2019 NY State Sheep and Wool Festival

Did you ever purchase a hand painted top and spin it only to be disappointed in the final color outcome? This workshop analyzes how dyed tops and rovings are painted and how the fiber can be spun in 12+ ways to yield different color combinations in the final yarn. The focus will be on color and how to achieve beautiful color results instead of mud. The techniques taught in this workshop would be suitable for all fabric construction types including knitting, crocheting, and weaving.

"This workshop is for the spinner who would to experience starting with washed fleece, preparing it and spinning it into a skein. We will evaluate the characteristics of 4 different wool types and examine the differences in crimp and lock structure. You will prepare, spin and ply your samples into a one of a kind skeins. There will be discussion of how to select, skirt and wash a fleece. You will leave the  workshop comfortable working with fleece and an understanding of the process from beginning to end.




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"Take this class and learn how to spin both worsted and semi-worsted yarns. You’ll learn what makes a yarn worsted or semi-worsted, the characteristics of each, which sheep breeds are best for each type, correct preparation for the type of yarn you want to make, appropriate twists and grists, and what type of finished items work best with these yarns. You must be able to spin a continuous singles and to ply to take this class. Bring your wheel, your drop spindle (or both), and hand cards and combs if you have them. You may also bring patterns of items you want to make and we will discuss what type of yarn is best for each particular pattern and why.
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Spin your own yarn! Yes you can!  In this class, you will learn to spin on a spinning wheel.  We will cover the parts of the wheel and how to set your wheel up for spinning.  You will learn how to draft the fiber before you let the twist in that makes it magically turn to yarn, and how to turn those single plies of yarn into a nice two-ply yarn.  You will leave with your own hand spun yarn!

Are you baffled by all the terminology?  Wondering if you can coax your wheel into spinning a different style of yarn? Then this class is for YOU. Take the next step to create beautiful yarn. We will start by reviewing the parts of the wheel, when you should adjust them, and why. Your wheel should work for YOU, not the other way around! Then we will focus on fiber preparations and drafting techniques. Woolen? Worsted? Semis? When should you draft in what style, and how the wheel adjustments, drafting style, and fiber prep all work together. Next, we will turn to techniques such as spinning across the top, fractal spinning, spinning from the fold, and how these different techniques affect your yarn design.Bring questions and suggestions of things you want to learn!! As we spin, we will discuss when you might want to use these (and other) techniques, and how they will benefit you. You will leave as a spinner taking total control of your wheel!

In this spinning class we will explore Cashmere, Mohair, Pygora and Cashgora goat fibers.   We will discuss the history, geography, industrial uses and the fiber properties of each of these animals.  We will card, comb and spin samples of each fiber in their natural colors and some dyed colorsl  We will also experiment with blending to make the best use of the special properties of these luxurious fibers.  

This workshop focuses on picking a sweater project and how to spin the desired yarn for it. Fiber choices will be discussed, drafting, spinning, and plying techniques will also be the focus to help the students achieve the yarn they want. Other technical aspects of spinning such as WPI (wraps per inch), TPI (twists per inch), grist and how to calculate the amount of fiber needed will also be discussed. There will be time to spin fiber and create a swatch from the resulting yarns.

You’ve heard the names – Tencel, Ecospun, Ingeo, Casein, Soy Silk, Seacell, Viscose. What are they? How do they act? Would they be useful fibers to incorporate into my spinning? By themselves, or blended? In what kinds of projects? Come to this class to find out. We’ll spin many samples for you to get the feel of these fibers and see which ones you would like to incorporate into your spinning life.

This class is for spinners who ask themselves, “Why ply?” Here’s the short answer: Because there are soooooo many fun yarns that you can create by plying! Join me in this class and I will show you the way! We will ply the “ordinary” way and I will show you how to do it “right”. Then we will ply at all sorts of angles. We will cable. We will bobble and bubble and use fancy sequins. Find out what can be stuffed between 2 plies! Want to 3-ply? We will answer the age-old question, “How many fingers does it take to 4-ply?”. There is more fun to be had plying than you might know. Maybe we will make up something new. You won’t know unless you come play at plying!

" Come join me and learn the basics of spinning on a drop spindle. You will learn how to draft your fiber, spin yarn, ply and finish your yarns. A spindle is not needed, one will be provided. No experience necessary! You will leave the class able to call yourself a spindler!
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This workshop covers the best fiber choices for spinning sock yarn, analyzing yarn qualities that make a good sock yarn, spinning techniques that are suited for spinning for socks, color choices, and plying techniques for durable socks.

