Making your own yarn opens the door to a whole world of textural possibilities: smooth durable sock yarns, warm and fuzzy yarns for mittens and scarves, and soft airy yarn for the perfect shawl or sweater. And yet, many spinners find themselves stuck spinning the same yarn over and over and over. If this sounds like you, this class is your path out of a “default yarn” rut and towards creating yarns for any knit, crochet, or weaving project you can dream of!

In this 3-day class, we’ll explore techniques to spin wool into an array of textures along the classic handspinning spectrum spanning from woolen to worsted. Students will try different sheep breeds, fiber preparation methods, and approaches to drafting, creating a sample booklet of yarn you can refer back to again and again.

Skill note: Students should be able to spin and ply yarn independently prior to class. Students who are a bit rusty, intrepid spindle spinners trying out a wheel for the first time, and students who use an e-spinner are all an excellent fit for this class.

Physical ability note: Some hand strength and dexterity is required for spinning and carding. Wheels we are using in class are foot-powered and require some coordination.

Students are encouraged to bring their own wheel in working order or borrow a wheel from North House. Please let us know if you plan to bring your own wheel.

Students ages 16+ may register for this course independently. 

Required Tools 

• All required tools and materials will be available in class

Optional Tools 

• Spinning wheel, spindle, or e-spinner you use at home
• Hand tools for fiber processing: hand carders, flick carder, hand combs
• Spinning footwear of your choice: slippers, socks, or shoes with a soft sole are most common. Hard-soled shoes and sandals tend to be much more difficult to spin in. 
• Basket, bucket, or bowl to contain your fiber as you work
• Stool or chair you prefer to use while spinning
• Notebook and writing tool of your choice