Spinning - Beyond the Basics
Description
Take your fibre preparation, spinning and plying skills to the next level with our highly skilled Guild teacher Wendy Campbell.
Over the 4 weeks you will learn a variety of techniques to prepare and produce single and multi-stranded yarns in an assortment of colours and fibre types.
This course will help you to troubleshoot your own spinning, and provide you with the confidence to expand your spinning choices. This course will provide you with the confidence to expand your spinning choices.
THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR YOU IF…
- You can spin and ply a balanced two-strand yarn, but want to improve your consistency.
- You have completed a ‘Beginner Spinning’ course and can’t wait to learn more.
- You want to expand your range of spinning and plying techniques, beyond your ‘go to’ yarn.
- You are returning after a break from spinning and wish to rebuild your confidence.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Fibre preparation – Learn how to use Hand Carders to blend colours or different fibre types for best results. Using a Drum Carder and Blending Board will be included in the demonstration and discussion.
- Spinning – Refine your spinning for a consistent worsted yarn, and discover the techniques for woollen, semi-woollen and semi-worsted spinning. Learn how, when and why to change ratios on your wheel.
- Plying – Learn how to Chain Ply to make a rounded yarn, perfect for socks and to Andean Ply those random singles still sitting on lone bobbins. You will also refine your traditional plying technique.
- Singles – Want to whip up a quick yarn? Learn the best fibres and techniques to spin and to finish a balanced singles yarn for your next project.
- Alpaca – Prepare, blend, spin, ply and finish a yarn with alpaca fibre. We include tips on purchasing if you haven’t already been given a fleece or three!
- Wheel Mechanics - Learn how to adjust your wheel including ratios to achieve a great result for your yarn purpose.
WHAT YOU WILL GET
- Fibre kit ($25 fee payable to tutor at first lesson)
- Small-group tuition.
- Notes to support the course content and for you to refer to afterwards.
- Supervised spinning practice, practical exercises to do in class, and homework each week for you to perfect your skills.
- Knowledge and skills to improve your spinning competency.
YOU WILL CREATE
- Create mini-skeins.
- Yarn by spinning wool, alpaca and silk blends.
What you will learn
- New spinning techniques and improve your technique.
- New plying techniques - Najavo and Chain ply
- Finishing your yarn so its ready to use.
What you will get
- Create a sample kit for your to refer to later.
- Small group tuition with one on one attention.
- Handweavers & Spinners Guild members are entitled to discounted places.
Entry to parking is from the shared driveway with Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy. Drive to the rear of the house and park in the bays.
What to bring
- Spinning wheel (Please ensure it is in working order, or contact the Guild for hiring a wheel)
- Bobbins and lazy kate
- Fee for Fibre Kit ( $25)
What to wear
Casual and comfortable.
Appropriate for
Spinners who know the basics and want to expand their knowledge or those wanting a refresher course. This is not a beginner course.
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: membership@spinweavensw.org for an application form.
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 — $60.
If you would like a posted Guild News there is an additional $25.00.
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.