• Skill level: Complete beginner
• Dates: Saturdays,  11 & 25 Nov, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm (2 sessions, 6 hours total)
• Instructor: Sherri Bondy
• Cost: $77 + HST + materials

This introduction to spindling (spindle spinning) class is a great way to learn how to make your own yarn. Learn to work with a variety of wool types and spindles and experiment on both top and bottom whorl spindles.

By the end of the class you will understand what makes a great yarn and be a more knowledgeable yarn buyer of both handspun and commercial yarns.

Techniques covered

You will learn about:

• fibre preparation
• different types of fibre available
• variations in wool types
• top whorl vs bottom whorl spinning
• spinning singles and plying
• setting the twist on a finished yarn

The instructor will bring a “resource centre” with small amounts of different fibres and sample spindles for students to experiment with.

Skill prerequisites

This class is intended for beginner spinners with no previous experience.

You will be handling natural wool fibre, and must not be allergic to wool.

Materials

Please bring the following with you to class:

• a top whorl spindle weighing about 50g/1.7oz (Ashford student spindles are available at Creative Yarns)
• beginner-suitable wool roving (available at Creative Yarns)
• pencil and paper
• 2 tennis balls (for second class)

Homework

Students should continue to spin between classes so that they have adequate yarn spun to ply in the second session.