SPINNING TO WIN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 9, 5 October 1940, Page 6

SPINNING TO WIN

Women Now Making Own Wool For War Knitting

With their usual resourcefulness in time of need, New Zealand women, faced with the realization that the supply of factory wool cannot keep pace with the speed of their knitting, have turned to spinning, as a means of producing wool for their patriotic knitting. All over the country the wheels are in action, and those skilled craftsmen who can make the wheels at a reasonable price have orders booked months in advance. Women in every walk of life are tackling this new means of production as their patriotic effort, and at the same time are finding it a potent sedative for war-worn nerves. That there is a healing influence in the art of spinning and in the sound of the whirring wheel, has long been recognized, tind modern, science is upply ill-- it in mental therapy with great success. For the average woman, even knitting demands a certain amount of concentration, but with spinning, once she has mastered the craft, she can relax in mind and body without any sense of wasting time. Farmers’ wives, and even some of the menfolk, are doing most of the spinning just now, but the city women are learning as fast as they can obtain wheels. Most knit up their own wool, but many have been sending it to the Navy League heackfuaTters for distribution, where it is most gratefully received, because homespun wool has been found a belter medium for navy “comforts” than the manufactured. The reason for this is very easily understood by anyone .who knows' what tho men of the Navy' have to put up with in the winters of the North Sea and the Atlantic. The bitter, freezing cold must be almost beyond the comprehension of those who have not experienced anything like it, and the clothing needed by the men must be akin to that of the Esquimaux. Homespun wool has all the warmth of the natural oils left in it, the softness and thickness of the natural sheep’s fleece. Sweaters, scarves, caps and gumboot stockings made in this wool is comfortable and cold-resisting to a wonderful degree. Of course, the home spinner can spin her wool of almost any thickness, almost any coarseness. The beginner often turns out a very good imitation of string, to her chagrin, but anyone keen enough can soon learn.

One of Wellington’s keenest spinners —and also tr line weaver—is Mrs. M. T. Ryan, of Wadestown, but Mrs. Ryan’s enthusiasm does not stop with her own work for the Navy. She is one of those rare people who enjoy imparting both her knowledge and enthusiasm to others, and in the role of teacher has already done great work. She gives lessons regularly to 12 women of a patriotic sewing circle in the city, has 'taught children of a city school to spin, and is now teaching the members of the Blind People's. Social Club in Wellington the craft. ‘ Mrs. Ryan has; two hand looms for weaving the hahdspun wool, but the biggest loom was out of action till a generous gift of wool, suitable for the lacking “weft,” was made to the Navy League and handed over to her. This gift of wool was spun by a farmer, Mr. Waldie, Waitotara, after his day’s work on the farm, and is just another example of the small but great ways in which people all over New Zealand are “doing their bit” toward the war effort. Mr. Waldie spun the wool from the fleece of his own sheep, of course, but farmers who cannot spin but have fleeces to spare are helping the cause of the spinners by contributing, and now that shearing time is drawing near patriotic spinners arc looking forward to a busy time.

Women in Wellington who have not ■been able to obtain sufficient wool for their knitting needs and haven’t spinning wheels, have even been using the primitive swindles like those the Arabs used as far back as Biblical days. It is a slower way than by the spinning -wheel, but it is better than waiting. In their efforts to help “the boys” these' fine women may be reviving an industry that will eventually bring a spinning wheel to every hearth in every home. That is the dear wish of all the true spinners.