Seminar 2018 | Saturday Workshops
This year, all workshops are full day workshops.
A Spinning Odyssey
od.ys.sey n. an eventful journey filled with adventure
od.ys.sey n. an eventful journey filled with adventure
It's Spun, Now What? | Susan Alain
In this workshop, we will be thinking about using all the bits of spun yarn that lie about in our stashes. Susan will be sharing ideas and patterns, ways to combine yarn, how to do quick calculations of what you need for a project and possibilities to go outside the box.
Equipment List:
The Spinning Odyssey Departure Lounge: A Great Place to Start | Janice Watterworth
& Joan McKenzie
We will explore the creation of singles yarns using various fibres and then venture into the wonderful world of plying. Several plying techniques will be covered including Chain or Navajo plying. Discover the many tips, tricks and secrets to great yarn. This workshop is perfect for fine tuning basic spinning skills or for those returning spinners looking for a refresher class.
Equipment List:
Joan McKenzie is a member of the Etobicoke Handweavers and Spinners, and practices a number of techniques - spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting, knitting, rug hooking, crocheting, tatting and various forms of needlework. She's been spinning since 2007 and in 2017 was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Spinning from the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners (OHS).
From the Farm Gate to the Spinning Wheel | Harriet Boon
Along a Twisting Trail of Texture | Beth Showalter
Cabled yarns have a natural drape and elegance that make them absolutely lovely to use in a variety of textile constructions. In this workshop, we will use the cabled yarn structure as a starting point for yarn design. Then, you will learn to manipulate twist and texture in your spinning through fibre preparation, spinning variations and plying methods based on the simple cabled yarn. Come and see the possibilities that twist and texture can have on your spinning! Designed for intermediate level spinners.
Equipment List:
Wooly Pine Tree | Theresa English
Try something different! This year the Seminar welcomes you to London, Ontario, also known as 'The Forest City.' Come and join Theresa in making your own Wooly Pine Tree in winter white or choose from a variety of green wools. This workshop does not involve spinning but you will be working with wool. No experience required, no sewing involved, come only equipped with a pair of sharp scissors and be ready for a day of fun. Theresa will take you through step-by-step and you will leave with a beautiful 18 inch Wooly Pine Tree, a lovely remembrance of your time in London.
Equipment List:
Through the Mountains and Across the Desert | Catharina Forbes
Join us on a journey of discovery through the land of spindles. In this workshop we will explore the uses of various spindles, suspended, supported and Turkish among others. We will discover which fibres and which techniques work best with each particular spindle. Various spindles and fibres will be available for you to try. You may even discover a new favourite!
Equipment List:
Why Ply? | Julia Lee
Participants will be guided through the practice and theory of creating balanced 2 and 3 ply yarns. The group will consider the pros and cons of plying, and the effects of plying variegated singles with various other threads. They will also blend dyed wool, spin it, and ply to create a graduated-colour yarn. In the afternoon, using a variety of fibres, the participants will create yarns using uneven plying and multiple plying steps.
Equipment List:
Explore the Spinning Odyssey of Blends | Donna Hancock
Come and explore blends that you may not have considered prior to this odyssey. We will be spinning different breed blends and trying our hand at making more complex blends. This will be a spinning Odyssey to experience.
Equipment List:
In this workshop, we will be thinking about using all the bits of spun yarn that lie about in our stashes. Susan will be sharing ideas and patterns, ways to combine yarn, how to do quick calculations of what you need for a project and possibilities to go outside the box.
Equipment List:
- Wheel in good, working order
- Empty bobbins
- Hand carders
- A handful of your yarn
- Stuff to spin
- A selection of knitting needles
- An open mind!
The Spinning Odyssey Departure Lounge: A Great Place to Start | Janice Watterworth
& Joan McKenzie
We will explore the creation of singles yarns using various fibres and then venture into the wonderful world of plying. Several plying techniques will be covered including Chain or Navajo plying. Discover the many tips, tricks and secrets to great yarn. This workshop is perfect for fine tuning basic spinning skills or for those returning spinners looking for a refresher class.
Equipment List:
- Wheel in good, working order
- At least 3 bobbins
- Lazy Kate + Niddy Noddy
- Your questions
Joan McKenzie is a member of the Etobicoke Handweavers and Spinners, and practices a number of techniques - spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting, knitting, rug hooking, crocheting, tatting and various forms of needlework. She's been spinning since 2007 and in 2017 was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Spinning from the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners (OHS).
From the Farm Gate to the Spinning Wheel | Harriet Boon
- How to access a fleece
- Fleece to save and the other bits
- Preparation steps: washing and carding/combing for End Use
- Ready, Set, Spin!
- Wheel in good, working order with repair kit
- At least 4 to 5 empty bobbins + 1 or 2 Lazy Kates
- Hand Carders + Niddy Noddy
Along a Twisting Trail of Texture | Beth Showalter
Cabled yarns have a natural drape and elegance that make them absolutely lovely to use in a variety of textile constructions. In this workshop, we will use the cabled yarn structure as a starting point for yarn design. Then, you will learn to manipulate twist and texture in your spinning through fibre preparation, spinning variations and plying methods based on the simple cabled yarn. Come and see the possibilities that twist and texture can have on your spinning! Designed for intermediate level spinners.
Equipment List:
- Wheel in good, working order with repair kit
- At least 4 to 5 empty bobbins + 1 to 2 Lazy Kates
- Hand Carders + Niddy Noddy
- Odd bits of fibre and sewing thread (a few spools)
- Optional: Swift, Ball Winder, Wool Combs
Wooly Pine Tree | Theresa English
Try something different! This year the Seminar welcomes you to London, Ontario, also known as 'The Forest City.' Come and join Theresa in making your own Wooly Pine Tree in winter white or choose from a variety of green wools. This workshop does not involve spinning but you will be working with wool. No experience required, no sewing involved, come only equipped with a pair of sharp scissors and be ready for a day of fun. Theresa will take you through step-by-step and you will leave with a beautiful 18 inch Wooly Pine Tree, a lovely remembrance of your time in London.
Equipment List:
- A sharp pair of scissors
Through the Mountains and Across the Desert | Catharina Forbes
Join us on a journey of discovery through the land of spindles. In this workshop we will explore the uses of various spindles, suspended, supported and Turkish among others. We will discover which fibres and which techniques work best with each particular spindle. Various spindles and fibres will be available for you to try. You may even discover a new favourite!
Equipment List:
- Spindles, all shapes and sizes
- A sense of adventure
Why Ply? | Julia Lee
Participants will be guided through the practice and theory of creating balanced 2 and 3 ply yarns. The group will consider the pros and cons of plying, and the effects of plying variegated singles with various other threads. They will also blend dyed wool, spin it, and ply to create a graduated-colour yarn. In the afternoon, using a variety of fibres, the participants will create yarns using uneven plying and multiple plying steps.
Equipment List:
- A spinning wheel in good, working order
- At least 4 empty bobbins with leaders
- A Lazy Kate (preferably braked)
- Hand Carders
- Any fine threads or yarns to ply with
Explore the Spinning Odyssey of Blends | Donna Hancock
Come and explore blends that you may not have considered prior to this odyssey. We will be spinning different breed blends and trying our hand at making more complex blends. This will be a spinning Odyssey to experience.
Equipment List:
- A spinning wheel in good, working order
- Empty bobbins
- Hand Carders
