Tuesday, November 9, 7:30pm - See and hear Hive13's own pair of 'Spinning Jennys' spin their tales
By jim on
Hive13's next 2nd-Tuesday of the month guest speaker(s) this coming Tuesday, November 9 at 7:30pm, will be the dynamic duo of Hive13 member Kate Cook, and her mother, Robin. Together they will demonstrate and share tales of the storied art of spinning fiber. They will demonstrate technique on both spinning wheels and drop spindles, working primarily with wool. Discussion will range from the basic mechanics of the wheels, the selection process and preparation of fibers for spinning and the finishing of spun fibers.
So what is a 'Spinning Jenny' you ask? The spinning jenny is a multi-spindle spinning frame. It was one of the key developments that sparked the industrialization of textile manufacturing during the early Industrial Revolution. It was invented in 1764 or 1765 by James Hargreaves in England. It is one of history's most significant Maker Machines. If you own a sheep, you can get wool. But how do you spin that wool (and other materials) into 'spun fibers' (thread) that then is woven into fabric to cloth all the people around the world? Well, you start with a Spinning Jenny in England, and follow the production trail around the world to the water powered textile mills of Lowell, MA, then post-Civil War Greenville, SC and now China and the many countries of Southeast Asia.
Members, guests, first-time-walk-ins, and all those interested to learn more are welcome to attend our hybrid (live/virtual) meeting to hear their talk. Come early to see our space, meet folks, and check things out (wearing your mask).