[fibernet] Re flax

[Hallie Ewanus]

I've spun a lot of flax over the years. the towel method is not a 
good onew as it allows the fibers to move and tangle. 
 a distaff is a neddity for easy flax spinning and is also very 
usefull for wools ,angora, and alpaca. is great for outdoor demos too 
as the wind does not scatter the fibers as you work. A distaff can be 
as simple as a branch with a fork or even justa tapered enduse a c or 
bar clamp to attahe it to your char or bench. dressing it is more 
important than what it looks like. 1. make a slip nut in a  2yard 
piece of cord or ribbon. put the loop ovr yoour staff. 2 pull 
sections of your fiber or roving and place them parrele to the 
staff.always place them so all the groups are orinented the same way 
that is the direction youuse as top should be the same one throught 
out.criss cross the cord down the staff and tie about 4 inches from 
the base place that away form you so you don't get the tie in your 
way. you can spay the flax with water to dampne it and covr with a 
long noww plastic bag to keep it damp. I use a newspaper or bread 
bag.with the bottom cut off. then you just pull down as yougo with 
your left hand and pull tiorward with your right to controll the 
draw . If your finished product is hary and dull looking boil the 
thread in washing soda and change the water a few times till it stops 
looking like tea. Rinse and dry and if will be smooth and shiny. The 
prepared roving seems to be pretreated and rarsly needs this step but 
strick always does it may be why folks think it's poor quality .
Hope this helps.
Hallie in south fl.