I know this post is a bit late, but I seem to have underestimated the piece. Originally, I thought I would post a little piece about St. Distaff's Day, but in doing my research to get to the original source of the event, I found the material to be more indepth than I had imagined. I got lost in the mystery and beauty that surrounds this sacred event and the Goddess it celebrates. I knew the celebration was rooted in "something", however, I did not know it went so deep. So after I did my initial research, I did some thinking and then did some more research.
I would like to thank Juniper from walkingthehedge.net/blog/ for her help with this story. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and knowledge on this subject.
Enjoy!
~Vickie

Celebration for Frigg on St. Distaff's Day

Spinning is steeped in mystery and romance. From Fairy Tales and Fables to beautiful Goddesses who spin the thread of human life and weave the future of mankind. It is actually from the legends of these Goddesses that the Fairy Tales seem to owe their beginnings.

Frigg is the Goddess of Love and Marriage. She is known as The Mother of All, The Goddess of All, and The Protector of Children, depending on which version of her story you follow, but all depicting a beloved Goddess.

The Pagan Norse: The name Norse referred to the people and language of the ancient Scandinavian, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Germanic and Icelandics. As a Norse Deity, Frigg belonged to a complex religious, mythological and cosmological belief system. This tradition was started in a period from around 1000 B.C. and continued until the Christianization of the area around 1200 A.D. These Gods were not indestructible and were said to be mortal Gods, just to clarify.

Frigg was married to Odin who was the God of all Gods and Men. He is known as the God of Magic, Wisdom, Wit and Learning.

Frigg spent much of her time in her private Palace, Fensalir, surrounded by fog and nature. There she would spin on her jewel encrusted spinning wheel and spin beautiful, colorful clouds. The Constellation, Orion’s Belt is said to have been named after her because it represented her spinning wheel. Translated into Norse it is called Frigga’s Roc. Frigga for one of the variations of her name and Roc (Norse) meaning distaff which translates into spinning wheel and not to be confused with what we know today in America as a distaff.

Frigga Spinning the Clouds, Published in 1909, John C. Dollman. Courtesy of Wikipedia.

Frigg and Odin had but one child together named Baldur. He was the God of Light and ruled the Sun. He was born after a long labor on the longest night of the year which marked the New Year and the end of Winter Solstice.

He was eventually killed by a dart of mistletoe which punctured his heart. One version said when the God responsible for Baldur’s death was killed, it ended the world. This could perhaps represent when the Pagans were converted over to Christianity officially.

"Baldr's Death" (1817) by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg. Courtesy Wikipedia

Since many Pagans were reluctant to convert to Christianity, many of their traditions were adapted into Christian ceremonies, perhaps as a way of getting the Pagans to celebrate Christian Holidays.

Christmas became officially celebrated on December 25^th, a decision made by Pope Julius I in the fourth century A.D. Until then, Christmas was celebrated at different times of the year. This marries the Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice with the Christian Birth of Christ Celebration. Mistletoe becomes a representative of Christmas Celebrations and the New Year also becomes a significant Christian Holiday to mark the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year. In a round about way, when we celebrate New Year, we are welcoming the birth or rebirth of Baldur. If we are Pagans, that is. The use of firelight or candle light marked the birth or rebirth of the God of Light.  

Somewhere along the lines, but in A.D. times, a celebration was created to mark the day the women picked up their spindles again after the 12 days of Christmas Celebrations were over. It is not clear exactly when these celebrations of Roc Day began, but even today the tradition continues. Some Pagan writings say that Roc Day can be celebrated any time from January through May. Today, some count 12 days from the 25^th of December and celebrate on January 7^th, while others count from New Years Day and celebrate on the 12^th. I don’t think there is a specific date, but more or less the first day you go back to spinning for the year.

Renee Russo as Frigga in the Marvel movie Thor

According to legend, Roc Day is a day of both play and work. When the girls went back to their spindles, the boys would set fire to their flax. In return the girls would douse the boys with pails of water. This seems to be a significant part of the celebration and perhaps lighting fire to the flax honors the Goddess Frigg’s son Baldur, the God of light who was once honored through candle and firelight. The pails of water could represent Frigg’s tears at the loss of her son.

Somewhere along the line, Roc Day began to be called St. Distaff’s Day. Although there is no actual St. Distaff, it makes it a more folky celebration and perhaps more acceptable to some.

In today’s community of spinners, celebrations take place on different days and in different ways. Some hold fiber and yarn exchanges within their guild, while others get together and hold a spin-in. While others still, prefer a private ceremony offering up their spindles, some wonderful fiber and lighting a candle and perhaps offering a glass of wine to the Goddess in sacrifice.

