Fiber Preparation for Spinning.  This workshop will focus on everything BEFORE you start spinning!  We'll explore all of the various techniques for preparing fiber for spinning including picking, flicking, hand and drum carding, combing. Learn the best preparation techniques for the fiber you're spinning and the yarn to want to create.  Experiment, experiment, experiment...and most important, have fun! Pre-requisite: Beginning spinning. Cost: $45  Fee includes all fibers, but students are welcome to bring their own to work with also.  Length: One session; approx 4-6 hours. Pre-register now!

Handspinners Sampler. Join handspinning friends for a day of  exploration!  We will work with some new fibers such as alpaca, silk, angora...perhaps some ramie, linen, and cotton too!  Each fiber has it's own unique preparation and spinning techniques.  This is a great workshop to expand your spinning skills!  Cost: $45. Fee includes all materials. Pre-requisite: beginning spinning.  Length: One session; approx 6 hours. Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Hand-Dyed Silks. (Photos)  Come create your own signature dyed silk scarves and shawls using several simple dye techniques with more than 70 colors to choose from.  No experience necessary!  Cost:  $25 + silk blanks. (Students can dye as many as they wish.  Silk blanks range in price from $1.75 - $4.50 for scarves; slightly more for shawls.)  Length: one session, approx 5 hours. Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming.

Spinners Color Day: Rainbow Dyeing. Explore a variety of rainbow dye techniques that can be enjoyed by spinners, weavers, and knitters alike!  Injection, spot, immersion, and painting techniques...and more!  Cost: $55.  Fee includes all materials, fibers, yarns, and dyes, but students are welcome to bring some of their own fibers or yarns to dye. All skill levels welcome, including first-time dyers.  For spinners, weavers and knitters!  Length: One day (Saturday 10am-5pm). Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming.  .   

Spinning Designer Yarns. The possibilities for designing your own unique yarns are endless!  We'll explore many elements of yarn design including the use of texture, color, fiber type, plying techniques.  You'll spin a beautiful sampler of designer yarns including cabled, knot, insertion, boucle, beaded and more!   Pre-requisite: Beginning spinning.  Cost: $45.  Fee includes all materials; participants will be encouraged to bring one or two bobbins of single ply handspun yarn to experiment with. Length: One session; approx 6 hours.  Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Spinning for a Project.  One of the challenges for spinners can be adapting their spinning to create a yarn suited for a specific knit or woven project.  Much of the time it's simply a matter of gaining confidence as a spinner.  Participants in this workshop should come to class with a knitting or weaving project that they would like to spin the yarn for (for weavers this will include weft AND warp!).  We will begin by discussing the characteristics that you are seeking in your finished yarns...color, texture, loft, etc.  Then you will practice creating a yarn with these qualities.  Students can bring their own fiber to spin or choose from the wide range of fibers available at the Fiber Garden. Yarns spun in class will be the start to that perfect handspun-handknit or handwoven project!   Pre-requisite: Beginning spinning; must be comfortable spinning wool.  Cost: $75 plus fibers.  Length: Two days: Saturday and Sunday.  Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Spinning for Weaving. This workshop will build your confidence as a spinner...no more fear of spinning warp for weaving!  You will learn how to spin a yarn that will work well as a warp, as well as design a weft yarn. You will weave a small project from your handspun yarns and never fear spinning for weaving again!  Students must be comfortable spinning wool and have beginning weaving experience on a 4-harness loom.  Cost: $150.  Fee includes all materials; students will also be welcome to bring their own spinning fibers. Length: Full weekend (Friday evening 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm)  Pre-register now!

Spinning Silk! Silk fiber comes in many different forms...come spend a day exploring this luxurious fiber!  We'll dye silk caps to create a beautiful silk rainbow yarn, then we'll explore cocoons, bricks, noil, top.  Practice the various preparation and spinning techniques of silk to create special yarns from this amazing fiber!  Pre-requisite: Beginning Spinning Cost: $55.  Fee includes all fibers and dyes.  Bring a spinning wheel or use one from the Fiber Garden.  Length:  One day; 7 hours.  Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Spinning: Beyond Beginning. Note:  This workshop is being offered by Sievers School of Fiber Arts. Visit their website for information!   A week-long intermediate spinning class that will introduce students to an exploration of new fibers, novelty techniques, and color. 

Click on the links below to learn more!

Beads & Embellishments

Knitting

Spinning and Dyeing