FIBERS FOR SPINNING Fibers used for spinning in America:

FIBER TYPE & SOURCE FABRIC / USE CHARACTERISTICS Flax plant linen  durable due to long fibers  will not shrink Sheep's wool wool  durable, warm, fire resistant  easy to dye  continues to shrink with use and water Cotton plant cotton  soft, comfortable easily dyed Hemp plant hemp rope and sacks, some fabric  processed like flax Silk (uncommon in America) silk  very soft  easy to dye

SPINNING PROCESS To prepare for the making of fabric, fibers are twisted to make yarn. The simplest method uses fibers held between the fingers which are spun on a drop spindle; this method was used through the 1700's. Spindle type wheels were introduced from the Orient to Europe in the middle ages.