"Spinners are usually reluctant to spin luxury fibers for many reasons; not only can they be costly and hard to come by, they require knowledge of the fibers to spin them successfully.  This class will take the mystery out of spinning some of the well known luxury fibers.  As a successful fiber farmer of 15 years, I have had been surrounded by luxury fiber production from beginning to end and have honed my skills in luxury fiber yarn producing.  This class will focus on Tibetan Yak, Angora, Cashmere, Mohair and Alpaca.

The class will spend time with each of the above fiber types. A discussion of the animals that produce each fiber, the fiber types, and how they are harvested will start each section. A discussion on how the age of the animal, its herd management, health and environment will be explored. Many samples will be offered for review to back up the material presented.

Many luxury fibers are presented to spinners in an altered state, some processing has occurred to make the fibers easier to spin, or to cut down on the manual work of dehairing a down fleece, separating a locked fleece, etc.. Fleeces will be presented in their raw state first, followed by a discussion of hand processing techniques for each fleece type. Samples will be provided for each spinner to work with.

Spinners will be spinning raw both raw and processed samples of each fleece type and best spinning practices for each fiber type will be explored as well as some special tips and tricks for spinning luxury fiber exclusive to the instructor. Spinning locked fleeces into a simple art spun lock yarn will also be learned.

We will also explore popular luxury fiber blends. We will discuss the viability and use of these popular blends and students will be given samples to spin during class.




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"The fleece sale at any event can be overwhelming as you walk among the aisles of endless bags of fleece, wondering which to choose. Was it skirted well, is it sound, what is that white stuff? These and many more questions will come to mind when perusing the rows of fleece covered tables. Learn what makes a fleece a good choice and when to keep walking, no matter how pretty the color may be! Fine wools, longwools, double-coated, down breeds, oh my! Do you have a specific project in mind, but not sure which type of fleece will be suitable?
I will bring several sheep fleeces as well as alpaca and mohair, so you can see the good, the bad and the ugly! Each fleece will be laid out on a table and I'll talk about it's good and/or bad qualities and answer any questions you may have. I'll explain skirting as well as provide tips on washing and storing. You will get a lock or two of each fleece to take home with you. There will be chairs, but we will mainly be standing at the table as you will be hands on with each fleece. By the end of class you should feel more confident in your ability to select an appropriate fleece for your needs and your next fleece purchase will be an enjoyable experience!"

"Handcards are not just for preparing fleece!  In this workshop you will use carders to blend fibers, rejuvenate tired roving, play with color and texture and create gradient ""fauxlags"". A great way to get more from your stash! Learn great ways to combine fiber and how to get repeatable results. All your sampling will go home with you to spin.

"Colorful Camelids is a three hour class that focuses on the beauty and versatility of the fiber from alpacas, llamas and camels.

Class will include a brief history of the camelids explored and an in depth discussion of fleece types, grades, colors, characteristics, and fleece styles. We will further explore how the age of the animal, its health, shearing, housing, herd management and the environment will impact fleece quality. Many samples will be offered for review to back up the material presented.

Discussion and hands on learning will be used to allow students to develop skills to select the appropriate fleece for their desired use. Fleece grades and farm raised vs commerically available fleece will be discussed with samples of both being provided. Camelid fleece style varies greatly and exploring fleece styles will help the spinner make informed choices when choosing the yarn they wish to spin.

Participants will receive samples of fleece types and grades and practice spinning samples in both worsted and woolen depending on the appropriateness of the fleece sample. Spinning from raw fleece, the lock or cloud, carding, combing and fleece preparation will be discussed and hands on demonstrations will be given.

Participants will be provided both raw and processed fleece for spinning as well as popular blends. We will discuss the viability and use of these popular blends and students will be given samples prepared for them and then be encouraged to make their own samples with fiber provided by the instructor.

I have been a spinner for what seems a lifetime and a spinning teacher for the last 10 years working with both beginners and experienced spinners. I have personally raised fiber livestock , including camelids for 15 years making me uniquely qualified to teach this class.
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Come and see what this interesting, uncommon fiber is all about! Learn where it comes from and why it was developed. I'll show you the best way to wash and prepare it for spinning, then we'll give it a spin! It's a very fine fiber, averaging well under 20 microns. There will be examples of raw fleece all the way to a finished item. You will get your own prepared fiber to spin, a bit of washed to do some sample preparing with and a bit of raw, all to take home. Come and experience this amazing luxury fiber for yourself!