OXFORD – The Chenango Region Handspinners Group is celebrating “Rock Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish House, Oxford. This hand spinner’s holiday, also known as St. Distaff’s Day, has roots that stem back to the days before the spinning wheel was even invented. All fiber artists (and those interested in becoming one) are invited to this great get together to meet, spin, share knowledge and just to unwind.

Maidens traditionally had to go back to work spinning (on the rock or distaff) right after the twelve days of Christmas, and they often were taunted by the ploughmen who didn’t. As pranks, the men set flax on fire, and in return the maids doused the men with water. This boisterous spirit developed into a festive day of fun and games - with good food.

This local hand spinners holiday won’t have mischievous splashing or scorching, but they will have great vendors such as Shadeyside Farm (silk, wool, mohair, and other natural fibers in all forms for handspinners and yarns), Nyala Alpacas (alpaca fiber and yarns, and needlefelting tools), Canterbury Cottage (soaps and lotions), Norm Hall (the nationally famous Oxford craftsman of spinning wheels and tools), Spinners Hill Shop (dyed fibers for handspinners) and others.  For fun, you’ll be able put your fiber skills to the test with a “Fiber ID Challenge.” (Can you tell the difference between silks, wools, mohair and blends?) Also, bring along your wheel/spindle; knitting; felting; or crocheting – and finished pieces that you would like to share with the group.