Hand Spinning

Try this super soft next to skin roving that is excellent for spinning, felting, dyeing, and more!

• 100% superfine Merino wool
  
• 4 ounce package
• Sourced from non-mulsed sheep
• Microns: 21mic
• Fiber staple length: 75-80mm
• Roving length: 4m per 100g
• Roving width: 1 inch
• Imported

Abstract

Spinning by Hand is a 4 session individual lesson series that introduces the skills for hand spinning fiber on a spinning wheel. The concepts explored in the series are: operation of a spinning wheel, spinning the single, fiber preparation, plying, and finishing. The lessons may be scheduled as you advance at your own pace. No experience with hand spinning is necessary. The lessons are designed for the absolute beginner, however the instructor may customize the content and pace of the material for those students looking to complete a different project or take it as a refresher course. Beginners must be able to demonstrate mastery of each skill in order for the first 4 lessons. Supplemental topics that build on these fundamental skills may be selected as desired upon successful completion of Lessons 1-4. 

This is the 1st lesson in the Spinning by Hand series and it will cover the basics of your spinning wheel, a demonstration on short forward draw (drafting technique), spinning a single, and a discussion of "your default yarn." 

Your homework following Lesson 1 is to finish spinning a full bobbin of yarn in a single (ply). 

Materials

Standardized materials for the lesson series are required to facilitate your learning experience. These supplies must be purchased separately. The fee for this class is only for the instruction. The supplies listed are usually available for purchase in our studio. Please consult the instructor prior to class with any questions. If you are looking to purchase a wheel for the class, usually the Schacht Lady Bug is a good place to start. 

Supplies you are required to bring:  

• Working Spinning Wheel complete with accessories (Please consult the instructor prior to class to make sure your wheel is in working order.)
• Orifice Hook
• Spinning Wheel Oil
• Book: Learn to Spin with Anne Field: Spinning Basics
  This is the primary text for the entire lesson series. This exact title is required to enroll.
• 4oz of prepared wool roving that is medium grade fineness. Avoid slippery combed tops when starting out. 
  
• Natural Shetland or similar is a good choice
• Scissors
• Sturdy Ruler (Wood or metal works best)
• Paper, pencil, post-it notes.
• Project bag and/or cases to organize your materials

If you prefer, a complete material kit with our preferred items may be preassembled for your convenience for a separate fee. Please contact us prior to the lesson for assistance in selecting materials.  

When

Once you complete registration, we will contact you to schedule your lesson and discuss your learning needs. This initial lesson meets for up to 2 hours. Lessons are scheduled within the availability of the instructor. While we make every attempt to be flexible for scheduling, not every request can be accommodated. Please contact Josh with any questions about registration. 

Where

Lessons are held here in our studio at Icon Fiber Arts. Our learning area is reserved for our use in the workroom at buds 'n bloom, our sister company. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow yourself time to get situated. Lessons will begin and end promptly within the agreed upon times with the instructor as scheduled. Please notify us prior to the class if you need any accommodations. 

About the Instructor 

Josh Steger began his journey as a fiber artist at a young age when he learned to knit, crochet, and sew. Josh always felt inspired by yarn and what you can make with it. It was a natural progression when he started to dye wool, spin it into yarn, and ultimately, create surface designs. In 2013, Josh formally launched his fiber arts studio, Icon Fiber Arts, as a part buds ‘n bloom. Josh's experience as an instructor is well rounded. He formerly worked for United Healthcare in Green Bay as a Trainer and Learning Specialist. He has taught classes for Traveling Treadlers Fiber Arts Guild and the Bay Lakes Knitting Guild. He also provides one on one instruction for knitting, crochet, weaving, felting, hand spinning, and dyeing.  

Cancellation & Attendance

A refund will be provided to attendees who cancel 24 hours in advance of their scheduled lesson. There is no refund or partial refund for the class for any missed sessions. In the unlikely event of inclement weather that would prevent the class from meeting, the class will be extended and rescheduled as determined by the Instructor.

