Distaff workshop - 21st March 2020
Medieval manuscripts contain many illustrations of women (and the occasional man) spinning wool into yarn using a spindle and distaff. Discover how the distaff acts as a third hand, holding your fibre in a tidy bundle enabling you to draft single handed and have a hand free to twirl your spindle.
Mary Cleaton and Jane Hunt of The De Caversham Household re-enactment group will share their research into medieval distaff spinning and show you how to prepare wool fibres to dress your distaff, before teaching you the basics of distaff spinning.
It is strongly recommended that you have previous hand spinning experience for this course. All tools and fibre will be provided on the day and you may purchase the tools to take home with you if you wish.‘
Guidance will be on-hand at all times.
Accommodation is not included but if required it is available within the local area, some suggestions can be found on our 'local accommodation' page - please arrange this yourself. Refreshments are provided on the day but not lunches.
Toilet and classroom all easily accessible from the car park *Please bring a packed lunch*. Attendees must be over 16.
To book a place please select one of the dates below, then indicate quantity required before clicking the "Add to cart" button.