Linda Mason of Warren, Pa. with her spinning wheel demonstrating the art of handspinning. (Submitted Photo)

The Hilltop Spinners met recently in Pennsylvania for their spinning gathering and luncheon.

Yvonne Lee of Warren, Pa., the group's treasurer, arranged to have the meeting in Youngsville at the Rouse Estate. There were many different kinds of spinning wheels present including some drop spindles. The theme of the meeting was spinning cotton. Lucinda Briggs of Russell, Pa., had spun much cotton using a drop spindle and showed all her finished product. In addition to the day's theme, members of the group had the opportunity to show some of the recent items made with their homespun yarn.

The Hilltop Spinners is a group of people who are keeping the art of handspinning alive with the use of spinning wheels. Even though there are many kinds of spinning wheels, the main purpose of the wheel is to twist the fleece to make yarn. It is the twist that makes the yarn strong.

The Hilltop Spinners has been meeting for 32 years, and the group includes spinners from southwestern New York, and northwestern Pennsylvania. Two of the original members were present for this meeting, Dolores Johnson of Lakewood, and Kay VanOrd of Russell. Meetings are held on the even months of the year on the second Saturday mornings in various locations.

The president of the group is Nanette Knappenberger of Westfield, and the newsletter editor is Claire Heverley of Ripley.

Past president Kent Knappenberger of Westfield showed a sweater that he was knitting with homespun, using various colors. Kim Witherow of Mayville showed a pair of socks that she had knitted with homespun, Mrs. Johnson showed a pair of fingerless mittens recently knitted, and Tammy Tenpas of Clymer also showed a pair of hand knitted socks. Many of the spinners demonstrated the spinning skills to the residents of the home. Past newsletter editor and past president John Sipos read the story on the origin of the poem "Mary had a little lamb."

The next meeting of the Hilltop Spinners will be held in Sheffield, Pa. at the Ruth Smith home. For more information on the Hilltop Spinners, write to P.O. Box 392, Cassadaga, NY 14718. New members are always welcome.