Abstract

Spinning by Hand is a 4 session individual lesson series that introduces the skills for hand spinning fiber on a spinning wheel. The concepts explored in the series are: operation of a spinning wheel, spinning the single, fiber preparation, plying, and finishing. The lessons may be scheduled as you advance at your own pace. No experience with hand spinning is necessary. The lessons are designed for the absolute beginner, however the instructor may customize the content and pace of the material for those students looking to complete a different project or take it as a refresher course. Beginners must be able to demonstrate mastery of each skill in order for the first 4 lessons. Supplemental topics that build on these fundamental skills may be selected as desired upon successful completion of Lessons 1-4. 

This is the 2nd lesson in the Spinning by Hand series and it will cover the basics of washing fiber, picking, carding fiber by hand, hand carders, combs, drum carder basics, blending boards, and woolen vs. worsted yarn construction. 

Your homework following Lesson 2 is to spin a full bobbin of hand carded fiber. 

Materials

Standardized materials for the lesson series are required to facilitate your learning experience. These supplies must be purchased separately. The fee for this class is only for the instruction. The supplies listed are usually available for purchase in our studio. Please consult the instructor prior to class with any questions. If you are looking to purchase a wheel for the class, usually the Schacht Lady Bug is a good place to start. 

Supplies you are required to bring:  

• Working Spinning Wheel complete with accessories (Please consult the instructor prior to class to make sure your wheel is in working order.)
• Orifice Hook
• Spinning Wheel Oil
• Book: Learn to Spin with Anne Field: Spinning Basics
  This is the primary text for the entire lesson series. This exact title is required to enroll.
• Assortment of fibers washed and picked to practice carding with
  
• 2 different colored fibers to practice blending
• Pair of Hand Carders
• Scissors
• Sturdy Ruler (Wood or metal works best)
• Paper, pencil, post-it notes.
• Project bag and/or cases to organize your materials

If you prefer, a complete material kit with our preferred items may be preassembled for your convenience for a separate fee. Please contact us prior to the lesson for assistance in selecting materials.  

When

Once you complete registration, we will contact you to schedule your lesson and discuss your learning needs. This lesson meets for up to 2 hours. Lessons are scheduled within the availability of the instructor. While we make every attempt to be flexible for scheduling, not every request can be accommodated. Please contact Josh with any questions about registration. 

Where

Lessons are held here in our studio at Icon Fiber Arts. Our learning area is reserved for our use in the workroom at buds 'n bloom, our sister company. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow yourself time to get situated. Lessons will begin and end promptly within the agreed upon times with the instructor as scheduled. Please notify us prior to the class if you need any accommodations. 

About the Instructor 

Josh Steger began his journey as a fiber artist at a young age when he learned to knit, crochet, and sew. Josh always felt inspired by yarn and what you can make with it. It was a natural progression when he started to dye wool, spin it into yarn, and ultimately, create surface designs. In 2013, Josh formally launched his fiber arts studio, Icon Fiber Arts, as a part buds ‘n bloom. Josh's experience as an instructor is well rounded. He formerly worked for United Healthcare in Green Bay as a Trainer and Learning Specialist. He has taught classes for Traveling Treadlers Fiber Arts Guild and the Bay Lakes Knitting Guild. He also provides one on one instruction for knitting, crochet, weaving, felting, hand spinning, and dyeing.  

Cancellation & Attendance

A refund will be provided to attendees who cancel 24 hours in advance of their scheduled lesson. There is no refund or partial refund for the class for any missed sessions. In the unlikely event of inclement weather that would prevent the class from meeting, the class will be extended and rescheduled as determined by the Instructor.

Abstract

Spinning by Hand is a 4 session individual lesson series that introduces the skills for hand spinning fiber on a spinning wheel. The concepts explored in the series are: operation of a spinning wheel, spinning the single, fiber preparation, plying, and finishing. The lessons may be scheduled as you advance at your own pace. No experience with hand spinning is necessary. The lessons are designed for the absolute beginner, however the instructor may customize the content and pace of the material for those students looking to complete a different project or take it as a refresher course. Beginners must be able to demonstrate mastery of each skill in order for the first 4 lessons. Supplemental topics that build on these fundamental skills may be selected as desired upon successful completion of Lessons 1-4. 

This is the 3rd lesson in the Spinning by Hand series. Lesson 3 introduces the spinner to plying. We will practice plying at first with commercially spun yarn. 

