When I started spinning, processed fibre wasn’t readily
available, so out of necessity I had a good grounding in fleece sorting, washing
and preparation. Even now, with the huge choice of ready-prepared fibre that is
available, I still go back to basics and enjoy processing my own fibres from
scratch.
I feel that today’s spinners should be encouraged to learn
all about the different characteristics of raw fleece, how to sort and wash it,
and learn all the different methods of fibre preparation, so as to be able to
match preparation method to fleece type and get exactly the yarn they want.
Throughout the week we will be working with five or six
distinctly different fleece types. We will comb or flick the locks on longer
wools for smooth sleek worsted yarns. Very short fibres will be hand-carded and
woollen-spun for bouncy soft and lofty yarns. There will be double-coated
fleece that needs separating to get at the best fibre. In short you will learn
all the fibre preparation methods to enable you to get the best from any
fleece. We will also aim to spin a wide range of yarns, from thick sturdy yarns
for outer garments, to super fine yarns for delicate lace. We will blend fleece
with other fibres, and use the special qualities of some of the fleece types to
create a few of the more straightforward fancy yarns.
I see the course as being suited to the newer spinner who
would like to learn all the different fibre preparation methods and spinning
styles, as well as more experienced spinners who perhaps have been seduced by
all those ready-prepared tops and would like to be re-introduced to fibres
straight from the sheep!
Requirements for the course are a spinning wheel with at
least four bobbins. We will also be using hand-carders, drum-carders,
flick-carders, pet brushes, hand-held combs and table-mounted combs throughout
the week. None of these are an absolute necessity as there will be a few of
each to borrow, but if you do already own any of these tools, please bring them
along.
