loop it together, making it double ([Fig. 10]), lift the wheel from the sockets, and slip the band over it. Fit one part of the band into one of the grooves of the wheel, the other part into the other groove, allowing it to cross at the bottom (Letter B, [Fig. 11]). Take the spindle from its frame and fit the bands into the groove in the end of the bobbin (Letter C, [Fig. 6]) and into the first groove in the small wheel (Letter D, [Fig. 6]).
The Flax
may be obtained from any linen-thread factory and can be bought by the pound or half-pound. It is graded by color, the darkest being the cheapest and the whitest the most expensive. For practice-work the cheapest is as good as the more expensive. When you have learned to spin a fine, even thread you may choose the color in reference to the article you intend to make.
The spinning-wheel.
Open your hank of flax, take part of it, and spread thinly over the distaff, wrapping it around and around. Put on several layers, each almost as thin as a spider-web, extending it out widely and smoothly each time.
You may think the ribbon tied on the distaff of your parlor wheel is merely for ornament, but it is not. The bands hold the flax in place while it is being spun, and a crisp, dainty, pretty-colored ribbon is just as useful for the purpose as one that is old and faded, and it is far prettier to look upon. Wrap the ribbon around the flax on the distaff, beginning at the bottom, cross it, and tie as shown in illustration of the spinning-wheel.
Though everything is ready, before attempting to spin,