Your homework following Lesson 3 is to ply the yarn you spun in Lesson 2 into a two ply yarn. 

Materials

Standardized materials for the lesson series are required to facilitate your learning experience. These supplies must be purchased separately. The fee for this class is only for the instruction. The supplies listed are usually available for purchase in our studio. Please consult the instructor prior to class with any questions. If you are looking to purchase a wheel for the class, usually the Schacht Lady Bug is a good place to start. 

Supplies you are required to bring:  

• Working Spinning Wheel complete with accessories (Please consult the instructor prior to class to make sure your wheel is in working order.)
• Orifice Hook
• Spinning Wheel Oil
• Book: Learn to Spin with Anne Field: Spinning Basics
  This is the primary text for the entire lesson series. This exact title is required to enroll.
• 100g (or more) of an inexpensive commercially spun yarn to practice plying with. The weight can be worsted weight or finer. Remember: your plied yarn must fit through the orifice of your spinning wheel. 
• Extra Bobbins, either bobbins for your wheel or storage bobbin to ply from. Notify your instructor before the lesson if you do not have spare bobbins for your wheel. 
• Lazy Kate 
• Might be built into your wheel
• Detached tensioned models that fit your bobbins are often best
• You may purchase one if you don't have it
• A DIY Lazy Kate can be made with a repurposed shoebox and metal knitting needles. Check out various online tutorials. 
• Scissors
• Sturdy Ruler (Wood or metal works best)
• Paper, pencil, post-it notes.
• Project bag and/or cases to organize your materials

If you prefer, a complete material kit with our preferred items may be preassembled for your convenience for a separate fee. Please contact us prior to the lesson for assistance in selecting materials.  

When

Once you complete registration, we will contact you to schedule your lesson and discuss your learning needs. This lesson meets for up to 1 hour. Lessons are scheduled within the availability of the instructor. While we make every attempt to be flexible for scheduling, not every request can be accommodated. Please contact Josh with any questions about registration. 

Where

Lessons are held here in our studio at Icon Fiber Arts. Our learning area is reserved for our use in the workroom at buds 'n bloom, our sister company. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow yourself time to get situated. Lessons will begin and end promptly within the agreed upon times with the instructor as scheduled. Please notify us prior to the class if you need any accommodations. 

About the Instructor 

Josh Steger began his journey as a fiber artist at a young age when he learned to knit, crochet, and sew. Josh always felt inspired by yarn and what you can make with it. It was a natural progression when he started to dye wool, spin it into yarn, and ultimately, create surface designs. In 2013, Josh formally launched his fiber arts studio, Icon Fiber Arts, as a part buds ‘n bloom. Josh's experience as an instructor is well rounded. He formerly worked for United Healthcare in Green Bay as a Trainer and Learning Specialist. He has taught classes for Traveling Treadlers Fiber Arts Guild and the Bay Lakes Knitting Guild. He also provides one on one instruction for knitting, crochet, weaving, felting, hand spinning, and dyeing.  

Cancellation & Attendance

A refund will be provided to attendees who cancel 24 hours in advance of their scheduled lesson. There is no refund or partial refund for the class for any missed sessions. In the unlikely event of inclement weather that would prevent the class from meeting, the class will be extended and rescheduled as determined by the Instructor.

Abstract

Spinning by Hand is a 4 session individual lesson series that introduces the skills for hand spinning fiber on a spinning wheel. The concepts explored in the series are: operation of a spinning wheel, spinning the single, fiber preparation, plying, and finishing. The lessons may be scheduled as you advance at your own pace. No experience with hand spinning is necessary. The lessons are designed for the absolute beginner, however the instructor may customize the content and pace of the material for those students looking to complete a different project or take it as a refresher course. Beginners must be able to demonstrate mastery of each skill in order for the first 4 lessons. Supplemental topics that build on these fundamental skills may be selected as desired upon successful completion of Lessons 1-4. 

This is the 4th lesson in the Spinning by Hand series and we will explore techniques for consistency in your spinning. We will also work on techniques for finishing, grading, and blocking your handspun yarn. A demonstration and overview of yarn winding equipment is also covered in this lesson. 

