Spinning At Matthew Curtiss House, Sunday

At Newtown Historical Society’s Open House and Living History Demonstration at Matthew Curtiss House on Sunday, November 14, Jody Hyman will demonstrate spinning wheel and drop spindle spinning. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe techniques that have been used for centuries to create yarn. Different fibers and the tools used to prepare them for spinning will be discussed.

The open house and program will run from 1 to 4 pm. Admission is free.

Ms Hyman was introduced to the fiber arts of weaving, hand spinning and dyeing in the mid 1970s. She has studied with many inspiring teachers and learned to spin many different types of fibers, including wool, cotton, flax, silk, angora, rabbit, mohair, and others.

Spinning yarn allows a person to create exactly the yarn they want whether it is color, texture, blend of fiber, or size. Sitting at a spinning wheel provides time for relaxation and reflection on the connection with the past when women had to do this every day to clothe their families.

Ms Hyman has participated in the “Sheep to Shawl Contest” in Woodbury, and for three consecutive years was the champion of the Spinning and Drop Spindle Competition at the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, N.Y.

During Sunday’s demonstration, costumed docents will be available for guided tours of the circa 1750 house at 44 Main Street.