Although the rituals may have changed over the centuries, and reasons behind traditional ceremonies may have been altered to suit this ever changing world, the roots are still the same. So no matter why or how you celebrate Roc Day, remember, there once was a Goddess named Frigg, who spun colorful clouds and watched over all women and children. Even if only for fun, I recommend you pay homage to Roc Day in what ever manner you see fit.

As I said above, I spent a good deal of time going over this material and over it again, until I have what I believe is a comprehensive understanding. I hope you enjoyed this post and please, tell me, what do you do to celebrate Roc Day?

Until next time,

All my Best.

~Vickie

OOpsy!

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have posted comments and sent me emails. Unfortunately, I have accidentally deleted all of your comments and can't seem to figure out how to get them back! I am still working on this but am not sure if I can do it or not.

Also, I would like to welcome my new readers from Germany. Welcome!

I am still working on the St. Distaff's Day post but it should be done next week some time. I hope you all like it. I think some of you may be a bit surprised with what I have uncovered.

US 10 Knitters Stitch Markers

Meanwhile, here are some of my stitch markers that I make and sell on Etsy. They are glass beads and silver wire. I found I really enjoy working with the beads! I was surprised.

US 10 Knitter's Stitch markers

In blue glass beads.

Crocheter's Stitch markers

These are also of glass beads but with a lobster clasp for crocheting and little brass bells on the ends!

And of course, a little something just because.

Thank you for stopping by.
~Vickie



Spinning Wheel Maintenance

In keeping with my cleaning and organizing theme, I thought it would be a good time to get the wheels ready for the upcoming year. January is the perfect time to do this since the weather keeps us indoors more often than not and why start out the new year with clean closets and a dirty wheel?
I have only been spinning for a couple of years so I had to do some research on the subject. I know how to keep my wood clean and happy but when it comes to oiling and waxing, I figured I had better ask an expert.

Oil Well in Ashford



So, I went to visit Ed, also known as Ed the Wheel Healer in Oberlin, Ohio.
Ed offers a Spinning Wheel Tune Up Workshop, which covers different types of wheels, all of their pieces and parts and what each one does, plus basic maintenance techniques. He also explains what noises are caused from what problem and offers solutions to those problems. Today, however, we are concentrating on cleaning our wheel and getting her ready for the upcoming spinning season.

Leather to wood on the Ashford



Ed builds Great Wheels, and repairs all sorts of wheels and has studied the subject in depth. He and his wife are also avid spinners and Historic Demonstrators. They can be found at Lyme Village in Bellevue Ohio during most historical events.

So who better to get a lesson from?

We started out the discussion at his workbench, where incidentally, he is working on a reproduction of an antique flax brake.

Fiber likes to gather around joints like these



“What people need to remember is fiber will get everywhere.” He said. “Any moving part of the wheel will draw fiber to it and it gets wrapped around those movable joints. That needs to be cleaned out of there periodically.”

Ed suggests using a pair of tweezers or what ever will work for you and pull the fiber out. Here are some places the fiber likes to hide.

Flyer Shaft

Bearings

Treadle hinges

Wheel Bearings

If you look closely, you can see fibers starting to cling on the arm.

Basically any joint that moves can collect fiber. One reason is probably because the oil acts like a magnet for it and it seems that once the fiber starts, more follows and the more it collects, the faster it accumulates! This can cause noises that, although Ed demonstrated to me, I just can’t seem to figure out how to spell!

Next, you will need to lubricate those moving parts. Some wheels have a reservoir here and there as in the photo above. Others will just need lubricating between all of the movable joints.

“I personally like to use graphite for metal to wood connections.” Ed says. “Graphite doesn’t contribute to damaging the wood on our antique wheels.”

But you may prefer to not use graphite. Ed suggests it can spread into your fiber. But there are a few more choices out there.

First off in his hand out from his class, Ed offers the following list of parts that need lubricating.

Metal Pins that hold the treadle bar to the front legs

Wheel Axles

Bearings on the maidens where the flyer turns

Bobbin on the flyer shaft

Footman at both the crank and treadle end

Wooden tension screws

He also notes that ‘in each of the areas above, there are multiple possible bearing materials that can be used’. He goes on to suggest the following table which he derived at from comparing several authors and their preferred usage:

Metal to Wood        Metal to Metal      Metal to Leather   Metal to Corn Husk        Wood to Leather

Heavy Mineral           Heavy Mineral

30wt Motor Oil          30wt Motor Oil

Light Grease              Mineral Oil              Mineral Oil              Mineral Oil                        Mineral Oil

Motor Oil

Petroleum Jelly          Lt Machine Oil        Lt Machine Oil                                                 Candle Wax

Lt Grease

Petroleum Jelly          Lt Wt oil                 Leather Conditioner     

Plastic to wood on my Ashford

Now, I am assuming when they refer to candle wax, they are probably thinking of parafin, not beeswax. Beeswax can be a bit sticky, in my opinion, and although great for candles, I don't think I would wax my skates with it!

If you have wood to wood joints, bar soap is suggested but not specific to a particular kind. I would have to venture a guess at something that is simple such as ivory.

Lastly, be sure to wipe off excess oil. You wouldn’t want it soaking into the wood and making a dark mark. Ed also suggests not over oiling and make sure you wipe off all excess oil as you go.

Darkened wood from years of oil.

When it comes to keeping your wood beautiful, I like to wash my antique and older wheels with Murphy’s Oil Soap and follow up with my Formby’s Lemon Oil. I like the way the wood loves it, it brings out the grain, and I like the smell. That’s why I use it. But you can choose what ever your favorite wood treatment is.

These are all methods that have been used throughout the years at one point or another by one user or another. I don’t think there is a particular material or method that is more correct over another when it comes to maintaining your wheel. I think if you just follow the few guidelines that Ed gives us and use your own good judgment, you should be alright. Or, there are also the instructions that came with your wheel! Don’t forget, the people who made your wheel will probably have their own ideal solutions to lubrication and wood preservation.

Commercial Spinning Wheel Oil



Don’t be afraid to ask another spinner for suggestions or help. After all, that’s what experience is for….sharing.

I hope you have enjoyed this brief little tutorial and I certainly hope it was helpful. I'd like to thank Ed for taking time out to help me with this subject.
Next time, I will be looking into St. Distaff’s Day.

All my best,

~Vickie

A Blustery Day at Home

    

More yarn for my Aunt. I need to start over, it is just not right.

     Well, here we are. Another year has passed and a new one is blossoming. I have been doing a lot of thinking lately and of course what ever my thoughts are, they always seem to lead back to fiber of some sort.
     As I was thinking about rearranging my living room I found my mind wandering from "where should I put the TV" to "I wonder how long it would take me to weave some curtains for that window?" This of course lead me to the loom room where I started to look through my stash to see what materials I have to weave it with and what colors I should use and of course, I decide I could design the whole room around what ever color material I use to weave the curtains with, and there starts the fantasy about recovering my couch and how grand it would be to actually weave the fabric for that project and then I would of course have to make a complimenting color for the little chairs so they don't feel left out, and then the rug! The wonderful rug I could make! Oh, what a wonderful room, new paint will top it off just nicely.....3 hours later, I realize I need help! I don't mean help around the house, although....I mean help with this habit my brain has about flitting off on it's own during an actual important task and I have to go running after it, partly because I am nosey and want to see what it is getting into, and partly because I don't want it to hurt itself!

Ornaments for the Spinner's Tree

     You'll notice a new look this year on the blog. I like it a lot better. What do you think? Also, for those of you who emailed saying you couldn't post comments, I have taken care of that too. Post away.

View from my Loom Room New Year's Day 2013

     New Year's Day was a blustery and cold one. I like it like that on occassion though. It gives me a legitimate excuse to just contemplate things and maybe get into a project or two, take a nap.
    Someone told me once that what ever you are doing on New Year's Day is what you will be doing for the rest of the year. So, I planned my day carefully. I decided to do a little of this and a little of that and be in a good mood with positive thoughts.
   

Gift Baskets for the Fiber Lover

    On New Year's Day, after chores, I was able to do some productive work. I got a lot of simple cleaning done and started in on my loom room. Which, incidentally, is open to my living room so you can imagine my problem when it was torn apart. And although I planned on doing something crafty, I just couldn't decide on what to start on.
     So I baked.

MMMMMMM!

     I don't know why, but this year, you will probably see a lot of moons and stars around the shop and my house. For some reason, I am just in the mood for these astronomical phenomenons.

          Next time, I will be doing a piece on Spinning Wheel Maintenance to get you started into the New Year. I think January is a great time to do things like this. I will be talking with Wheel Maker/Repairer, Ed Rowe from The Wheel Healer. Please be sure to stop by.