Your homework following Lesson 4 is to wash and block the twist in the yarns you have spun in Lessons 1-3. 

Materials

Standardized materials for the lesson series are required to facilitate your learning experience. These supplies must be purchased separately. The fee for this class is only for the instruction. The supplies listed are usually available for purchase in our studio. Please consult the instructor prior to class with any questions. If you are looking to purchase a wheel for the class, usually the Schacht Lady Bug is a good place to start. 

Supplies you are required to bring:  

• Working Spinning Wheel complete with accessories (Please consult the instructor prior to class to make sure your wheel is in working order.)
• Orifice Hook
• Spinning Wheel Oil
• Book: Learn to Spin with Anne Field: Spinning Basics
  This is the primary text for the entire lesson series. This exact title is required to enroll.
• Completed bobbins of handspun yarn from Lessons 1-3. 
• Fiber of your choice to practice with for the Consistency Module in the lesson
• Your yarn winding equipment. Bring what you have, you do not need to purchase these for the purposes of this lesson. 
• Niddy Noddy
• Ball Winder
• Swift
• Scissors
• Sturdy Ruler (Wood or metal works best)
• Paper, pencil, post-it notes.
• Project bag and/or cases to organize your materials

If you prefer, a complete material kit with our preferred items may be preassembled for your convenience for a separate fee. Please contact us prior to the lesson for assistance in selecting materials.  

When

Once you complete registration, we will contact you to schedule your lesson and discuss your learning needs. This lesson meets for up to 1 hour. Lessons are scheduled within the availability of the instructor. While we make every attempt to be flexible for scheduling, not every request can be accommodated. Please contact Josh with any questions about registration. 

Where

Lessons are held here in our studio at Icon Fiber Arts. Our learning area is reserved for our use in the workroom at buds 'n bloom, our sister company. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow yourself time to get situated. Lessons will begin and end promptly within the agreed upon times with the instructor as scheduled. Please notify us prior to the class if you need any accommodations. 

About the Instructor 

Josh Steger began his journey as a fiber artist at a young age when he learned to knit, crochet, and sew. Josh always felt inspired by yarn and what you can make with it. It was a natural progression when he started to dye wool, spin it into yarn, and ultimately, create surface designs. In 2013, Josh formally launched his fiber arts studio, Icon Fiber Arts, as a part buds ‘n bloom. Josh's experience as an instructor is well rounded. He formerly worked for United Healthcare in Green Bay as a Trainer and Learning Specialist. He has taught classes for Traveling Treadlers Fiber Arts Guild and the Bay Lakes Knitting Guild. He also provides one on one instruction for knitting, crochet, weaving, felting, hand spinning, and dyeing.  

Cancellation & Attendance

A refund will be provided to attendees who cancel 24 hours in advance of their scheduled lesson. There is no refund or partial refund for the class for any missed sessions. In the unlikely event of inclement weather that would prevent the class from meeting, the class will be extended and rescheduled as determined by the Instructor.

Ashford's Spinning Wheel Oil ensures quiet, effortless spinning with its non-staining, high-grade, aromatic-free white mineral oil. The bottle is transparent and includes a 1/2 oz squeeze bottle, 1 1/4" blunt needle applicator, and aluminum cap with neoprene seal for airtight sealing. The applicator tip is perfect for getting into hard to reach flyer and wheel bearings.

This oil is alternately available to purchase as part of Ashford's Spinning Wheel Maintenance Kits.

The white mineral lubricating oil is classified as non-hazardous.

Replacement drive bands for the Matchless, Schacht-Reeves, Flatiron, and Ladybug Spinning wheels. Package contains 3 drive bands. 

One packaged wood orifice or threading hook for Ashford spinning wheels.

• Replacement for Elizabeth 2
  
• Also compatible with the Ashford Joy and Electronic Spinners
  
• Natural (unfinished) wood finish
  

Get starry eyed with Gemini! This stunning blend of dyed merino and bleached tussah silk to create the perfect fibre to spin or felt.

A combination of dyed merino wool tops (70%) and extra bleached tussah silk (30%) to create a rainbow blend with a silky sheen. Perfect for hand felting, hand spinning and many other craft uses.

