Viking Spindle Spinning Techniques and History - Sewing A Cape Pt. 1

[@JillianEve]

I hope you all enjoy the history of this fascinating whorl. If you are interested in spinning with this whorl, you can get a replica whorl like mine from Living Past UK (affiliate link) shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=982709&u=1929793&m=70734&urllink=www%2Eetsy%2Ecom%2Flisting%2F717222564%2Fviking%2Drunic%2Dinscribed%2Ddrop%2Dspindle%3F&afftrack=

[@TinaWells143]

I would love to see more closeups of your hand spinning in this technique.

[@wendydee3007]

WOW. As a newbie spinner and lover of early history, this video is a winner for me, thanks, can't wait to see the next videos :o) The spindle whorl with text reminds me of a Tibetan prayer wheel. The benefits of having a spinning text seem multi-level. The original prayer wheels were made to help people to benefit from the practice of reading mantras, in Tantric Buddhism. They were always spun clockwise to replicate the movement of the sun across the sky, and the tantric practitioner visualises mantras spinning around the body chakras, to bring liberation and enlightenment. The spinning energy gives life to the text. Each rotation of the wheel is said to have the same benefit as if the person were reading it.

[@MoniqueAO888]

Well, words are really powerful and they get their power from the TOUGHTS behind them. So it's quite useful to be careful about your thoughts and wishes, because they create reality !!!

[@rchhtt5210]

Love this video! I have always thought spindle spinning felt so magical. It makes complete sense that different cultures would believe that the motion of a spindle would “activate” a charm.

[@Suze2233]

I so appreciate the history of early spinning. With the advancement of DNA we are able to understand where we came from and your history lessons enable us to know how our female ancestors lived. Thank you. ❤️

[@catrionahenderson7759]

Again... I learned so much. Thank you Jillian Eve.

[@rachelmaynard2042]

I feel it’s appropriate that I’m watching this while at work in a school where the mascot is Vikings.

[@elineeugenie5224]

I literally stuck a big bead onto a bamboo chopstick with a notch carved out😊😊😊😊 it works! Happy days Thanks for the inspiration Evie!!

[@nickdryder]

This is so cool- I love the idea of a charm on something that's used over and over while crafting!

[@norseman6160]

I'm an Icelandic American... I have a homestead where I have Icelandic sheep and a ram... Because I have to share them twice a year I decided to figure out what to do with it and spend myself so this is the way that I'm going to do it.

[@zoeprimrose2309]

I salute you in your diligence towards sensible, historic authenticity. It seems to me that you do awfully well with the distaff. Of course, I haven’t started spinning yet under score yet, but I’m impressed as all heck, thank you for your wonderful videos!😮

[@greenecrayon]

I love your history lessons. It makes the craft feel more important.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! It feels like that for me too! 🧶💜🥰

[@Coastalwoolwashing]

Holding that distaff looks my shoulder would be so mad! Great video I love all the history of textiles!

[@JillianEve]

Glad you enjoyed it! My shoulder isn't too mad about it, but I might have developed some specific distaff muscles on that side. 😂

[@TheIssymom]

Loved this video ! I really njoy the historical detail. Yes, now geeking out!

[@chileanchinch]

Epic music indeed. Thanks again Evie. You just hit it out of the park with the quality of your spinning videos.

[@eleanorbidwell2069]

I've been getting increasingly interested in historical fiber arts and I just stumbled on your channel, and now I'm suuuuper hooked!! I want to learn how to spin linen so I can diy waxed thread for bookbinding, and I've already got a ton of knitting/crocheting/wool spinning experience behind me, and you're opening up an entire new ancient world for me. Thank you!! Your content is awesome

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you are here!!! 😊🧶💜

[@ginahill503]

I paused on the text and translation, and read them over, aloud, a number of times. It occurs to me that perhaps it would be a "chant" while spinning. Just as there are songs for churning, and songs for fulling. Perhaps this is a little song to be sung while spinning. Just a thought! Loving so much your videos!! You're lovely company whilst I weave. I'm weaving my own handspun wool singles and some commercial flax (only because I don't enough done), to experiment with making linsey-woolsey, for my 16th century persona. I also do Norse viking, as it is my heritage. Thanks for all these entertaining and joyful videos! All bright blessings.

