Ever wonder how yarn is made, how the construction and fiber type affect your finished object? In this class, participants will learn about fiber types, sheep breeds, yarn construction, and how to prepare a fleece for spinning or felting. Hands-on activities will include removing the unsuitable bits of a fleece, washing the fleece, and fluffing it up for spinning. The time will be spent spinning the processed fleece into yarn. There will be drop spindles and spinning wheels to learn on and roving (prepared fleece for spinning) provided. Class will include 50 grams of handspun yarn or roving to take home.

The Details

Lindsey will cover topics including wool breeds, to dye or not, selecting a fleece, skirting, scouring, picking, carding, combing, yarn construction, spinning, knitting/crochet/weaving, and giving new life (composting). Beginners are welcome!

Spinning wheels and drop spindles will be provided, giving you a chance to try out new skills. Roving, raw fleece, spindles, and wheels will also be available for purchase from the instructor.

Structured class time will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Students will have flexible time to work on spinning from 2 – 4 p.m. Light snacks will be provided; students are encouraged to bring a lunch with them.

This class is co-presented by Anderson Center and Three Rivers Fibershed in conjunction with the exhibition Soil to Soil: Growing Regional Textiles. Image by Lily Turner.