Cotton is a versatile, locally-produced natural fibre that we can spin easily with a wheel. Elizabeth will share with you tips and techniques for success.
What you will learn
- about different types of spinning cotton, where they are grown
- assessing fibre and sourcing spinning quality fibre and preparations
- set up wheel for success
- prepare fibre for spinning - preparing seeds, ginned lint and making punis
- draft fibre to spin basic singles
- spin different preparations - boll, punis & sliver (time permitting)
- consider key features of a good cotton yarn or thread and how intended purpose of yarn should guide the spinning process
- ply singles for a balanced yarn
- how to finish yarn
You will learn
- Card fine fibres and make punis
- Spin singles from a variety of preparations and plying
- Finish your handspun yarn
You will get
- $30 for ‘Beginning Cotton Spinning on a Wheel’ by Joan S Ruane
- Complementary fibre kit for workshop
- Expert guidance and tips on spinning cotton
Appropriate for
Spinners must be able to spin and ply.
What to bring
- Well-maintained spinning wheel + if you have one a fast whorl (small)
- Hand cards for fine fibre or clean wool cards, cloth to protect clothes & puni stick (a smooth dowel or bamboo or wooden knitting needle, about 6 mm, 30–40 cm long)
- Three bobbins with leads, lazy-kate & niddy-noddy
What to wear
Long comfortable pants are best when using hand cards.
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
248 reviewsThe 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.
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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Tags:
Spin Cotton on Your Wheel
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