Sold by weight in 1 ounce increments.

The Art & Craft of Spinning Yarn

Spin Off explores the art and craft of making yarn. Each issue connects you to new and familiar voices in the handspinning community and is packed with information about fibers, tools, and traditions to inspire your creativity.

In this issue are the Spinner's Toolbox Accessories You'll Love; Nostepinne Wind 3 Ways, On the Bias Spin + Weave a Pin-Loom Scarf; and so much more! Check out our current inventory of back issues as well. 

Features: 

• Unwinding the Nostepinne by Heavenly Bresser
  
• Color Tools: A Spinner Exploes by Ellen Mckean
  
• Hand-Ginning Cotton: A Practical Guide by Melvenea Hodges
  
• Spinning in Color for Pin-Loom Weaving by Madeline Keller-King 
  
• The Mighty Magnet: A Supported Spindle Aid by Helen Barbara Mawdsley
• Slow Prep: Making the Most of Hog Island Fleece by Holly Callahan-Kasmala
• Spinning and the Sarakatsani by Mimi Seyferth
• Wool and Wood: Natural Storage Bobbins by A. Sabine Schröder-Gravendyck
• Lazy Kates: Beginner Basics by Amy Tyler
• Coming Full Circle: A Golden Anniversary by Susan C. Druding
• Yes, Antique Spinning Wheels Do Talk by Betsy Burnham Alspach

Projects: 

• Stormy Seas Scarf by Devin Helmet and John Mullarkey
• Stranded Gradient Fingerless Mitts by Risë Burgie

The Art & Craft of Spinning Yarn

Our annual tool issue turns the spotlight on spinning wheels. Discover the often-missed measurements that can help you choose the best wheel for your body. Learn how the Coast Salish peoples adapted traditional spindles into treadle spinners, influencing wheels that might be in your house today. Find out if 3D printing could be the solution for broken or missing parts on antique wheels. And tackle wheel adjustments for spinning a blend of cotton and cottonized hemp.

• Spin a strong, tweedy yarn and knit the ultimate shorty socks.
• Sew a custom denim cover for your handcards using a vintage Spin Off
• Explore machine knitting using handspun (and hear why you should give it a try).

Contents

• Spinning Comfortably: Choosing and Using the Best Wheel for Your Body, by Carson Demers
• The Ultimate Tweedy Sock Yarn for Active Feet, by Deborah Held
• The Salish Spinner: Innovation, Evolution, and Adaptation, by Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa
• Quebec Wheel Song, by Joanne Seiff
• Mechanics Made Easy: Making Friends with Your Spinning Wheel, by Elana Goodfellow
• 3D Printing & Antique Wheels: A Spinner Explores Replacement Parts, by Meagan Condon
• Machine Knitting with Handspun: Would the Luddites Approve? by Mary Renstrom
• Spinning Symbols: Three Embellished Tools with Stories to Tell, by Riley Kleve
• An Ode to Onion Skins: Modifying a Humble Dyestuff, by Madeline Keller-King
• The One Acre Exchange Blend: Spinning Cotton and Cottonized Hemp, by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan
• Toe-Up Tweed and the Sporty-Shortie Socks, by Deborah Held
• Handy Dandy Denim Card Cover, by Susan Bradshaw and Angela K. Schneider
• Autumn Forest Scarf: Silk Hankies and Undulating Twill, by Malynda Allen

Discover the colorful joys of hand dyeing your own yarn and fleece. It’s easy, fun, and can be done right in your own kitchen! Self-taught dyer Gail Callahan shows you a variety of simple techniques to turn plain, outdated, or leftover yarn into vibrant “new” fibers using ovens, crockpots, frying pans, and other standard kitchen equipment. Detailed advice on color theory, self-striping, “grocery store” dyes, and handmade multicolor skeins make successful dyeing a cinch, even for complete beginners.

Ashford's Niddy Noddy Sampler Size is an excellent tool for yarn makers to create small hanks of up to 90cm / 36" / 1 yard in length. Its simple, lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport, while its durable beech construction ensures a long-term use. The Niddy Noddy Sampler Size provides precision and accuracy, making it the perfect tool for creating exact skeins. The ends are removable for storage or transport.

