Thrifted Treasure Series Part 10 - Wood Textile Spools
When I find vintage spools while thrift shopping I’m always intrigued and tempted to put them in right into my cart. Their shapes, colors, and time worn look pull on my textile loving heartstrings!
Large wood spindles like these were used in textile factories many years ago. If you are interested in learning how thread spools were made, watch this video on Youtube. It shows a heritage English Spool Mill in action!
When you look closely at these spools you will see the beauty of the wood and the designs.
Shopping for Spools
You can occasionally find vintage shuttle spindles, bobbins, and spools in antique stores. If you are lucky you may also find them at garage sales or thrift shops!
The prices will vary depending on shape and demographic location. I’ve seen larger spools for sale in the range of $10-$45, and bags of small spools for under $3.
A Bit of History for Home-Sewing Threads
“It was not until about 1800 that manufactured cotton thread was available to the hand sewers in the United States and Europe.
Before that, textiles were sewn with silk or linen thread, and rarely homespun cotton or wool thread. At first, they were sold in hanks as some yarns still are.
Thread came on wooden spools beginning about 1820. Like our beverage bottles, the spools could be returned for a deposit, to be refilled. In the mid-19th century, during the Industrial
Revolution, textile manufacturing processes were some of the first to be modernized including the manufacture of cotton sewing thread.” ~ Post-Journal.com
Manufacturers stopped making wood spools in the early 70’s because of cost…
So…if you have wood spools…chances are the thread on those spools are 50+ years old.
How to use Vintage Spools for Home Decor
Here are several ways you can use textile spools in your home.
Candle Holders
Gather several different size spools and stand them on end.
Place votive candle holders on top of the spools and place the grouping in the center of your table, mantel, or on a night stand.
A StylishVase
Look for small glass water containers that fit inside the hole of the spool. Use floral clay to hold them in place.
Fill with water and add fresh flowers.
If you don’t want to bother with water, use dried flowers instead.
Art or Photo Display
Look for wire photo holders and place them on top of a spool. Add your favorite art, postcards, or photos.
Display a Collection
Use the spools to give importance or highlight a collection. Teapots, tea cups…the possibilities are endless!
Anchor your display with a wood tray (thrifted last week) in the same tones as the spools.
The holes in the top of the spools are perfect for holding ceramic balls or eggs.
Display small spools in a vintage sewing basket or in a glass cylinder.
Let me know in the comments below if you have thrifted wood spools and how you use them.
Or…what your last thrifted treasure was! I’d love to know!
sources: Post-Journal.com , archaicarcane.com