Thank you for visiting,
All of my best,

~Vickie

New Year's Resolutions

     The first real snow of the season 12/26/12

     When I started this blog, I thought it would be a good place to share lots of interesting things about fiber. All things fiber! From the sheep that grow the wool that makes the roving that spinners use to make the yarn that the weaver uses to make the rug. In a nutshell. Anyone familiar with this occupation understands the dynamics involved in making a good rug, or what ever the final product is. Whether it is a rag rug or a wool rug there are a lot of factors at play.

Colors that inspire.

     I am a weaver of rag rugs, working on a 1940's model Union Loom, who likes to explore other avenues of rug making. Those other avenues include different methods, tools, looms, and materials and I am also very nosey about what other weavers are taking off of their looms! There are so many projects in my head that need to come to fruitition, it is maddening. I also have so many looms that need attention. They seem to grow lonely just sitting while I bang away on my old Union.

Colors that soothe.

     I am also a spinner. Again, I want to explore and learn all there is to learn about spinning. I have only scratched the surface, I am sure. So many fibers to try, blends to make and techniques to learn. And what about all of those fascinating wheels?! I know I have shown you my Ashford but I have more to show even some that aren't mine! And like the looms, they seem so lonely while I work primarily on that little junk store find.

What, you expected more plants?

     I am also a fiber processor. The weaving lead to spinning which in turn, lead to processing. For now, we only wash and card fiber into roving, small batts and clouds and offer hand dyeing and blending. We are dedicated to the hand spinner. For the future, we dream of spinning frames so we can turn your lovely locks into a usable yarn for those of you who do not spin. Our goal is to produce a yarn that will make the animal who grew the fiber, proud.

One of mom's Glass Drop Spindles.

     Yes, these are our goals here at the mill. I also have some simple resolutions this year.

     First off, I want to say, I generally do not make resolutions but felt the need this year. My life has become too chaotic, too messy and far too unorganized. I have left things too unattended for too long and it is time to get back on track.

     So, this year.........my big resolutions for the up coming year........

1. Organize my weaving supplies and make some shelving to house it all on.

2. Organize my spinning stash and find a way to store it safetly with the ability to find what I need when I need it.

3. Organize my household. This includes the basement!

4. Organize a schedule so my time can be put to better use and I can find more time to spend with family and friends.

5. Organize my online activities. This includes, my Etsy store as well as this blog!

6. Delve into all of those non-fibery projects I have been longing to attempt.

     Now, that is a very nice start. I am not saying I will be able to accomplish all of those things, but it will make a good guide to follow.

     The way I look at organization is "if I am organized well enough, then I should be able to handle things that come up unexpectedly a little better".    

    

 

What are your resolutions this year?

My very best to all of you.

                          ~Vickie

Rooftops, Holidays and a Passel of Kittens!

     Hello Everyone and Happy Holidays. I hope your Christmas brought you loads of joy.
     I must first start off by apologizing to all of you for not posting in such a very long time. I see it was August when you last heard from me. Did you think I fell off the face of the Earth? Well, not quite but let me give you the quick update on what's been happening.
     Between eye surgery (mom's), injured animals and two weekends of the Bag Lady Tour, the spring was off to a hectic start.
A Passel of Kittens!
     Now, back in May during the Great Lakes Fiber Fest, we had several kittens and two mother cats show up. To make a long story short, we ended up with a total of 11 new kittens and two female adults (who have produced all of said kittens). So far, all except the two littlest kittens have been spayed and neutered and the one mother who is still nursing one of those kittens. We don't know where they came from, but we have taken them in.
     Then, during all of this, mom's cat Annie went missing. Here is a photo of her. If you are local and happen to see her, please contact me. She is sorely missed.

Annie is a small cat but was very filled out. She is a real sweetheart but not likely to be too friendly to strangers. She has been spayed and is about 6 years old. She went missing in August 2012. Please let me know if you have seen her. Mom would really like her home.

   
Rooftops
     Now, in 2011 I lost a lot of shingles off of my roof. So, I decided to change my roofline as long as I had to re-roof. In short, the original contractor I waited for 7 months for, was replaced with a new contractor who did a wonderful job.  I have now had a new metal roof for two weeks and couldn't be happier with the whole thing.
     Now, to just throw out a little buzz for my contractor, I used Diamond Gutters and Windows, who came highly recommended to me by someone I trust. I am so glad it worked out the way it did in the end. Danny and Brad went above and beyond getting this job done quickly. I can't say enough about them. Thank you again, guys!
     Now, that should update you on what I have been doing and why I have not posted in such a long time.  
     I did manage to open an Etsy Store in Nov. though. I will post about that later.
     Well, there you have it. Again, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all good health and happiness in the coming year.
     So, Merry Christmas to all of you and a Happy New Year.

~Vickie (and the gang)