The Art & Craft of Spinning Yarn

Spin Off explores the art and craft of making yarn. Each issue connects you to new and familiar voices in the handspinning community and is packed with information about fibers, tools, and traditions to inspire your creativity.

In this issue are Building Better Blends, Rare-Breed Tweed Card You Own, Stronger Socks Naturally, and so much more! Check out our current inventory of back issues as well. 

Features: 

• Beauty and the Beast: Herdwick Wool, a Heritage Mill & Luxury Cloth by Cath Snape
• Nature's Nylon: Natural Alternatives for Stronger Socks by Stephanie Johnson
• Fiber Blending and Hand Comfort by Carson Demers
• Optimizing Luxury: Getting the Most Mileage Out of Exotic Fiber by Lisa Mitchell
• Wool & Hemp: A "Primitive" Fiber Dream Team by Madeline Keller-King
• Structure: Choosing Fibers for Drumcarding by Emily Wohlscheid
• Wool Basics: What Is Grease? buy A. Sabine Schröder-Gravendyck
• Llama Fiber: A Realm of Possibilities by Dr. Annamarie Hatcher
• Llama Fiber: An Exploration in Spinning and Knitting by Barbara Kelly-Landry

Projects: 

• Alloy Socks by Stefanie Johnson
  
• Sturdy Mittens for Winter Walks by Madeline Keller-King
  
• Table Scraps: Clasped-Weft Table Runner by Tracy Livernois

The ultimate luxury blend! This is a luxury blend. It is a combination of a lustrous silk and luxurious fibre to produce a unique effect and a soft silky feel.

Sold in 1 ounce increments. 

Two of the finest luxury and noble fibres blended together to produce a unique soft silky handle. Perfect for hand felting, hand spinning and many other craft uses.

Blend:
50% White Cashmere
50% A Grade Mulberry Silk

The Art & Craft of Spinning Yarn

Spin Off explores the art and craft of making yarn. Each issue connects you to new and familiar voices in the handspinning community and is packed with information about fibers, tools, and traditions to inspire your creativity.

Spin Infinite Yarns with One Amazing Tool

Portable and productive, the hand spindle has been responsible for creating the world's yarn for millennia. In Respect the Spindle, veteran spinner and spindle aficionado Abby Franquemont teaches spinners old and new how to create incredible yarn with this amazing, yet simple tool.

Many contemporary spinners view the hand spindle as a beginner's tool, suited to learn the basic steps of spinning before moving on to a spinning wheel. In Respect the Spindle, Abby emphasizes the spindle's importance and its use in making yarn in advanced ways for high-end to novelty cloth.

The perfect how-to book for any spinner with a growing collection of spindles or even just a dowel, Respect the Spindle includes:

• Step-by-step photography with detailed illustrations, making the spindle spinning techniques clear to even the novice spinner.
• Techniques from the basics, such as getting started on the spindle, to more specialized techniques, such as using the spindle to make specific kinds of yarn faster than imagined.
• Profiles of spindle spinners from various traditions are presented in sidebars throughout the book, which introduce heartwarming and historical fiber stories from around the world.
• Five simple projects give spinners practice in creating a variety of yarns and patterns.
• And more!

Binding Paperback
Number Of Pages: 136
ISBN: 139781596681552
Author/Designer: Abby Franquemont

With this compact portable reference in hand, crafters can quickly and easily look up any of 100 different sheep breeds, the characteristics of their fleece, and the kinds of projects for which their fleece is best suited. Each breed profile includes a photograph of the animal and information about its origin and conservation status, as well as the weight, staple length, fiber diameter, and natural colors of its fleece. This is a great primer for beginners, and a handy guide for anyone who loves working with fleece.

The characteristics of fleece — its structure, grease content, and fiber diameter — vary widely depending on the breed of sheep the fleece comes from. In this comprehensive guide, Beth Smith profiles 21 types of fleece, from bouncy and pliant to lacy and lightweight. A sheep-by-sheep reference describes the best way to wash and spin each fleece into rich, soft yarn. You’ll soon be confidently choosing the right fleece, spinning it to perfection, and enjoying the perfect yarn for your next fiber creation.