These little pieces of Pendleton history were indeed used in the mill -- great big long machines spin yarn onto the bobbins. The Woolen Mill Store is where bobbins go to retire! Our creative customers have come up with a laundry list of ways to use them.
- Candle holders. A few drops of glue or hot wax will secure a taper in place on the end of the bobbin.
- Legs for a stool or small table. Even after years of mill service, the bobbins are still very sturdy.
- Base for a lamp. You can buy the light bulb fixture and lampshade separately, and string the cord through the hollow core of the bobbin.
- Fish whacker. If you're the fishing type, a bobbin makes a handy addition to your tackle box.
- Curtain rod finials. Some people like the wide end showing; some people like the narrow end. Either way, they look nice!
- Vase for silk flowers. That hole in the bottom makes a bobbin a bad choice for flowers that need water... but silk flowers look lovely and dramatic displayed in a bobbin.
- Canvas. Paint on 'em, carve them, bust out the wood burning tools...
- Ribbon organizer. Anything wound on a big, open core can be stacked on a bobbin for storage -- you can see what you have on hand AND you've got an attractive way to display your stash.
- Personal safety. You don't want to be caught unarmed if ninjas suddenly attack!
- Display. You don't have to do a single thing to them. Stand them up in rows, arrange them in a wide bowl -- they're beautiful just the way they are.
We want to see what you've done with your bobbins! Feel free to post pictures (or a link to pictures) in comments so we can ooh and ahh over them.
