Nails in a spool.

[cest-la-vie.livejournal.com]

My daughter got this wooden thread spool that was modified with some nails to make the yarn rope you see there. I am not sure how to start it and my SIL is the one that knows, but we can't seem to stop her long enough to show us. Does anyone know how to do this? I am not even sure what the process is called and I really would love to help my daughter with it.

Thank you, in advance.


Edit:
There are four nails in the top of the spool if that helps.


Edit 2:
My husband was kind enough to reply to my post in my journal saying that even though we have been trying to figure this out he knew all along. Thank you so much for all the links and help. I am very greatful for it. Now I need to find a way to crochet my husband a box for him to stay in for a while so that we don't have to look at him until we aren't mad any more. hehe