A new Study Group coming to DFA: Spinning with Intent
A new study group will be starting up this spring. The purpose of this study group is to grow as spinners, to help new spinners develop technique and start experienced spinners on the path to spinning with intent. (i.e. with a project in mind). This study group will focus on spinning yarn for a specific purpose. We will begin with bulky yarn with a pattern in mind for yarn gauge and yardage. Once the yarn is spun, the project will then be knit to test how well we did. (alternates to knitting might be possible if you don’t knit)
Whether you are new to spinning and want to learn the finer techniques of spinning yarn or just want to brush up on your craft, “Spinning with Intent” Study Group is for you. We will meet twice a month (the 2nd and 4th Saturdays 9:00-1:00). You can supply your own fiber if you like, but I am planning to purchase roving in bulk for everyone to buy what they need – at the reduced bulk cost. I don’t plan to mark up the fiber but pass along the savings to everyone. A bump of fiber will be brought to the study sessions and a scale so that we can use what we need. This will allow for re-do’s and practice attempts if they are necessary and getting additional fiber for a 2nd project, etc.
If you don’t know how to spin, there are a few months before this begins to learn the basics of spinning (how to draft, how to make your feet and hands work together, etc. – nothing fancy – just to know how fiber is spun and not be totally new to spinning.)
Tentative schedule (subject to change)
- March 28th – Getting to know each other and our wheels. Bring some fiber to work on (or some will be available for purchase) – and your wheel or drop spindle.
- 11th – Spinning super bulky yarn. Estimated fiber cost will be approximately $3.50 (or bring your own). Extra fiber will be available for purchase if needed. We will be working on spinning the yarn for this pattern: Winter Morning Headband (it’s a free one).
- April 25th – Knitting Winter Morning Headband
- May 9th- Spinning Bulky yarn. Estimated fiber cost will be approximately $6. We will be working on spinning the yarn for this pattern: Chunky Slipper Socks (it’s a free one).
- May 23rd – Knitting Chunky Slipper Socks
- June 13th – Spinning Worsted weight yarn. Estimated fiber cost will be approximately $12.50. We will be working on spinning the yarn for this pattern: Going Vertical Hat (it’s a free one).
- June 27th – Knitting Going Vertical Hat
Please e-mail me, Rebecca Harkins at re*************@gm***.com to let me know your thoughts and comments. I would also like to know if you are interested in participating in this study group – I also need to know if you want to buy bulk-purchased fiber or use your own so that I can know how much to purchase. If you are not currently a spinner but would like to learn over the next few months, there is time, so let me know that as well and I will connect you with someone who will be able to get you started.
