Spinning Demonstrations
Spinning demonstrations on a wheel as well as on drop spindles, with a small fiber & tools display. Full interaction with visitors, who may try their hand at spinning.
Doggy not included.
Celeste Sherry: Spinner of Wool ~ and More!
Over 40 years of Experience
in Living History Demonstrations
I focus on the domestic art of fiber spinning in the late 18th century (1760-1785) and throughout history. The development of wool & flax spinning is explained to the public (often with hands-on interactivity), accompanied by demonstration on both spinning wheel & drop spindles.
As a retired professor of English literature and writing at two local Rockland County (NY) colleges and a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching (2021), I bring my educational skills as well as my decades of historical research to my talks and demonstrations.
Programs
Venues Offered
This is a small sampling of the types of programs I can offer to your historic site, school, or event.
Spinning plus Historical Tools & Fiber Display
The spinning wheel demonstration is enhanced with the full fiber and tools display. Visitors may handle and feel the different animal and plant fibers used throughout history, see the many tools used in spinning preparation, and try their hand at spinning.
History of Fiber Textiles Lectures
A full lecture (with or without a PowerPoint presentation) on the history of spinning and wool / linen textiles, complete with a full fiber & tools display and a spinning demonstration.
Pictured: a reproduction drop spindle used during the Neolithic period in Europe, ca. 8,000 years BCE.
Drop Spindle Workshops
Hands-on workshops where adults and/or children can learn how to make drop spindles and then spin wool themselves. It is requested that adults (camp counselors, parents, etc.) please be in attendance to assist with supervision for children's workshops.