Wool and mohair yarn

© Jurate Buiviene/Alam

What's a distaff?. Wool for Distaff Day

We're showcasing this gorgeous soft wool and mohair yarn because today is Distaff Day, a celebration that dates back to medieval times. Truth be told, we’re not convinced that it's really cause for celebration these days, as it marked women's return to spinning work after Christmas, following 12 blissful, chore-free days.

The distaff is a tool that predates the invention of the spinning wheel. It holds wool neatly in place before it's spun on the spindle. Distaff Day symbolised women's vital role in producing textiles for their communities and, just like the distaff, keeping everything in order and running smoothly.