Experience tools of history that are still effective for today’s artisan wool grower and hand worker. If you knit, weave, embroider, or crochet, personalize your life and style by acquiring the age-old skills of combing, carding, and spinning on a spinning wheel or spindle. From sorting and washing and prep, beginning spinsters will strive to get the feel for the simple act of creating yarn. Those with some prior experience will work to improve their technique and  explore the basics of yarn design for a particular product. Also, gain an appreciation for shepherding and growing wool fiber for handspinning, feltmaking, or quilt bats! 

Class Fika (the beloved Swedish coffee break) provides ample time for discussions of many topics; keeping sheep, sheep personalities, songs and stories with sheep, how much to feed and the set up for the shearer, interesting wool and best uses, and the all-important question, on what part of the wheel did sleeping beauty prick her finger? Spend time knitting: receive written directions and ideas for the simple sweaters of history, plus sock, shawl, and hat plans, plus directions on making yarn for viking sails and other historic textile structures. We can make what we want from what we grow ourselves and prepare ourselves.

Students are encouraged to bring their own wheel in working order or borrow a wheel from North House. Please let us know if you plan to bring your own wheel. 

Teachers will provide: Wool fleece, roving, angora, and other fibers, handouts and sample garment "recipes", a spinning wheel or two, small hand tools, knitting needles and related gear,  washing liquid for fleece, lingerie bags.

Estimated additional materials fee for students needing additional supplies: approximately $50 can be paid to instructors in class

All levels welcome including beginning to improving spinners and shepherds.

Required Tools

• Wool and other fibers on hand that you are curious about. (You are invited to bring fibers such as alpaca, but if it is very dusty or full of barn trash, pick out the cleanest bits and bring along a sample.) The instructors will also have other home grown fibers to sample.
• Baby oil
• Small hand towel
• Apron
• Note taking supplies
• Sample skein of wool yarn plus suitable knitting needles for sample knitting.  
• Questions 

Optional Tools

• Any tools that you own if it is convenient - spinning wheel, hand cards, combs, and drum carder.
• Song or story, recollection or poem to share about spinning, sheep, wool, weaving, etc.
• Favorite tea to share

Additional supplies will be available from Martha and Lesley but also, Grand Marais has a yarn shop for last minute or additional knitting supplies.  www.dappledfernfibers.com