Stratford-upon-Avon Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers

Identified by our wonderful member - Anna - Distaff Day , also called Rock Day , is 7 January, the day after the feast of the Epiphany. It is also known as Saint Distaff's Day , one of the many unofficial holidays in Catholic nations. Date 7 January Next time 7 January 2020 Frequency annual     The distaff, or rock, used in spinning was the medieval symbol of women's work. In many European cultural traditions, women resumed their household work after the twelve days of Christmas. Women of all classes would spend their evenings spinning on the wheel. During the day, they would carry a drop spindle with them. Spinning was the only means of turning raw wool, cotton or flax into thread, which could then be woven into cloth. Men have their own way of celebrating this occasion, called Plough Monday, the first Monday after Epiphany when men are supposed to get back to work. Every few years, Distaff Day and Plough Monday fall on the same day. Often the men an...

CHRISTMAS MEETING  This year it is on this Friday evening, 13th December and as usual in the New Room, at the Methodist Church. Doors open at 7.00 pm . Don't forget to bring your Christmas Tree decoration if you wish to take part in the Christmas swop – not more than three inches long, and able to hang (loop not counted in the three inches). Diane has urged us to make these as beautiful and crafty as possible. During the first part of the evening we shall be creating the decoration of a key ring fob using needle felting . There is lots of coloured fleece available and we have felting needles for sale, but bring any special fibres etc you may need and your own needles. Scissors, needle and thread are often useful. The fob is approximately 3cm square and 7-8mm deep. Afterwards we shall enjoy a shared buffet. Please bring a contribution which we can eat with our fingers – we have plates but not forks/knives/spoons. If your item needs cutting into helpings – please cut i...