Worsted Twister?

[Crocus]

What exactly is it you'll be doing if you're a worsted twister? My dad's ancestors came out with the 1820 British Settlers and someone with my dad's surname who came out was a worsted twister by occupation. Does someone perhaps know? Wool surely must come in somewhere...........Thanks. xxxxx

[Katelb]

Hi crocus,I don't know if this will work http://www.merinoinnovation.com/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb1c730d6fec5ec/worsted_spinning.pdf but you are right,it seems to have something to do with spinning.

[Crocus]

Hi Kate, thanks. According to the link it definitely has a lot to do with wool spinning etc. Interesting. xx

[jazzactivist]

Worsted is a type of tough wool often used in the production of tweed, crocus. It may well be that your ancesters were Scottish, maybe even from the Isle of Harris. You make worsted wool by twisting the fibres together to make it very strong and hairy to create what amounted to a waterproof finish. I am no expert on wool, but I do know a bit about it from my knitting class. Hope this helps.

[Crocus]

Hi Jazz, thanks. I was quite sure that wool played some kind of role. As far as I know no Scottish ancestors, but Welsh. I wonder where this worsted twister came from. xx

[franbee]

There's a Welsh wool industry too, crocus, so they might have come from Wales.

[Crocus]

Hi Fran, my dad was very specific about his great great grandparents coming from Wales. So the worsted twister makes sense in a way then. xx

[jazzactivist]

I am sure that they made tweed in many parts of the UK, crocus, and there is a big wool industry in Wales too. I think woollen caps and hats were traditionally made there, and having a Welsh cap was a sign of good quality in my grandparents day.

[souter girl]

Better than being a twisted wooster tho!!