[@jeanbadeaux1486]

I love all the history! You truly immerse us in the experience and it amazes me how little change in spindle spinning there has been. Thank you for all the hard work and for sharing it with us! Cant wait to see more.

[@JillianEve]

You are so welcome! 🧶💜🥰

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

So nice to hear a bit of history while you are working your magic ! Thanks, you always make me dream.

[@JillianEve]

Happy to hear that! 🥰🧶✨

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@JillianEve did you see that short video involving weaving andspinning in a traditional Ukranian family ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn7Mn6Sted5nZsU

[@sharon1775]

great joy watching all your videos JillianEve

[@ColorsofHopeCraftsASMR]

Eve, I learn so much about the history of spinning from you. Thank you for all the work you put into this!

[@jannaolsen3557]

Beautiful spinning. That yarn looks yummy!

[@christenagervais7303]

Can't wait to watch the whole process! Great history lesson!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Happy spinning! ✨🧶🥰💜

[@nicolebojtos4579]

Ooohhh - loving this and cannot wait to see your progress!

[@shadowcat5889]

I look forward to seeing the entire process

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! I'm enjoying really getting into a bigger project! 🧶💜🥰

[@elizabethscott3218]

Thanks for sharing these different types of spindles with us!

[@YunMei17]

I love your historical explorations. A thought. If it's a magical spell, perhaps it was meant to be reusable. So, fill in the blank for each project.

[@lindseyasher1982]

This is exactly what I was going to comment! That’s just smart spell casting. :)

[@lindaperron318]

Can't wait to see your final project. Love the history.

[@PermaPen]

I love all the historical research, thank you! I really want to try that spindle and distaff - it looks soooooo easy when you do it....

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! It has definitely taken me some time to practice, but I'm getting the hang of it now and I'm really enjoying it!

[@lisajohnstone5647]

I found this absolutely fascinating. Having tested my DNA, I discovered my ancestry is Celtic/Anglo/Norse, I find it so interesting to see how my ancesters would spun and may explain why I'm so drawn to both runes and spinning! Thank you, can't wait to see the finished garment 💜

[@apassionforlace]

The expert on Runes is Dr. Jackson Crawford. He has his own channel here on KZbin. I love what you do!

[@Faeriedolphin11]

This was so cool! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@ashleyb2083]

I absolutely love these series you do where you make something from handspun to finished garment with history sprinkled in. It's fascinating, and I can't wait to see how this garment turns out. I love slow fashion, and am finding myself increasingly interested in making my own garments (beyond knitting). Perhaps I need to dust off the old sewing machine!

[@esmecat]

more wonderful inspiration.

[@JillianEve]

Glad you enjoy it! I'm having fun digging into a bigger project! 💜🧶🥰

[@nz-nz]

Fascinating Evie! I just love how you have researched the history of this. Look forward to seeing the progress.

[@fyrecraftedgaming]

This was so cool to watch! Especially the whorl info and seeing how it would be used ❤️

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! I had so much fun making this video! 🥰🧶💚

[@janellwagoner4053]

This is one of the most fascinating videos I've watched about spinning! Your program is smoothly presented, highly informative, but casual. I'm fast becoming a fan! Now, what have we got next?!

[@JillianEve]

I have big plans for this year... 😃🧶💜

[@sampancisco4931]

I can't wait to watch this later! I've been wanting to learn this but I'm about to watch The Northman! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

Fantastic video can't wait for the next one and all that comes in between love your videos x

[@squitten.]

Your channel is so inspiring ❤❤❤

[@1973shw]

Love this video! So excited about the project, can't wait for the next one.

