Mastering Grist: Spinning Yarn that Is Fit for Purpose

Cat Haggert

Morning

Spinning is infinitely flexible. You can make many different yarns from the same fleece, and making a yarn with intention shows your mastery of your craft. Understanding grist is essential if you are spinning for a specific purpose or to match the performance of a yarn you know and love. Knowing the grist you want will help you select your fleece, choose a fibre prep method, select a spinning technique, and finish your yarn appro-priately. Even if you decide that you prefer a more relaxed approach to making yarn, playing with grist will level up your spinning skillset.
Participants will: • Know what grist is and what it isn't • See how spinning for a different grist changes the way a yarn behaves • Explore how to achieve different grists

What to Bring

• Working spinning wheel • Fibre prep tools (combs, cards, etc.) • Scale, tape measure, wpi tool • Sufficient bobbins to ply with • Textile tools for sampling, e.g., knitting, crochet, pin looms, etc.

Skill Level

Beginner Friendly

Cat Haggert is currently completing the OHS Spinning Certificate program. She has taught courses and work-shops at the Seminar, with the OHS, at fibre festivals, and for many guilds on a variety of topics related to fibre arts. Playing with grist transformed her spinning and she would love to share that experience with you.