Using Fresh Twist  Energy to Create New Knit Surface

Yarn constructions of every kind begin by spinning a single yarn. I feel this is where our knowledge of yarns and the physics behind them should originate. When we understand the energy we introduce into a single yarn, we can begin to reshape how we think about all yarns, as well as the cloth we make from those yarns. It becomes possible to direct the yarn’s energy along predetermined paths, releasing it into knit-purl stitch combinations allowing traditional works to take on new dimensions. The energy in the yarn can actually determine the surface designs of the cloth.

In this class we will begin by spinning singles using using medium staple wool tops. These yarns will not be finished-rather we will knit with this yarn while it is still on our spinning wheel bobbins. The yarn will will be full of visible energy which we will use to

change the shape of knitting as we have know it with balanced yarns. We will start our knitting samples with traditional knit and purl stitch combinations watching the stitches lean, turning ribbing into tumbling blocks and garter stitch in to a chain mail kind of double cloth. The energy changes these traditional surfaces as we have known them, but the cloth itself will not bias.

The class is a good choice for beginners and experienced spinners alike, it is a good foundation for new spinners while enhancing an experienced spinners body of knowledge in an area that will offer up new and exciting ways to think about yarns.

Students should bring

Spinning wheel with at least four bobbins

Lazy kate

Knitting needles, double point size 4,5 and 8. I like bamboo in the 8″ length for this.

The points are really pointy for ease of picking up stitches as we knit.

Two day class $225 includes Materials

Stephenie Gausted

DESIGNING SOCK YARN Friday 6-9PM & Saturday 

Socks take maybe 4-5 ounces of yarn and tuck along in the knitting bag. They knit up fast and offer fun challenges as you turn the heal, knit from the toe up, make reinforced heel backs and Kitchener the toes. Often we look for sock yarns with our fingers, going for the soft, sumptuous feel and find that those merino yarns don’t hold up to wear and need darning way too soon. It is doubly disappointing if we spun the yarn for those socks. Come discover ways to test your handspun yarn and see your fiber choices before you cast on the first stitch. Good sock yarn may end up just on your feet, but good design choices make the difference between “wearing out” and “wearing on”.

Students should bring: a functional spinning wheel, hand carders, oil, extra bobbins and lazy kate, niddy noddy, notebook and double pointed (or circular) needles in your familiar sizes. (2-3 sizes are plenty)

$165 including Materials

Spinning the Lovely Bast fibers: flax, hemp and ramie. 

Sunday June 10th 10-5

For summertime coolness, there is nothing to best the comfort of the bast fibers. But a lot of knitters don’t knit linen, hemp or ramie claiming that these yarns are “hard” to knit. It is true that some yarns and freshly spun handspun flax are not easy to manage. However, there are things you can do to the yarns which soften them, and needle choices which tame these cool yarns and make them easier to work up into comfortable, long wearing tops, socks and bags. Are you up for a yarn that goes through the washer and not only gets cleaner but nicer, softer, and in the case of natural undyed flax, whiter?

Students should bring: a functional spinning wheel, oil, extra bobbins, a Christmas tree stand and straw broom, (if you can’t locate the Christmas tree stand, that’s o.k. We will come up with an alternative), a notebook.

$125 including Materials.

Olds College Master Spinner’s Program

Level 1: July 23 – 27, 2012 and

Due to the overwhelming interest, a second Level 1 class has been scheduled for the following week, July 30-August 3, 2012. Dont’ delay, register today!

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (daily) $495 CDN + $65 materials fee (payable at time of registration)
Instructor: Michelle Boyd

Note: This is not a beginner class. Students should have taken a Beginner Spinning course or be comfortable with a wheel.

Location: Spinning Loft
102 South Michigan Ave
Howell, MI 48843

Contact Olds College Directly to register.