Spinning Wool with Medieval Tools and Techniques: A Hands-On Workshop (2)

This workshop is open to attendees of the 61st International Congress on Medieval Studies who sign up during registration.

The study of medieval textile labor highlights intimate connections between the ecology and rhythms of the natural world with even the most intellectual premodern activities. It also offers a window into experiences of the non-elite and often poorly-documented lives and labor of women and farming communities that produced the raw materials for textiles. The workshop organizers are each currently leading projects focused on premodern knowledge technologies and hands-on making. This workshop offers participants a platform for sustained exchange around these projects, the demonstration of and reflection on hands-on learning, and helping participants incorporate experimental techniques into their own professional practice.

In the vein of recent rising interest in experimental archeology and engaged research practices and pedagogies, this session offers a workshop on medieval methods for working with natural fibers in preparation for a variety of applications (weaving, embroidery, tapestry, and clothing production). During the workshop, attendees will examine medieval tools for spinning wool in both modern replica objects and medieval illuminations, and learn to spin wool using premodern tools and methods: drop spindles, distaffs, and roving (fiber prepared for spinning). All materials will be provided by the co-organizers.

Workshop leaders: 

• Liz Hebbard, Indiana Univ.-Bloomington
• Krista Twu, Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth