Refining Your Handspun: Intermediate Techniques for Control and Consistency

Most spinners learn the basics of how to spin singles and ply, but then where do we go from there? How do you make your spinning intentional, or create the yarn you need for a project? This course will teach you the skills needed to spin any wool with confidence, along with the ability to choose the proper preparation and spinning techniques that will best suit it. Learning to spin from the four main categories of wool, students will use all the major preparations of fleece that they will be able to purchase. This intensive is designed for spinners who want to improve their spinning and gain confidence in various methods.

This course is designed for spinning wheels. If you do not have your own, please contact us and we can help you rent one. There will be small amounts of homework (approximately 1 hour if homework is assigned); mainly preparing for the next class so that the time can be spent learning. Each student will be provided with a workbook and approximately 250g of wool for use in class and at home practice.

Missed classes: We completely understand that sometimes life gets in the way, and you may not be able to make every class. Makeup classes are offered for $25 at a time that works for both the student and instructor. These will be shorter than the usual class as it is one-on-one and spinning time will be shortened. Please let the instructor know as early as possible so it is easier to book a makeup class!

Prerequisites: Students must be able to use a spinning wheel to spin singles and ply them.

Equipment to be Supplied by Students:

• Spinning wheel with at least 3 bobbins and general supplies for it (orifice hook, wheel oil, extra drive band, etc.)
• Hand carders (preferably general purpose / 72 PPSI)
• Flick carder or dog slicker brush
• Lazy Kate

Class Schedule 

Every Second Saturday 1:00-4:00 p.m. starting January 24th,  February 7th, 21st, March 7th, 21st, April 11th

January 24th – Worsted Yarn

Strong, durable, sleek – worsted yarn is a staple in any spinner’s repertoire. The first class will cover different preparation techniques for various types of wool, and how subtle changes in your movements can completely change the resulting yarn. We will also be working with plying methods, along with how to finish and store your yarn.

February 7th – Woollen Yarn

Fluffy and cozy, woollen yarn keeps us warm during our long Albertan winters. This spinning style tends to be either loved or hated by spinners, however, this class will help you achieve lofty, cuddly yarn without the usual levels of frustration! By the end of this class, you will have the skills to create a yarn perfect for knitting, and even one that is (somewhat) consistent!

February 21st – Dual Coated Wool

Dual coated breeds such as Icelandic or Navajo Churro can be intimidating with the guard hairs, but this class will get them working for, rather than against you! Working with the tog and thel separately and together, this class will show how simple math and our drafting skills can help us adapt to fleeces outside our usual go-to wools.

March 7th – Fleece Study 1

Working with a full fleece, straight from the sheep, gives spinners the most control over their yarn, as there is a large range of softness, length, and crimp in different areas on the same sheep. This class has us going back to the source, breaking a fleece down by section and studying it, then learning various washing techniques.

March 21st - Fleece Study 2

Working with our fleece from last week, we will compare the sections and discuss the strengths and best uses for each one. Using the preparation and spinning techniques learnt in previous classes, we will create a variety of yarns from the single fleece!

April 11th – Blending

The last class will be spent learning how to blend for colour and texture. Using the techniques learnt in the previous classes, students will get to practice different blending techniques to make an array of yarn samples!