. I’ve spent countless hours exploring what makes a spindle spin beautifully—weight, balance, whorl size, wood density—and discovered that the magic lies in the harmony of many elements. Each piece of wood has its own story, and I work with it, not against it, to reveal its unique character.
I believe the best tools are those that inspire joy and connection. That’s why I focus on quality, comfort, and beauty in every spindle I make. No two are exactly alike, and that’s the charm—each one is a little work of art, ready to become part of your spinning journey.
Whether you’re just learning or have been spinning for years, I invite you to explore the magic of handmade tools. Let your craft be filled with warmth, intention, and the quiet joy of creating something meaningful with your own hands.
Thank you for being here. I’m so glad you’ve found your way to my little corner of the fiber world. Spin something lovely today!
-Katie
Spindle Designs -
Refined Expressions of Form & Purposeful Simplicity
The "Stiletto" style has an upright whorl with graceful curves and a sleek, ultra-sharp tip, reminiscent of a stiletto heel. The spindle design provides a quick and sustained spin. The flicking tip is also fine as that helps you get the fastest flick possible. The whorl has a good mix of both center and rim weight to produce a really nice spin that doesn't fatigue your hand as much. It produces a very quick and sustained spin (one flick results in a 1 and 2 minute spin). The "Stiletto" is my original and signature design.
The "Jackie" is the newest style. It has the whorl in a downward orientation with the "cup" facing your spinning surface. This places the weight lower on the shaft and a different outline. It has the same ultra-sharp spinning tip and rapid spin. The shaft length and diameter is the same on all my spindles, with normal minor variations present with handmade items. The top of the whorl has a slightly cupped design which provides a nice resting place for your cop as it builds.
When it comes to pairing your Sleek spindle with a spinning bowl, the possibilities are as varied as the spindles themselves. Many spinners find that glass or ceramic bowls offer a beautiful harmony—their smooth surfaces invite an effortless, graceful spin.
But every spindle has its own personality, just like we do. Some may delight in the cool elegance of a glass or ceramic spinning surface, while others prefer the warmth of wood, bone or horn. There are even some lovely metal bowls you might want to try. The best way to discover the perfect match? Try a few options and let your spindle tell you what feels right.
Look for a bowl with a completely smooth spinning surface to reduce friction and protect your spindle's tip. You want something with enough weight to provide stability as your spindle dances. Steer clear of any spinning surface that is gritty, uneven or , If the spin feels fluid and comfortable in your hands, you’ve found the right one. Beauty is simply the finishing touch—the true magic lies in the harmony between you, your spindle, and its chosen bowl.
*Wooden spindle tips - Do well with wooden, glass or ceramic spinning surfaces. A center dimple keeps the tip stationary and prevents it from dancing around.
*Metal spindle tips - Try metal, glass or ceramic bowls. Metal tips can scratch and wear dents into wooden bowls!
*Bean bag style bowls (often with wooden bowls attached to them) are great for spinning on the go. They stay put on your leg, chair arm or lap and don't break if they hit the ground.
A Few Helpful Hints
Give the Whorl Room to Dance - Choose a bowl with shallow sides, allowing your spindle to move freely. Tall walls can feel confining, turning graceful motion into a struggle. You don't want your spindle whorl bumping into the side of the bowl as it spins.
Seek Smoothness, Protect the Tip - Avoid surfaces that are gritty, have uneven texture or are harder than your spindle’s tip as they can wear it down over time. Wood often makes a lovely partner, if your spindle approves.
Find Your Comfort in Placement - Think about the height you would like for your spinning surface. Do you find it most comfortable to spin to the side on your thigh, centered between your knees, or resting on a table? Your choice will determine your body position as you spin. Higher placement can lead to tension in the shoulders, so listen to your body. You may need to try some different options until you find what works for you as well.
Discover What Feels Right - Personally, I treasure spinning bowls with a gentle divot in the center—an elegant cradle that guides the spindle tip to dance in one location. With this quiet assurance, I can spin and wander in thought, speak and look away, knowing the spindle is not going to walk all over the place. Beanbag-style bowls feel like a quiet embrace, settling comfortably and securely on top of my thigh. Their weight and steadiness creates a perfect stage for the spindle’s graceful dance.
Explore, Imagine, Create - Your next spinning bowl might be waiting at a local retail store, thrift store, from an online maker or be waiting in your own kitchen. Soy sauce dishes, dipping bowls, small wooden bowls, trinket jars, glass bowls, salt cellars, tea cups, candle holders, martini glasses, spoon rests—each holds potential. Some spinners even repurpose metal spoons, glazed treasures made by their children, or the foot of a saucer. I even had success cutting the bottom off an energy drink can and attaching it to a bean bag for my spindle travel case. Let curiosity guide you; the perfect bowl may surprise you. And for those who seek beauty, many makers craft their own inspired interpretations of the spindle bowl.
Finding The Perfect Spinning Bowl
