Spinning Other Fibres

Length of workshop: 1, 2 or 3 days

Content of workshop:

The fibres covered will be silk, alpaca and mohair If the organizers would like to cover other fibres, contact me for details.

We will begin with observing and discussing the qualities of the fibres and compare those to the qualities we want in the spun yarn. Different preparation and spinning techniques, from worsted through to woollen will be taught to make the yarn reflect the look of the original fibre and the end use. Several different techniques can be used with each fibre, depending on the required appearance and end use. Small sample skeins will be spun and washed, then analyzed.

On a 1 day workshop, already prepared fibres will be used, because of time restraints.

For a 2 and 3 day workshop we will use some prepared and some washed raw fibre. The 3 day workshop will also cover blending fibres before and after spinning.

For overseas workshops the organizers will have to provide the fibres. They then charge the students a materials fee to cover the cost. I would like the fibres to be weighed and bagged for each student.

For a 1 day workshop each student will need:

  • 25gms (1oz) of tussah silk sliver (top)
  • 50gms (2oz) carded mohair
  • 50gms (2 oz) carded alpaca. Any colour

For a 2 day workshop each student will need:

  • 25gms (1oz) of tussah silk sliver (top)
  • 50gms (2oz) carded mohair and 50gm (2oz) washed kid mohair fleece
  • 50gms (2 oz) carded alpaca and 50gm (2oz) washed alpaca fleece. Any colour

For a 3 day workshop each student will need:

  • 50gms (2oz) of tussah silk sliver (top)
  • 100gms (4oz) carded mohair and 50gm (2oz) washed kid mohair fleece
  • 100gms (4 oz) carded alpaca and 50gm (2oz) washed alpaca fleece. Any colour

In New Zealand I can provide the fibres, for a material fee of approx $20 for a 1 day workshop, $30 for a 2 day workshop, and $40 for a 3 day workshop.

Standard of students:

Students should have done some basic spinning, but do not need to be experienced spinners.

Maximum number in class: 16

Students should bring with them:

  • Spinning wheel
  • 3 bobbins.
  • niddy noddy
  • lazy kate
  • Old towel
  • Tags to identify each skein

For a 2 and 3 day workshop add:

flick carder or comb, and something to protect your lap while combing. Hand cards, if you have them.

Tutor will need

White board or black board. Spinning wheel to demonstrate on.
2 hair dryers. Access to hot water, 2 buckets and some detergent. For a 2 and 3 workshop I will need 2 drum carders.