Beginning Wheel Class

We had our beginning wheel class this weekend.  It was a great time.  My faithful student showed up and we spent the day spinning and talking while they worked on the church.  We spent the first part of the class going over the parts of the wheel and playing with her tension so she could get a feel for what her wheel can do for her and not what she had to do for the wheel.  I had some different fibers for her to try out and some different techniques for drafting that helped her work with her fiber and get it to where she was happy with the finished single.  

We took a break at dinner and joined the others working there for lunch.  Times of fellowship are so blessed.  after we were finished with dinner it was back to the wheel.

With this class I was able to teach her how to ply and she did very well.  I knew she still only had one bobbin for her spinning wheel so I taught her how to Andean ply and it went very well.  I, on the other hand, keep forgetting that a hand is not meant to hold a whole ounce of fiber and watched as my finger bent lower and lower trying to accommodate all of the single.  I did it though.

Our next classes will deal with preparing raw fiber for spinning, combing, flicking and carding as well as working with exotic fibers and blending fibers.

Spindle Class #2

Well we get to do the spindle class again this weekend.  The ladies who did not make it last weekend decided to come this weekend.  I told them I would make the time, but they needed to be there.  LOL  They are nurses coming from the hospital so I know the spinning would be good for them.  I know when I spin I feel a sense of peace and tranquility and their line of work does come with stresses as well.  All but one will be coming from in town so as long as it isn't freezing cold out they should make it.  They might have to tell us to keep it down in the room though beings once we get going I am sure there will be quite a bit of giggling and we will be at the library where quite is the key.  LOL  I hope to get at least 2 or 3 people interested in spinning so we can get together once a month and spin and spin for projects too.  I have been dreaming of starting a prayer shawl ministry and what is more fun then spinning the fiber and then knitting it up or crocheting it into a shawl or blanket for someone who needs it.

Spindle Class

Only had one lady show up for the spindle class, while the other 5 chickened out, but that didn't stop us.  I had the class just the same.  Any reason to spin, right!  It was a great time.  She admitted that she thought my 3 hours for a spindle class seemed like a long time, but it went fast and we just were able to cover the basics and one plying method.  I sent her home with her spindle and a couple ounces of fiber and a new spinner is born.  ;o)  I talked to her the next day and she informed me that she sat down and spun some more when she got home and was excited for another class.  Spinning is good for the soul.