BALCOM CORNERS - The Hilltop Spinners met recently at the Villenova Grange hall at Balcom Corners for a spinning gathering and luncheon. The meeting was hosted by Neva Woolley, who is associated with the Grange, and serves as the Chautauqua County Fair spinning display coordinator in Floral Hall. Those present for the meeting brought their spinning wheels, knitting, drop spindles and finished items to show and talk about during the meeting. Special treats and desserts were also provided by the members.
Spinning wool is an old art, which was a necessity many years ago in making clothing. There are many kinds of spinning wheels and Susan Sipos talked about some of the different manufacturers of spinning wheels made today. When spinning, "the twist is what gives the fibers strength," she explained.
After years of spinning, one will be able to spin, talk and visit without giving much thought to the process. Charter member Kay VanOrd from Russell, Pa., had some large photographs of the process of taking the wool from the sheep to the finish product. VanOrd presented these photographs to the group.
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Submitted Photo
At the recent Hilltop Spinners meeting at the Villenova Grange in Balcom Corners, charter member Dolores Johnson of Lakewood is shown with her spinning wheel, and meeting hostess Neva Woolley is shown with some knitting.
The Hilltop Spinners include spinners from southwestern New York eastern Ohio, and northwestern Pennsylvania. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of the even months in various locations The next meeting will be in June and held at the Cross Roads in Westfield. The Hilltop Spinners will be participating in the Chautauqua County Fair this July, and the Chautauqua County Bicentennial History Fair in Mayville in August.
At this recent meeting, past president John Sipos conducted the meeting in the absence of President Nanette Knappenberger. Claire Heverley, newsletter editor and records keeper, took notes during the meeting and will notify those who were not in attendance through a newsletter. Treasurer Yvonne Lee of Warren, Pa., was thanked for keeping the financial records of the group.
During a special show and tell of finished items, Neva Woolley, Dolores Johnson, Tammy TenPas, Ellen Seiz, Martha Woolley and Susan Sipos took part. VanOrd brought some old spinning items for others to examine. John Sipos brought two large albums of photographs of the group's meetings and activities dating back to 1989.
New members to the group are always welcome. For more information on the Hilltop Spinners, write to P.O. Box 392, Cassadaga, NY 14718.
