residential weekend course

spinning & dyeing yarn from raw wool


venue: Redfield Community, Bucks

The aim of this unique course is to enable participants to take a raw sheep fleece and turn it into a garment. The course is run by Sarah Harris of Spinning Weal.

Subjects covered will include choosing a fleece, preparing it for spinning, spinning, plying, scouring, dyeing, knitting and caring for a finished garment. We will also touch on uses for parts of a fleece which might not be suitable for garments – rugs, tapestry weaving, composting etc. No part of a fleece need be wasted.

Students will be given a list of recommended books and websites to enable them to pursue wool crafts further, once the weekend is over. For example, students might want to obtain fleeces from specialist sources, or even start their own flock. The course will give a basic grounding in the subject, but will also inspire and direct students towards further exploration of a subject which can be a lifelong adventure.

The course will cover:

  • health and safety issues relating to raw wool, and to spinning
  • examination of a raw fleece, and handling of samples of different types of wool
  • parts of a fleece, and their possible uses
  • the four qualities of fleece – staple, count, lustre, crimp
  • carding wool with hand carders, and introducing the use of the drop spindle
  • spinning – using large wheels and treadle-driven flyer wheels
  • making 2-ply yarn for scouring, dyeing and knitting
  • making and using an indigo vat for dyeing
  • different types of weaving
  • knitting – choosing patterns and needles to suit handspun yarn

dates: see 'book online' below

more on sheep              more on spinning
more on natural dyes     more on knitting & crochet


how to book:
 

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arrive:
 
Friday evening at 6.30 for dinner at 7.30
depart:
 
Sunday after lunch (served at 1.00)
directions:
 
click here for directions by bicycle, public transport and car
what to bring:
 
pen and notebook; towel; warm outdoor clothes; boots / wellies (meals and bedding are provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE
let us know:
 
if you are vegan or have any food allergies, or any special needs
accommodation:
 
3-4 people sharing single-sex rooms
prices:
 
£190 high-waged; £160 waged;
£130 student / unwaged
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
car sharing:
 
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 


we start with a renewable resource - wool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


wool is sorted, combed and spun by hand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


simple garments can be knitted and worn