[@rosakoko5049]

GOOD JOB, GIRL!!!💖💖💖

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@lindaholmes1920]

This is fantastic! You’ve inspired me to get kitted out with Viking spinning gear and have a go! I live not far from York but it’s a long time since I visited Coppergate, I really must take another trip soon.

[@ouicertes9764]

There's a wig on your alpaca plushie, I approve.

[@carolinaazevedo2088]

Now I want to make my own spindle with my own symbols

[@stitchwithbritt5922]

I love watching you spin💕 I love capes! Currently trying to crochet a cape freehand.

[@anna-katehowell9852]

Hello Evie! (that's what you prefer to be called, right?) I am a newer follower who is absolutely in love with your videos-- I put them on to watch and enjoy while I crochet. I am very, very hard-of-hearing, and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful captions! So few youtubers take the time to do this, and it makes such a difference to those of us who rely on them-- and, particularly in videos with a lot of technical language, like talking about parts of looms, the auto-"craptions" range from confusing to hilariously awful. I know it takes effort for you to add the captions and I wanted you to know that it makes a huge difference to at least one person.

[@HeraldHealer]

This is so neat! I love the history you bring. I just finished my first spin I'm so excited to see where it can grow!

[@RecorderEmily]

Since you were talking about the ideas of historical re-creation, the ideas of authenticity, and the value in exploring historical techniques, I would like to offer a perspective as a performer of Renaissance and Baroque (and occasionally Medieval) music. In this field, we also grapple with many of these same issues. We have some historical sources, and we play instruments that are built based on surviving evidence, but of course we don't have actual recordings of what the music really sounded like. However, by learning about how musicians thought about the music they played and how the instruments behave, I would argue that we can do a better job at doing justice to the music of these time periods and ultimately achieve a more compelling performance. That said... lots of videos exploring other aspects of life in these time periods such as textile technology use background music that's basically generic clip-art-type stereotypes of something that sounds generically old-fashioned-y. It's the musical equivalent of wearing a Cinderella costume from CVS to a Renaissance Faire. There are lots of ensembles playing amazing music that really was written during these periods, on period-appropriate instruments. Some of them would probably be happy for you to use their music in a video like this in exchange for a shout-out to where people can buy the recording. I would be happy to suggest some people or ensembles if you are ever interested. Thanks for your video though - music aside, I find this a fascinating topic!

[@jirup]

Oh Evie! This is my jam. The whorl doesn't ship here, but I am very interested in getting a spindle stick like yours.

[@robinboston5948]

I AM far from an expert, but I recently took a 2 hour class on Runes. Each symbol has a meaning. BTW fertility could mean new beginning. Odin came up with runes for quick communication among a certain group of people. They would often carve a symbol into a tree to alert "one of them" in traveling a certain message. I have a chart with the meaning of each rune. One way to use runes is to pick one at random and translate it to who picked it. Alot like Tarot cards. Hope that helps a little. That cape is amazing.

[@lauraserolf]

I’m reading The Wolf in the Whale and was curious to see the process of spinning. Thanks !

[@lgassin]

Super fun!

[@CrowingHen]

Great timing. I was looking at the pile of yarn I spun over winter thinking... I wonder if I could weave a cloak? Love the history of the whorl. Beautiful spinning.

[@JillianEve]

I would love to see a fully handspun, handwoven cloak! I think you should go for it! 😊✨🧶

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Evie, I hope you're OK xx ❣ Thankyou so much for a wonderful History Lesson. You had me intrigued from start to finish. The Cape you mentioned is it the same one that you've been wanting to do for a while??? I'm really looking forward to seeing this progress, I think those locks a going to look fantastic as a Collar. Happy Spinning 🐏🐏 Take care and stay safe Lots of love Jen 💘 xx 💘 ❣ 💕❤❤

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much! Yes, it is the one I've wanted to do for a while. It finally clicked how I should do it and now it is all falling into place. i can't wait to show everyone what it will look like (if it all turns out ok that is!) Happy spinning! 🥰💜✨🧶

