Ancient Distaff

I was at the National Museum of Ireland today, peering into the display cases of the Viking settlements, among all the corroded bronze swords and axes, when what do I see?

An ancient wooden distaff!

I think of all those women who kept everyone clothed and fed, while the men waged war over their petty grievances.

Author: shoes15

I live in Connecticut, USA with my husband and my dog, in an old house outfitted with a sewing room, a garden, an orchard, and a big liquor cabinet. View all posts by shoes15

4 thoughts on “Ancient Distaff”

Linda of Nice dress! Thanks, I made it!! says:

September 26, 2018 at 5:46 am

Amazing how many years garment making has been around!

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catherinedaze says:

September 26, 2018 at 8:14 am

Have you ever spun wool? I remember enjoying it as a child but producing very lumpy yarn!

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shoes15 says:

September 26, 2018 at 8:15 am

Yeah I bet you really need to know what you’re doing!

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Pingback: Cultivating a Culture of Sewing – Distaff

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About The Distaff Side

A racehorse’s power and stamina comes from its bloodline. Before you decide it’s worth the risk to inhale the scent of stale urine and dodge past unshaven old men at the racetrack to put down $2 at the crowded betting window, you want to know: Who was the horse’s sire? For horse racing is a boy’s game, and the best bet is often on a champion male bloodline. Racehorses have mothers too, of course, or “dams” as they say in the business. The female bloodline is called “the distaff side.” Important, yes, but not as important. Second best, to be sure. The older I get, the more I feel the pull of life’s distaff side, those second-best female pursuits that are not quite as important, not quite worth it. I say, own it. I am starting this blog to explore the distaff side of my life, in career, home, family, health, in ways of thinking and doing and being. Thanks for reading.

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Author: shoes15

4 thoughts on “Ancient Distaff”

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