In this five-session class, you’ll create something to wear from wool fleece you select, clean, prepare, spin, and then knit, crochet, weave, or felt into something you’ll love to wear! There won’t be time to teach you to spin in this class. Please see spinning class information below.
$500 for five sessions. Class includes the cost of your fleece. Maximum of five participants. Masks are required. Payment via Venmo to @Melanie-Perkins-13 or Paypal to melanie@crocketfiberstudio.com secures your spot.
Session 1: Shearing, skirting, and fleece selection.
Sunday, February 13, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
John Sanchez will be the shearer for this fun day. He’s one of the best shearers around, and is poetry in motion to watch. As you observe the fleece come off the sheep, we’ll talk about what to look for when selecting a fleece. You’ll want to take a few notes regarding the fleeces as we go along. It will help you choose your perfect fleece as we end the day skirting and selecting. Your fleece will go home with you, and you’ll bring about two pounds back for Session 2.
What to bring:
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and/or muddy. It can be cool in the morning at McIntyre Ranch then warm up nicely in the afternoon, so wear layers. Bring lunch. We’ll have bottled water on hand.
Session 2: Picking and washing
Sunday, March 20, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
You’ll bring back about two pounds of your fleece for this session. First we’ll pick it, removing as much of the “big stuff” as we can and loosening the fibers so the wool washes well. We’ll talk about spinning in the grease, the best products for washing wool, temperature, and water removal as you wash your wool. You’ll bring it home to dry.
You’ll wash and dry the rest of your wool at home. If you are planning a small “fashion item” to create, the two pounds will probably be enough. If your item is larger, like a sweater or large shawl, you’ll want to wash about twice as many pounds/ounces as your pattern requires. Three or four pounds should be plenty. Remember, you’ll lose between 30% and 50% in weight when washing, depending upon how dirty and greasy your fleece is.
What to bring:
About two pounds of dirty fleece. That amount works well in a five-gallon bucket.
A five-gallon bucket in which to wash and transport your wool.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and/or muddy. It can be cool in the morning at McIntyre Ranch then warm up nicely in the afternoon, so wear layers. Bring lunch. We’ll have bottled water on hand.
Session 3: Preparing wool for spinning and yarn design.
Sunday, April 17, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
In Session 3, you’ll prepare your washed and dried fiber for spinning using hand cards, combs, and drum carders. While you’ll learn to use hand cards and combs, plan to use the drum carder for this project. We’ll have four electric drum carders available, so you should be able to get through much of your fiber. If you’ve washed a whole bunch, you can finish carding in Session 4. The goal is for everyone to go home with enough carded fiber to keep busy spinning until the next session.
We’ll also talk about yarn design for your, so bring your pattern and spinning wheel. We’ll make some test skeins during the day to help you decide on the best spin for your “fashion item.”
What to bring:
Your washed and dried fiber.
Spinning wheel and associated tools.
Pattern for your “fashion item.”
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and/or muddy. It can be cool in the morning at McIntyre Ranch then warm up nicely in the afternoon, so wear layers. Bring lunch. We’ll have bottled water on hand.
Session 4: Work day for carding and spinning.
Sunday, May 22, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This is the day you can work on your project. You can finish up carding if you didn’t get through everything in Session 3, spin, or start your project. Melanie will be on hand to coach if needed. It should be a lovely day of carding and spinning together, which is always more fun than doing it alone!
What to bring:
Your fiber: carded to spin, clean and dried to card, or a combination.
Spinning wheel and associated tools.
Pattern and tools for your “fashion item” if you’ll be starting it here.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and/or muddy. It can be cool in the morning at McIntyre Ranch then warm up nicely in the afternoon, so wear layers. Bring lunch. We’ll have bottled water on hand.
Session 5: Strut Your Stuff!
Sunday, June 19, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This is the day to share what you’ve created! Don’t worry if your “fashion item” isn’t complete. Skeins of yarn and garments in progress are equally welcome. We’ll provide coffee, tea, and pastry. Please bring a small breakfast/brunch item to share.
What to bring:
Your “fashion item,” completed or otherwise
Spinning wheel if you want to spin while we are together.
A small breakfast/brunch item to share.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and/or muddy. It can be cool in the morning at McIntyre Ranch then warm up nicely in the afternoon, so wear layers. We’ll have coffee, tea, pastry, and bottled water on hand.
Beginning Wheel Spinning and Plying (optional)
Sunday, March 13, 2022, 10:00 to 1:00 p.m.
One, three-hour session. $200, includes all materials. Maximum of three students. Masks are required. Payment via Venmo to @Melanie-Perkins-13 or Paypal to melanie@crocketfiberstudio.com secures your spot.
Learn the basics of wheel operation and maintenance, treadling, pre-drafting, drafting, spinning, and plying yarn. You’ll try spinning three different wool preparations: roving, rolags, and batts. We’ll also talk about spinning “in the grease;” what it means and the pros and cons of spinning unprepared wool. You’ll end up with a skein of two-ply yarn, fiber to practice, and a syllabus full of useful information.
Supplies you’ll need to bring:
- Your spinning wheel. Please let me know if you don’t have one.
- Spinning wheel oil
- Lunch
It can be cool in the morning at McIntyre Ranch then warm up nicely in the afternoon, so wear layers.
Instructor: Melanie Perkins
Register by email: melanie@crockettfiberstudio.com