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

@@JillianEve Hi Evie, thankyou so much for your reply. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Cape. I know it will look wonderful and beautiful. I think your Collar will set the whole thing off. Happy Spinning dear friend 🐏🐏 Hope you have a Wonderful Weekend Take care and stay safe Lots of love Jen 💘 xx 💘 ❣ 🐑🐏❣❣🥰🎆

[@rickmyers3716]

Loving this video (SCAdian, & my other half is an avid card-weaver in & out of the games); I'm at the part discussing the Runic translation and I'm sure this theory would have been quickly considered and therefore ruled out by the experts ages ago, but a charm calling on known entities with known context and known translatable words, "AND" [Blank]...? (unknown/untranslatable word), written in a different hand?... Sounds an awful lot like a modern-day's "customize your gift" item :) -An off-the-shelf production piece, where a space is left blank for a patron's name. I'm not picturing gift-shop junk of course, but maybe something like... the maker has a small selection of styles avail for commission, and a buyer choosing a fancy one has their name added, useful for a community of spinners... or the way awards are often drafted mostly-complete, then the name filled in at the last minute once its known to whom it goes (I'm deep in thought on this now HAHA... many friends I wanna ask about this!)

[@dvorak920289]

Good job, Evie! I admire how you research the subject in depth, with literature references, and you reproduce spinning as was likely done 1000 years ago! It feels like taking a glimpse in daily activities of women of that time!

[@JillianEve]

Wow, thank you! I totally agree. I love experimental archeology. That moment when I realized the writing was so easily readable from the spinner's perspective I got actual chills! 💜🥰🧶

[@ThePathOfAshes]

Really enjoyed you going over the archeology here, perhaps you'd be interested in diving a little into seidr and it's association with spinning and distafs (I know there's archaeological findings of iron distaffs thought to be in relation to seidr) I think it could give you additional insights in how a charm whorl mightve worked in a Scandinavian magic spinning context.

[@JillianEve]

Absolutely!

[@kathosim501]

There is much to love here, from the historical research to the rune carved whorl… but the music! I love it! What was it?

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! I thought I had the music in the description, thanks for asking! The music was "Tomorrow" by Anbr, "The Children of the Woods" by Linus Johnsson, and "Night of the Feast" by Linus Johnsson all of it licensed through Artlist. 🎶🧶😊

[@MissMuttonmeat]

I am honestly surprised the runes on the whorl weren't dedicated to the goddess Frigg, considering she is the All mother is tied to motherhood and fiber arts. This video gives me ideas for rune inspired whorls I can make at home. Thanks!

[@natsinthebelfry]

This is just speculation, but I feel like gods and goddesses weren't really "picked" for invocational purposes based on their personalities or attributes like we might sometimes assume. More often you would probably have had regional gods or gods connected to your family, occupation, class, etc and you would call on them for whatever it was you needed. Other times you'd choose to invoke a god whose myth was connected thematically to your situation.

[@ThePathOfAshes]

Agree with Nix, you wouldn't call upon the deity of fibercraft if with your spinning you wish to safeguard the men in your family out on sea, or to wish for a better harvest, you'd petition the deities associated with those aspects, the act of spinning would already be a devotional act to Frigg.

[@LeoFieTv]

Odin is such an interesting character. He's not just the head honcho of the pantheon, not really similar to Zeus/Jupiter or the Abrahamic God. He's more of a trickster who travels a lot, has riddle contests and such (the romans equated him with Hermes/Mercury). He got the knowledge of runes by sacrificing himself to himself by hanging on the world tree Yggdrasil. Fans of OSP will also know that a lot of folkloric figures in Europe in one way or another go back to Odin, including the Harlequin of all things. Harley Quinn is Odin!

