Description
This workshop is a two-day adventure in spinning and dyeing cellulose fibers.
A wide variety of long cellulose fibers can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Often these important, historic cellulose fibers are found internally in plant stalks, these fibers called bast fibers, or long fibers are manufactured from harder cellulose sources like wood pulp. This workshop will focus on the longer, popular bast and manufactured fibers available today for spinners. Cellulose fibers are perfect for lightweight wearables, household linens, or other projects. They are easily washed and dried. We should be able to spin enough yarn to sample by knitting, crocheting, tatting, or weaving on a weavette.
The fibers included in this workshop are the bast fibers hemp, ramie, and flax for linen, plus the manufactured fibers, tencel and bamboo. We will cover preparing the fibers for spinning, dyeing, and finishing. We will spin yarns from distaffs, tops, and hand carded or combed preps. It is time to appreciate and understand the differences between these fibers which you will want to use in your next project, like a summer shawl, top, scarf, placemats, or kitchen towels.
Equipment and supplies the students need to bring to class:
For Preparation:
- Hand combs or a large strong dog comb
- Hand cards
- Hand towels
- A simple apron
- For distaff cones – tape and large paper, like an opened paper bag, newspaper, or used wrapping paper
- Rubber gloves
- A small tub for dyeing and rinsing yarns
- Clothes suitable for dyeing
- A plastic bag to take home damp yarns at the end of the class
For spinning:
- A good working wheel, I recommend double drive or scotch brake if you have a choice of wheels or a
variety of spindles - Lazy kate and extra bobbins
- Small niddy-noddy
- A small cup for flax dressing, is best if it can hang on your spinning wheel (see below)
- A distaff, or makeshift tall pole or a non-stretch waist belt, buckled or tied and a 3-foot pole
- Also bring oil, screwdriver, and other tools for your wheel, in case they are needed
- Optional – a ball winder
For worksheets:
- Scissors
- Hole punch for attaching yarns and fibers, can share
- About a dozen small sandwich baggies
- Paper and pen/pencil for note taking
- Optional – 3-ring binder for booklet, worksheets, and notes.
For Sampling:
- Various size crochet hooks, knitting needles, or a weavette
NOTES: THE QUESTION OF A DISTAFF – If you own one and can bring it, please do so. If not, we can improvise. Most spinners prefer a free standing, movable distaff. The task is to be able to hang a length of flax about head height near your shoulder.
A dowel 3 to 4 foot long, 1/2”-5/8” thick: can work with music stand legs or a Christmas tree holder. Check the dowel size to see that it stays in the stand.
A flat piece of wood that you can sit on, that holds up a 3 to 4-foot dowel.
A belt distaff – uses a wide snug belt and a 3 to 4-foot dowel or a yard stick.
OR an empty gallon milk jug to hold up an old broom handle, (broom bristles not needed). If you fill the jug with gravel or kitty litter or something else DRY and heavy this works pretty well.
Or other creative idea for holding up long flax.
After you learn how to use the “creative” distaff you can take your time and hunt for the perfect distaff.
THE HANGING CUP FOR WATER FOR FLAX DRESSING
A common paper, plastic or Styrofoam cup can be easily trimmed to a short depth of 2”, then use a regular hole punch can make three holes and we can tie 3 strands of yarn to 3 holes at the rim of a plastic cup. Tie the three strands together, a la – macramé for the hanging cup.
It is HARD to hang a small cup on some wheels like the Ashford Joy. Then you need to sit the cup on a chair, box, or small table pulled up next to the wheel.
All materials included in course fee.
Requirements: Must be able to spin continuous yarn, bring own spinning wheel, no prior experience with cellulose fibers required.
Maximum: 15
About the Artist:
Patsy receives accolades for her teaching techniques in the states and abroad. She is known for her understanding of the art of spinning and all aspects of spinning wheels and creating yarns. She delights in seeing her students reach that “aha” moment in their spinning skill set. Relaxed and thorough – you’ll enjoy working with Patsy in class. She is totally committed to teaching spinners efficient ways to create their own source books of yarns.
Sampling and record keeping create invaluable yarn collections for choosing and repeating yarns when needed. Patsy says, “Having taught spinning and weaving over 30 years, I continue my own fiber explorations, weave with my handspun, write, and teach across the USA and internationally.” Patsy’s three videos continue to be favorites.
Artist’s website: Spinnin’Guru
