Yarn Spinning Workshop

We had 2 very soft and friendly sheep visiting the farm this summer and were inspired by their amazing coats. We thought it would be great to learn a little bit more about their wool, how it becomes beautiful yarn. We thought you would be curious too! So we are offering this beginner spinning workshop.

We will cover topics like why wool makes such great yarn, what wool is and talk about the different ways to spin yarn; on spindles, wheels, and worsted vs woolen. Everyone will get a drop spindle to work with in the class and to take home. We’ll be spinning a “single” on the drop spindle, and plying the yarn. Learn about why we ply yarn and how to finish it.

Our instructor, Lisa Charleson who you may know from the Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar (pictured with dual treadle wheel) will demonstrate a few different techniques for spinning and plying yarn, as well as what goes into prepping raw wool for spinning. Lisa has been dying and spinning her own yarn since 2010. She uses a variety of spinning and plying techniques to create unique artful yarns in very small batches.

Participants will take home one Ashford Student Spindle, the yarn you make in class along with some undyed Merino top to continue practicing on your new drop spindle. Plus we’ll give you a take home pamphlet describing the techniques practiced and demonstrated in class with instructions for finishing the final product at home.