Instructor: Sylvia Smith

In the historical fiber arts community, January 7 was known as Roc Day or St. Distaff’s Day. It is the day after the feast of the Epiphany, and it was the first day after the twelve days of Christmas that the spinners and weavers of our ancestry returned to their work. Roc is a Gaelic word for distaff, which is a tool used to hold long fibers while spinning. During the times when this day was commonly observed, the suspended (or drop) spindle was the tool used to spin yarn for textiles.

Reconnect with your ancestral heritage by learning to spin on a drop spindle while celebrating this unique holiday. Sylvia will teach you how to spin different types of wool on a drop spindle. You’ll also learn how to create a plied yarn with this tool. At first glance, spinning on a drop spindle appears slower and more primitive than using a spinning wheel to create yarn. Looks can be deceiving, as a spindle is an effective tool for making yarn and it is more affordable and portable than a spinning wheel. No spinning experience is necessary. A handout with resources and terminology will be provided. Bring your own spindle to use in class, or borrow one of Sylvia’s. Spindles are available for purchase in the shop at a 10% discount for the class. Just mention it is for the class at checkout.

Sylvia Smith has been spinning for around 30 years and is currently working her way through the Master Spinner program at Olds College. She lives in northwest Montana with her husband and kitten, with one being an enabler of her fiber pursuits while the other is an occasional obstacle.

Sign up: https://fiberyarns.com/purchase-classes/beginner-drop-spindle-class-jan-7th