Wool and Linen Spinning Spindle

In this spindle, we can trust.

In the enchanting tale, Princess Aurora is cursed to die by pricking her finger on a spindle, but a good fairy transforms the curse into a deep sleep lasting 100 years, which can only be broken by a true love's kiss. The curse is fulfilled, but Aurora is eventually awakened by a prince.

Our prince is called Enfia o Barrete, the collective project created in 2021 by Irina Andrusko and Luz Ornelas, for the research and appreciation of Madeiran wool and the preservation of the traditional earflap cap. From tools to materials, everything is studied, starting with ethnographic collection. Then prototypes related to the use of wool are created. Finally, the knowledge and skills are shared through workshops and exhibitions.

In an art of spinning that was dormant, Irina Andrusko revived the concept and conducted the ethnographic collection. She found an original heather wool spindle from Isabel Ferreira of Ribeiro Frio, São Roque do Faial (Santana) and also an original vinhático wool spindle in Ponta do Pargo, in the municipality of Calheta.

Conceição Câmara, a spinner and weaver from Santana, also introduced her to an original heather wool spindle.

With this collection, Luz Ornelas designed the spindles and the turner Luís Jesus brought the replicas to life. A 47 cm wool spinning spindle, a 41 cm wool and linen spinning spindle, and another 30 cm spindle were born. All made from ash wood with a natural wax finish.

The artisans of Enfia o Barrete say that with use these spindles gain a natural polish, so there is no hesitation needed. They just need to be used, so that tradition does not fall asleep.

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