Get ready to experience the wonderful world of tail spinning—an eye catching technique that gives an art yarn its signature texture and flair.
Bring your spinning wheel or e-spinner to this hands on class to learn the secrets behind those dramatic, curly, free-spirited yarns you’ve seen gracing the pages of art yarn books and magazines.
Bonus Fun: Experiment with locks from different breeds to see how each reacts to tail spinning—plus creative ways to use these unexpected results!
And for the grand finale… we’ll show you a clever, no-spin method for using locks in your knitted or woven projects.
Curious? There is no drafting and possibly no plying, so be prepared to leave traditional techniques aside this time.
The benefits of joining the Guild
Click here to join the Guild - annual membership is $80 full or $70 concession.
Membership gives you access to all the Guild's amenities including our library of over 3000 books, DVDs and magazines, special interest groups, discounted access to all workshops and courses, and our once-a-month magazine Treadles.
You will learn
- Which sheep breeds produce the best locks for tail spinning
- When and how to wash and prepare locks without losing their form
- How to prepare yourself for spinning a length of tail-spun yarn using Mohair locks
You will get
- Mohair and other fibres to spin
- Lots of tips and tricks to make tail-spinning a breeze
Appropriate for
Students need to have a basic knowledge of spinning. They need to have confidence in operating their spinning wheels, able to start and stop treadling easily in either direction.
What to bring
- A working spinning wheel or e-spinner with a reasonably large orifice and yarn guide. At least 1.5cm in diameter.
- Bobbins and Niddy Noddy.
- A commercial ball of Mohair style yarn in a neutral colour. It can be synthetic, as long it is hairy and fairly fine.
What to wear
Casual and comfortable
Janet is a hand spinner, teacher, and fibre artist with over 24 years of experience. Based in Melbourne Australia, Janet began her spinning journey under the guidance of local spinners in Horsham Victoria and has since developed a distinctive and expressive approach to the craft. She has developed her own techniques while paying homage to traditional practices—bringing a sense of continuity and innovation to everything she makes.
Janet teaches both in Australia and internationally, where she is known for her warm, inclusive teaching style and deep respect for the craft. Her workshops celebrate the value of slowness, attention, and the joy of working by hand. Through her making and teaching, she nurtures connection, confidence, and creativity—helping to keep the thread of hand spinning alive for future generations.
Organized by
Handweavers & Spinners Guild of Victoria
500 reviewsThe Guild's aim is to bring together those who practise handweaving, spinning and allied crafts and to help and encourage them to increase their knowledge, understanding and skills by discussion, demonstration, exhibition, teaching and the provision of quality resource materials.
Our Guild rooms house an excellent library and craft supply, sell members work and host a wonderful range of interest groups, classes and workshops.
We have members and affiliated groups throughout the state.
Come and join us!
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 7 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested 7 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.
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Tail spinning with mohair
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