Picking oakum

I always thought the term was used to describe a difficult and thankless task. My father explained to me it was used as a punishment in the navy. The resulting fibres were used to caulk ships (seal the gaps between planks)

Hahaha Callistemon

That's ok
Anyway, I learnt a new term today, thanks Greta

Callistemon
Sorry to disappoint you!

Nitpicking?

I thought it was going to be about some autumnal pastime we could all enjoy!

??

Isn't trisher's explanation of the figurative meaning correct?

Yes, Fanny and it was terrible on the hands. Open wounds, infections.

That's how I understand it, anyway!

'Picking oakum' was to pull apart ship's ropes, and as you say it took place in Workhouses.
The resulting oakum was used to stuff mattresses.
The ropes were very tough and covered in all manner of stuff.
It was very painful work.

I find it best not to. It takes too long, it damages you and the results are not really all that use. The time and effort involved isn't worth it.

Never picked it. Just looked it up. Perhaps she's been looking at the problem from all angles trying to make sense of it all or find a solution hence unravelling of threads etc.