Notes from Fiber Arts Class this week:
Intro to Spinning
Today’s experiments included preparation of fiber for hand spinning, mastering the art of making yarn with a handmade spindle (Thanks Kelli), and making yarn from recycled fabrics. Ms S. was glad to discuss her current experiments with freshly shorn, unskirted wool! Long story short, don’t get it wet until you skirt the fleece, and washing takes patience and more time than you might think. Don’t be afraid to toss or (say no to) potential moth infested wool coming into your house.
Everyone did well with spindling, and one brave student (Ms S.) even took to my spinning wheel. She created a beautiful lilac and white strand of hand-spun, hand dyed, yarn. i remember my first hand-spun – so i totally know how they each feel!
Homework this week is 100 yards of handmade or handspun, yarn. Any combo of techniques- spindle spinning, wheel spinning, or recycled fabric yarn.
this is a yarn I spun a while ago, I call it clown barf, for some obvious reasons. it makes me happy, so much so I can’t bring myself to make it into something yet (4+ years later)
Beyond the Spindle-
Wheels! don’t be afraid, just learn their pace, and yours. Each is different, find the right one for you. PS – there is a lively secondhand market for them, but there are inventive new designs coming around each day, or work your brain and the web to create your own spinning wheel!
Something to look forward to: Intro to Crochet coming up in a few weeks- the Lotus rug below is something you can absolutely make with simple crochet skills, a giant crochet hook, and handmade fabric yarn you make….just a thought! Great way to upcycle worn, torn or other unwanted fabrics.
I made this Lotus rug out of an old, recycled tie dyed fabric. maybe 1/2 of a queen size sheet worth.