[@WhisperWolfe]

Love your videos. I use them a lot for fiction writing, as you both show and give a lot of detail that makes it something I can truly imagine the feel of. I have a bit of curious question from you in regards to spinning animal fibers. From your experience and expertise, I was wondering if you might be able to give your two thoughts on what makes long/thick dog fur different than other animal fibers. Rough collies, Olde English Sheepdogs, Afghan hounds, as well as standard Poodles have the kind of fur that one would think would be quite similar to other fibers used such as Angora rabbits, cashmere goats, and long haired guinea pigs. Yet dog fur remains a fiber that isn't spun. Quite curious about that, and wanted your thoughts on it.

[@nicolemwilcox]

i find it interesting that they didn't also include Frigg in their charm as she is known to be the asgardian spinner. and is associated with spindles, distaffs and looms. Your mention of wanting new lambs makes sense though.

[@teacat55]

1. WHAT A FABULOUS project! Thank you for sharing this journey. 2. When you said ”detectorist “, I immediately thought of that fun (Amazon Prime?) series of the same name. If you have not watched, check it out. Mackenzie Crook is a gem. 3. If you held the distaff in the waistband, how would you then proceed to spin the yarn?

[@sonjanordahl3158]

I love all your videos. But I especially love your historic recreation videos. I'm curious, are you a member of the SCA?

[@JillianEve]

Not yet. 😊

[@amethyst5538]

It would make sense for the spinner to see the runes rather than an onlooker. The uh, what would you call it? Blessing, prayer? Would be a personal motivation for the spinner on why the spinning has to be done, or what intentions they would want to be imbued within the yarn? Idk, I am reaching.😂

[@JillianEve]

I like looking at it because I feel a connection with history. I imagine the original spinner might have felt a connection to their faith, it makes total sense to me! 🧶✨🥰

[@ETLGypsy]

6:23 😂 bet thats exactly what happened!!

[@kieraoona]

one of these days I should invest in a spinning gauge

[@JillianEve]

It's pretty useful! 🧶✨😊

[@alexandria2005]

Thank you for another great video! As a historian and beginner drop spindle user I have been very lost about what type of metal spindle to buy. One with Ogham text like yours would be great! Do you recommend any specific weight for a 2 play worsted weight yarn? I was looking at a 32g one.

[@JillianEve]

The spindle weight question is an interesting topic. I think a lot of the impact the weight of the whorl has depends on your particular spinning technique. I would suggest trying a few different weights to see what works best for you. I have a whorl with Ogham text on it, and it's beautiful. It will be featured in an upcoming video! 🥰🧶✨

[@penny7b]

I would be curious to hear if Jimmy from @TheWelshViking has any ideas about the obscured runes on your spindle whorl. It's not a thing i realised viking peoples did, but it seems super interesting.

[@beverlylooper3927]

The Irish sing to keep time while spinning. Maybe the words are a song or rhyme the spinner used to keep rhythm.

[@tenaoconnor7510]

Young men made gifts for thier sweethearts. I wonder if this was one of those gifts and part of the message was just for her ?

[@RandomAFP]

I'm sure you know, and it's a matter of what you like to spin, but unless something has turned up recently, there are no finds of cards from the early medieval, so the wool would probably have been combed. I've been told that it's not possible to spin long-draw from combed fiber, but I know that isn't true because my drafting style with my Oseberg-style distaff is drifting that way.

[@JillianEve]

Yes! I was using my fingers to control how much twist entered the fiber supply but I was drafting against the twist so I would consider that closer to a long draw. I used my Louet carder for prep, but it keeps things more aligned than a standard drum carder does so if you look at the way the wool is on the distaff, it is much more aligned than carded like a batt. I had no problem controlling the spin this way and got a very consistent spin. It's worth exploring for sure! I absolutely think it is possible to do a long draw from a combed prep with consistency. 🧶✨💜

[@RandomAFP]

@@JillianEve That sounds a lot like what I've started doing, too, with the distaff-holding hand not doing that much, just loosely gripping the end a bit, and the hand that spins the spindle alternately letting some twist past and drafting a bit but from well over a staple length away from the fiber supply. Have you ever had someone tell you that x thing isnt possible while you're in the middle of doing it? I havent figured out a polite way to respond yet...

