Sock Summit 2009
Taking Sock Knitting Almost Too Far!
August 6-9, 2009
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Oregon
Classes
Spindle Spinning Basics
Interested in making your own yarn? Using simple spindles, Denny McMillan and Abby Franquemont will teach you everything you need to know to get started. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn. This class is perfect for the absolute beginner or the wheel spinner who’d like to learn more about spindles. We’ll cover the basics of what makes fiber turn into yarn, how to make basic plied yarns, and how to get your new yarn ready to use.
This class is taught by: Abby Franquemont, Denny McMillan.
| Class Level: | Beginner level; no experience necessary. More experienced spinners are welcome, but the focus is beginning spinning. Wheel spinners who can't make spindles work for them will enjoy it as well. |
| Class Skills: | Students need open minds, willingness to learn, and a sense of humor. |
| Cost: | $70.00 |
| Class Length: | 3 hours |
| Class Materials: | |
For those students who don’t really enjoy the thrill of the hunt, or want to make sure they have exactly the right stuff, a class pack with yarn and a simple spindle will be available in the marketplace. Price: $15, available from Carolina Homespun (booth 423) (If you are taking this class on Thursday, you can get the class pack right in the classroom. Please bring $15 cash, to keep it simple.) If you would rather gather your own: 1. A wooden spindle weighing between 25 and 60 grams (1-2.5 oz). This can be low whorl, high whorl, or mid whorl, with or without a hook or notch. If you have multiple spindles, feel free to bring several! If you already have one you love, or one you hate, feel free to bring that, even if you’re buying a class pack—we may be able to shed light on why you have those feelings and help you make future spindle choices. 2. Fiber for spinning. Please bring undyed fiber, as it can be hard to judge how easy it is to spin a given dyed fiber until you have a little spinning experience. You should bring one commercial combed top, and one carded roving, and you will want at least 25g (appx one ounce) of each, and preferably 50g (appx two ounces) of each. If you are shopping for fiber, you may need to verbally confirm with your source that you are buying carded fiber and combed fiber—your fiber dealer should be able to answer that for you. Good choices for wool breeds are Corriedale, Coopworth, Romney, and Blue Faced Leicester (BFL). Stay away from blends for starting out. If you have a wool allergy or sensitivity, you should choose two ounces of undyed tussah silk top or sliver. If you are unable to work with either wool or silk, please contact us to discuss your special needs. Even if you are buying a class pack, you should still feel free to bring a fiber that really speaks to you if you have found one, but please bring it in addition to the undyed fibers recommended above, and not instead of those. And even if you are planning on bringing your own materials, if you are a brand-new spinner, you may wish to pick up a class pack just in case as we have carefully chosen fibers with which we know brand-new spinners succeed quickly. | |
| Homework: | |
Please bring a willingness to learn and a sense of humour. There is no need to study beforehand. | |
