4, Fragments on Scripture Lands, Spinning.

The wool, flax, or other material, having been duly prepared, and having been sometimes dyed, was, in ancient Greece, rolled into a ball, not made tightly, but sufficiently loose to be easily drawn out by the spinner’s hand. The upper part of the distaff was then inserted into this mass of flax or wool, and the lower part was held under the left arm, in such a position as was most convenient for the purpose. While the fibres were drawn out they were spirally twisted, chiefly with the forefinger and thumb of the right hand, and the thread thus produced was wound upon the spindle until there was as much as it would carry. The spindle was a stick of 10 or 12 inches long, having at the top a slit, or catch, so that the thread being fixed in it, might, as it was formed, be carried down by the weight of the spindle. Its lower extremity was inserted into a small wheel, which was made of wood, stone, or metal, its use being to keep the spindle more steady, and to aid its rotation. The spinner occasionally twisted the spindle with her right hand, so as to twist the thread more completely; and whenever, by its continual prolongation, it let down the spindle to the ground, she took it out of the slit, wound it upon the spindle, and, having replaced it in the slit, she drew out and twisted another length” (Prov. 31:13-1913She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (Proverbs 31:13‑19); Exod. 35:25, 2625And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. 26And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair. (Exodus 35:25‑26)).