Spinning lessons

Jeffs oversees spinning lessons for students at the Kirkcudbright Art and Craft Summer School.   During the middle ages spinning in Europe became mechanised, probably as a result of Indian influence. The spindle was driven by a hand turned wheel, with the spinner walking backwards to allow the yarn to draw out, and forwards again to let it wind onto the bobbin. Although the new wheel couls spin short woolen fibres, a drop spindle was still preferred for long fibres such as flax.