It is presumptuous to write only one short article about distaffs and the correct dessing of it. Therefore, this article should be a first insight into this broad field. There are almost as many different distaffs and ways of spinning with them as there are spinners. Here I present my version of this workstep.
The long fibres that remain after hackling with the hand card cannot be spun from the lap, or only with difficulty. Too quickly you would have a terrible mess of fibres. A distaff takes on the role of a mute servant, who keeps the fibres ready for us.
Distaffs are no longer needed in modern spinning and are therefore no longer made. I use a broomstick that stands in a parasol stand and that works wonderfully. But you can also get creative yourself and come up with other variations. It is important to me that my distaff is mobile and that I can easily set it up at different distances from the spinning wheel.
Careful fanning helps with spinning
I now choose a handful from my fibres and tie them tightly together in the upper quarter with a textile ribbon (at least 2 metres long). Then I tie the bundle around my middle. Now I fan out the fibres as finely as possible in many many layers on my lap. The more careful you are with this step, the better you can spin later. The idea behind this is that each fibre has contact with a few other fibres and there is a continuous supply when you draw the fibers off it.
Once the fan is finished on your lap, it can be transferred to the distaff with the ribbon that holds it together at the top. If your broomstick has a hole, I can thread the ribbon through the top. Then the fan is loosely placed around the broomstick and fastened with the ribbon.
What works is what is right
In the course of spinning, you have to adjust the tightness of the distaff ribbon from time to time, so dont worry if you have tied it too tightly or too loosely at the beginning.
I orientate myself with this method on the way Distaffs were dressed in the Mühlviertel. In many other countries, the distaffs look completely different and are also dressed differently.
In general, don't be afraid of dressing distaffs. It's much easier than you think and it doesn't have to win beauty prizes. The right thing is what works well for you!
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