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.
