On Correct Use of Carding Combs
I purchased a pair of wool carding combs from Bexlie in Queensland.
Hand made and beautiful. They are meant to enhance my medieval wool spinning experience.
So excited to use them I didn't even research the "how to" part and got bogged down straight away.
I thought the older, way more experienced members of my playgroup would know so I put the question to them, "What am I doing wrong?".
The more practical member went straight to our book collection and pulled out the appropriate book Hand Woolcombing and Spinning by Peter Teal. Hazzah!
So for starters the secret tip I sorely needed was that the tines were meant to be heated. How could I have known. So clever.
Anyway I have borrowed the book, you know, 'cos I just don't have enough books to read as it is and wow I should be left speechless.
Meet Bishop Blaize. Patron saint of woolcombers and one-time bishop of Sebasta, Cappadocia, who in the 2nd century suffered martyrdom by having the flesh torn off his body by iron combs.
OUCH much! I've pricked myself with these buggers and it smarts. 🩸
I don't know what he did wrong but I hope I never repeat it.
Also, of course there'd be a patron saint for woolcombers, why wouldn't there be?