[@amandakuykendallSHW]

Your ability to instruct is strong. I appreciate too the length you go to to present the material in authentic historical costumes and details. I am a Christian, with Celtic/Anglo/Norse ancestry. While I too LOVE researching history and learning, I would be opposed to any charm/chant . music ( I liked the sound of what you used at the end until I realized it is occult based 😯😳) that is contrary to Biblical truth. BUT this gave me an idea! My husband is a wood worker ( I am the "wool worker" LOL!) and I think together we can create a spindle with a verse that inspires my creative soul! Thanks for that!😀

[@savdebunnies]

My first thought on the ruins being backwards or a bit messy is that all sounds like common mistakes to make, especially for someone just starting out in a craft. For some reason, my imediate next thought was of moms/aunt/grannies who always keep arts and crafts their kids made for them no matter how wonky the writing on it may be.

[@emmagoff]

perhaps the obscured word didn't fit because the whorls were made and inscribed with the main part and then the owner could put their name/activity in the gap?? a bit like the idea of getting a personalized mug🤔😁

[@JillianEve]

That would be amazing if it was what happened! 😂

[@thisismyname3328]

I live down the road from Coppergate, it's weird to use my home referenced by international peoples

[@workoutwithgato]

I believe the runes were intended to ask the gods to grant or bless the wearer - not the spinner. If you are making a shirt, cloak, blanket, slacks - whatever - you want those articles blessed by the gods to protect your loved ones as they use the items made from the fabric - weaving in the blessing from the start.

[@JillianEve]

That is such a beautiful idea. That also makes a lot of sense for why it says, "They help thee..." referring to who would wear the garment. I love it!

[@sharonwaddell2548]

I tried to order the whorl, but they don’t ship to Canada. Very sad.

[@JillianEve]

Oh no! Shipping stinks sometimes. There are other suppliers with similar whorls so keep your eyes open. I think there is someone who makes replicas in Canada. I'll let you know if I come across them again. 🧶💜✨

[@sharonwaddell2548]

@@JillianEve thank you. I would appreciate that.

[@Ami-zi6si]

Late to the party but Id immagine they were trying to be concise, runes could be alot of work and the more you put the more needs interpretation especially since as far as Im aware individual runes could also symbolize individual concepts when used in religious or magical contexts.

[@kayleevalli2681]

Might the presence of writing on a woman's tool imply that viking women could read?

[@joannathesinger770]

Chev...just like Chevrolet...CHEV-i-ot.

[@JillianEve]

Not according to my Scottish friend. It's pronounced "chee" like cheese after the Cheviot hills in Scotland where the sheep are from. 😊🐑

[@joannathesinger770]

@@JillianEve Look up the pronunciation in the dictionary. Both the Scottish Gaelic AND French Gaelic have the same root linguistically...which says it is based in French...like Chevrolet.

[@JillianEve]

@@joannathesinger770 I'll look it up!

[@JillianEve]

I asked another expert. In Scotland Cheviot is pronounced hard /ch/ like cheese. In the USA the softer /sh/ sound is used. It looks like we have a tomAto/tomAHto situation. Since the breed originates in Scotland and Scottish people told me how they pronounce it, I think I'll stick with that. 😊

[@alisonmlewis4825]

@@joannathesinger770I’m Scottish and live near the Cheviot hills (and my grandparents on both sides were sheep farmers). It’s pronounced ‘chee’ as in ‘cheese’. Plus the Cheviots are located in the Borders, where the primary language spoken was Scots, derived from Middle English, rather than Scottish Gaelic which was spoken further north.

[@joyceprovost380]

This has no Christian roots,,,false worship. No thank you.

[@lindaholmes1920]

There have been many whorls discovered from this period in northern England which have references to Mary or Christ, and it gives a wonderful snapshot of the juxtaposition of the pagan and Christian beliefs of our ancestors, and how both world views coexisted for centuries before the ultimate wide acceptance of Christianity.

[@kayleevalli2681]

Might the presence of writing on a woman's tool imply that viking women could read?