Hand spinning demonstration of bast fibres using a drop spindle, with natural flax fibres and traditional spinning tools.
Woman hand spinning bast fibres with a drop spindle, showcasing flax fibres, traditional tools, and artisanal textile process.
Woman spinning bast fibres with a drop spindle, displaying flax fibres, traditional tools, and artisanal textile craftsmanship.

Introduction to Spinning Bast Fibres


Spinning Bast Fibres with Wendy

Flax (linen), Hemp and Ramie are all ancient fibres made by stripping away the outer cellulose from plant stems to expose the long bast fibres within. 

The fibres are usually available in combed-top form now, but the best flax, with fibres in excess of 45 cms, is line flax still in a strick and spun from a distaff. 

We will look briefly at the history of these fibres and their uses, and then experiment with their spinning.


Details

You will learn

  • the history of these fibres and their uses
  • how to spin flax and hemp

You will get

  • Fibre Kit
  • skills to spin bast fibres
  • small-group tuition

Appropriate for

Advance beginners spinners and beyond: not suitable for beginners. This course will benefit spinners working towards the Certificate of Competence in Hand Spinning


Preparation

What to bring

  • Spinning wheel and bobbins.
  • Fee for Fibre Kit (TBA)

What to wear

Comfortable clothes


Your Teacher

Elizabeth started spinning cotton in 2018, learning from Joan Ruane. Her cotton articles have appeared in Indie Road and Tiny Studio Creative Life magazines. In 2021, Elizabeth released an online workshop, Spinning for Lacemaking, in collaboration with the Doily Free Zone, an international forum for lace-makers in art and design.

Elizabeth has taught spinning cotton and hemp at the Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild of NSW Inc., Newcastle Spinners & Weavers Inc., the Knitter’s Guild of NSW Gathering, the Dungog Knitter’s Picnic, the Handweavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild of Tasmania, and online to individuals upon request.

Organized by

Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild of NSW Inc

Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild of NSW Inc

248 reviews

The Guild brings together people who practise the arts of hand weaving, spinning and associated crafts and fosters and encourages the crafts by instruction, discussion and exhibition.

Joining the Guild has many benefits. These include: 

  • Discounted prices for workshops
  • Use of the library
  • Equipment hire
  • Special interest group membership eg: Weavers Interest group, Tapestry Interest group, Braids Plus, Spinning, Temari, Piece Weavers.
  • Invitations to members-only events.

Email: [email protected] for an application form or look on the website.

Membership rates are for one calendar year starting 1 January and ending 31 December. New members joining from 1 October receive the balance of the current year for free when purchasing next year’s membership.

Membership, single, with emailed Guild News — $62 for direct deposit, cash or Cheque. An additional fee of $1.50 if you use a card payment facility.

If you would like a posted Guild News there is an additional $15.00.



5.0 (1 reviews)
Eleanor
Jan 2019
Wendy shared a wealth of knowledge and expertise about spinning bast fibres. The day was well paced with exceptional instruction followed up with practical examples (spun skeins and articles) that demonstrated the characteristics of ramie, hemp and flax.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 14 days before class starts. Free of charge.
  • A transfer can be requested 14 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
  • A credit note can be requested 14 days before the class starts. Free of charge.

No changes will be allowed after these times.

We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.

Terms & Conditions

Bookings

Secure your booking by paying according to the terms and conditions.

Materials

Most courses have requirement lists and a materials fee payable to your tutor in class. 

Location of Workshops 

Most workshops will be held at the Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild at Brush Farm House, 19 Lawson St, Eastwood. There is parking behind the house. Public transport is by bus accessed from Eastwood or Parramatta stations.

Times

Participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to class commencing. The venue must be cleaned up within 30 minutes of class finishing.

Discounts on Workshops

Network Groups: For each course, one member may pay at the member’s rate on confirmation of their financial status by their group and its approval.

Knitters Guild NSW: We have a reciprocal arrangement with the Knitters Guild whereby their members may enroll at members’ prices and vice versa.


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