On Sunday, we asked “What is that tool?” on social media. It seems we confounded some spinners and some of you really know your tools! This tool is a rakestraw spinner, also known as a Mayan spinner.
Traditionally found in north and central America, the rakestraw spinner was used to spin coarser materials, such as Spanish Moss, into rope. It is spun in a similar way to a party ratchet noise maker to add twist to the fiber.
Check out the below resources for a detailed history of the rakestraw spinner and for some shops that carry this tool!
Resources
http://www.stitchedtogether.co.uk/2013/05/spinning-away-on-my-bogway.html
http://www.wildfibres.co.uk/html/spinners.html
https://www.etsy.com/listing/614513137/montana-hand-spinners-maple-or-stained?ref=shop_home_active_7