In this class you’ll learn the basics of spinning wool into yarn, including how much twist is necessary to hold the fibers together. Because we’ll explore this ancient craft on hand spindles and in short steps, you will have success before you leave. This class is just the place to discover whether or not you like spinning - before spending. No prior knowledge or experience required. This class requires 2 hours.

Navajo, cables, Andean, oh my!

In this class you will practice the basics of plying from separate bobbins while learning the importance of tension and how to get the amount of twist you want in your yarn. Then you will explore the ‘shortcut’ methods of plying such as Navajo, cabling, and plying from a center-pull ball (including the Andean method). At the end of class you will compare the yarns you plied from separate bobbins to the yarns you plied using the ‘shortcut’ methods. Which is fastest? Which is most durable?

Does your wool run away with you when you try to spin soft and fluffy yarn? While the long-draw method of drafting is traditionally used to spin these types of yarn, it can be tricky. In this class we will break down the skill of long-draw into simple steps that really are easy to learn. We will progress from one step to the next, until you can spin an airy yarn that won’t fall apart.

To draft or not to draft? That isn’t the question, really. Different fibers lend themselves to some drafting methods better than others. So the question becomes: which drafting style do you prefer for which fibers and preparations? In this class we will explore three drafting methods and how they can be used with different fibers and preparations. We’ll break each method into simple steps that are easy to learn.

Want some sparkle in your handspun yarn? Add beads! In this class you will learn to use different methods to attach and hold beads securely within your yarn. Want some shimmer? Add Firestar! We’ll use hand-carders to blend this tinsel-like fiber into your own yarn. Because we’re hand-spinners, we get to choose how and where to put those spots of sparkle. So come make your handspun sparkle!