Art Yarn Spinning with Helen Keenan
Description
Art yarn is not that first lumpy, bumpy, twisty, unbalanced yarn you spun. It is deliberate, thoughtful, technical spinning that, once mastered, lets your creativity and imagination come to the fore. Who hasn’t got some beads, feathers, scrap yarn, sequins, kewpie dolls, even Barbies, lying about and thinking “Could I spin that?” After this class, your answer will be “Yes, I can.”
In this workshop, you will learn the foundational techniques to spin all kinds of art yarns. You will learn how to prepare your fiber and then move on to corespinning, lock spinning, multiple plying, autowraps, beehives, silk wrapping, and inclusions. After all that, we will cover how to finish the yarns and what to do with them once they’re done!
We will have a kit of fiber on the day for $15 supplied by Helen if you would like to purchase it.
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 that you are familiar with, preferably with a big orifice and any fiber prep tools you have eg blending board or drum carder.
- Stuff from your stash - to include: Bring lots of fibre Threads (cotton / metallic /silk) Silk hankies, silk noil, mohair, angelina Locks (e.g. English Leicester) Strong yarn for plying. Any special fibres you might have. Kits can be supplied for an extra $15 (will include dyed locks, core yarn, silk hankies)
- A can-do attitude!
What to wear
Comfortable clothing
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
- 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 — $50.
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.