Spinning

I have been spinning wool and other fine fibers and handknitting items since 2001. For me, nothing else is as relaxing and satisfying as turning raw materials into a lovely finished piece of clothing - art and funtion beautifully combined.    
Spinning Blue Faced Leicester top
My spinning education began at the beginning - processing raw wool off a friend's sheep through every stage.  Sorting, picking, carding and combing, spinning, plying, and washing; we did it all while learning about the history of spinning and demonstrating at a Renaissance Faire.  
Processing merino wool from raw to sliver using English Combs
 A talented spinner can produce different yarns for different projects and uses; total control over the end product is our aim.  I found my true love in spinning fine yarns for lace and sock knitting projects.  I also began dyeing spinning fiber and finished yarns.     

Silk and Merino Wool 3 ply yarn for mittens, dyed by me.
In 2009, I submitted several skeins of handspun yarn to the Los Angeles County Fair.  This chain-plied silk yarn won a first place and Best of Show.  All the practice and hard work paid off!
Chain plied silk, dyed by Chasing Rainbows
Spinning is just as satisfying on a dop spindle as on a spinning wheel.  Humans have been using handspindles for approximately 20,000 years to produce the yarns for almost every type of textile.  I love to try different spinning fibers and have worked with wool, silk, cotton, flax, ingeo, yak, alpaca, mohair, angora and tencel.
Spinning superfine merino on a drop spindle.
 Learning to spin is for everyone!  Classes and techniques I offer include:
  • Beginning spinning (handspindle and spinning wheel)
  • Spinning on an Indian Charkha (cotton)
  • Chain plying
  • Traditional plying
  • Fiber preparation