Spinning Wool Beyond the Basics

Length of Workshop: 2 or 3 days

Content of workshop:

This workshop is based on my book, SPINNING WOOL BEYOND THE BASICS. It will cover how to spin wool from different breeds of sheep. EG. – yarn spun from an English Leicester sheep (a relatively coarse breed), should be spun differently from a finer breed, such as Corriedale. Different breeds will be analysed, then fine, medium and bulky fleeces will be spun, plyed, and washed, with the size and twist of the finished yarn relating to the original fibre size and drive ratio. When the students have mastered this technique, time will be spent in spinning yarns that extend beyond these guidelines, and students will learn worsted, semi-worsted, semi-woollen and woollen methods of wool preparation and spinning. The end use of the yarns, for both knitting and weaving will be fully discussed, as students will be taught how to spin wool to specific requirements. By the end of the workshop, students will understand their own spinning wheel, and its range and will be able to fully utilise each wheel. The expertise gained in this workshop will be useful to those spinners who want to spin a variety of yarns with different sizes and twists per inch.

Day One:

Analysing fleeces, discussing fibre diameter, based on staple length, shape, crimp, etc. Samples of different breeds will be analysed, then students will analyse their local fleeces. Students will then be taught, by a series of easy exercises, how to spin with a pre-determined twist count in yarn, and this will be related to fibre size and drive ratio. This section will also cover wheel types, (double and single drive wheels, etc.), and the range of yarn each wheel is suited for.

Day Two:

Small sample skeins will be spun and plyed, with the twist count matching the fibre diameter of the fleece, from fine to bulky. These skeins will be washed and compared with the original fleeces. Discussions on end uses of these yarns, with examples of both knitted and woven articles, will follow.

Day Three:

Different carding and combing methods will be taught, then small sample skeins of worsted and woollen yarn will be spun, using different drafting methods such as the long draw and short draft. Suitable fleece types for each will be discussed, and the end uses of the yarns will be covered. The workshop will conclude with a session on how to combine the wool analysis, spinning methods, and the size and twist count of yarns.

For a 2 day class, miss out the third day.

Standard of students: Students should have done some basic spinning

Students should bring with them:

  • Spinning wheel and 3 bobbins.
  • Niddy noddy and lazy kate.
  • Flick carder or comb, and a piece of leather (lap size), or strong fabric to protect your lap while flick carding or combing.
  • Hand cards, if you have them. If you haven’t any hand cards you can use the class drum carder to prepare wool.
  • Note pad and pen. Ruler (in inches). Waterproof tags to identify skeins. Old towel.
  • Some method of displaying your staples and sample skeins. A folder with clear plastic leaves, like a flip file, is ideal. Some paper, and clear sticky tape for mounting samples.
  • Spare drive band cord, scissors, oil for wheel maintenance.
  • Magnifying glass, or pick counter (also called a linen tester).

WOOL

100g (2oz) each of the three different types of wool (fine 10-12 crimps per inch), medium (6-8 crimps per inch), Coarse (3-4 crimps per inch). This wool can be washed but if so, please keep the lock formation undisturbed, and keep two or three locks from each type unwashed for wool analysis.
50gms (1oz) of carded sliver, that you get from suppliers of carded wool for spinners. Not commercial tops.
*The group may buy the wool in bulk, and distribute it to the students,charging the appropriate materials fee. I can send samples if this would help.

Tutor requirements

During the class I will need a spinning wheel to demonstrate on, a drum carder, overhead projector (only needed the first day), a table for display, blackboard or whiteboard, washing facilities to wash the sample skeins (this can simply be a couple of buckets, access to hot water, and soap powder or detergent). I will have 20 or so sheets of handouts for each student. I can send these over prior to the workshop for photocopying, or they can be copied the day I arrive.

I will provide:

Wool samples. Samples. Relevant resource books.

Maximum number in class: 16