Sheep have had their winter coats sheared and cleaned. Shown here is the wool after it was processed into “roving” which aligns the fibers in one direction so it can be more easily spun. A drop spindle is then used to make the fibers into a single thread. Then the single thread is wound into a “skein” on the wooden instrument in the middle of the basket called a “niddy noddy.” The arms of the niddy noddy point in opposite directions allowing the thread to be looped around them more easily. This 1800s niddy noddy is made with a mortise and tendon joint, fastened with a square cut nail. The display is upstairs in the Botetourt Museum of History and Culture. When the museum moved to its present location, the large loom and spinning wheels were put in storage.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
