About
Experienced spinner and weaver Peggy Church leads a drop-in spinning bee at the Mill Museum on the fourth Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., upstairs in the Museum’s Dugan Hall, 157-B Union St., Willimantic. Park on Union Street (easiest) or in the museum’s lot at 411 Main Street.
Bring a spindle or wheel or just hang out. No admission charged. Whether you’re an experienced spinner or a beginner, this gathering of the local fibers arts community is well worth the visit.
History
In Colonial Connecticut, women held spinning bees for camaraderie, friendship, and encouragement. Novice spinners learned from experienced spinners, and experienced spinners shared lessons learned over a lifetime of work. During the American Revolution, spinning bees gave women an opportunity for political expression and participation. Patriot women organized spinning bees in support of the non-importation of English manufactured cloth, producing homespun in support of the patriot cause. The Mill Museum invites all spinners — women, men, and children; patriots and loyalists; novices and veterans. Spin or just watch, it’s up to you.