During long winter evenings, except Sundays, the girls of Vlkolínec gathered for spinning sessions. This work demanded considerable skill and great concentration.
Spinning was done either on a spindle or a spinning wheel. The wheel allowed for faster and somewhat easier work. Some people made their own wheels and mainly used them to spin wool and hemp. Those who saved enough money would buy a wheel from a craftsman at the market. Flax could also be spun on these wheels.
Each evening, around seven o’clock, the girls met in a different home. The hostess would prepare dried pears and plums for the girls to snack on. They pulled out fibres, stretching them with one hand while rolling and twisting them with the other.
Sometimes young men would come to sing and play the accordion to brighten the work. Sometimes they just sang to them under the window, other times they came inside to sing.
The work ended each evening around ten, as an early start was needed the following morning.
