Nelson Has Spinners From Shetland Isles Ancient And Historical Wheels Owned By Members Of Women’s Guild

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 152, 24 March 1938, Page 5

Nelson Has Spinners From Shetland Isles Ancient And Historical Wheels Owned By Members Of Women’s Guild

is probably the only centre in New Zealand where the Guild of Spinners and Weavers has as members a number of Shetland women who are able to pass on their life-time s experience to those who are learning the ancient craft. Also many of the guild have old family spinning wheels.

These are of all shapes and ages from the most modern wheel of metal and rqd paint down to the pre-French Revolution heirloom which was made in Gruyere, Switzerland, and been in use ever since. The last-mentioned wheel was used to teach the wife of King Menelik of Abyssinia to spin when she was travelling through Switzerland. it is the property of Mrs. H. Burton and a most unusual shape, having a very thick wheel and beautifully turned frame-work. On the left-hand side the piece of wood supporting the spindle is carved with tiie figures XXXIIIii. So far no one has been able to suggest a reason for these marks.

The Shetland Island spinning-wheels are of the upright variety but a number of members have those made like wheel-barrows. Among the modern ones is a beautiful model in yellow wood, the property of Mrs. E. E. Kennedy, who imported it from Scotland where it was made by a master craftsman who won many prizes with it at the Oban Show. Of the Shetland Islanders Mrs. Jamieson came out to New Zealand as quite a little girl and remembers spinning for the earliest looms. Mrs. Priest, who. has not been in the country for very long, comes from the Island of Unst, famous for its delicate

cobweb lace wool-work. These patterns are never transmitted to paper, but learnt by heart and thus passed from one generation to another, an art only known to the few inhabitants of this one island. Miss Jamieson, sister of Dr. Jamieson, Nelson, wears her original Shetland costume when spinning, which consists of a striped underskirt, white apron and lace mutch (cap). In order to perpetuate this picturesque costume the members of the guild also dress in similar fashion. There are at present fewer weavers than spinners in the Nelson Guild but among them are some very expert draftswomen. Mrs. Carling, Mapua, is well known throughout the province for her lovely lengths of material for men’s wear, women's skirts and delicately coloured silk scarves which have been exhibited in the,Nelson Art Society. The late Mrs. Blomfield, Port Nelson, was also known for her skill in weaving. Native Dyes Used. Many of the guild members live out of reach of all towns, as, for instance, an enthusiastic member on D’Urville Island. They endeavour to specialise in using wool from their own flocks and acquire as wide a range as possible of native plant dyes. In this

matter they are indebted to Mr. John Moore, Havelock North, and Mr. B. C. Aston, Wellington. The latter’s scientific researches into the value of coprosma dyes have proved of the utmost importance to New Zealand. These easily-obtained'plants give soft shades of yellow, browns and red and have the great value of being permanent. Indeed, were it not for the aniline dyes they would be of great commercial value to this country. Lichens, which abound in Nelson district, are also used. The enthusiasm for experimenting with these has spread from guild members to their families and already the young folk have added considerable information to tiie number of dye recipes. In this connection Masters John and Michael Kennedy have added much data upon lesser known lichens. All sorts of garments are made from the wool spun by the guild, ranging from warm underwear and strong socks to the delicate lace shawls and scarves and jumpers of all kinds. Tiie use of wool knitted straight from the fleece without spinning is not overlooked and is particularly good for hand-made skirts.

The pupils of the Nelson Central School take weaving as one of their subjects, their teacher being Miss Walters, who is secretary of the guild.

Tomato Butter Sauce. Take 4 large tomatoes. 1 teaspoonful chopped eschalot, loz. butter, pepper, salt, and a little cochineal. Slice the tomatoes and put them in a pan with the butter, three drops of cochineal, eschalots, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and cook them gently on a low heat until they become a pulp. Rub the pulp through a fine sieve, reheat, and serve with cutlets.