Creating Artful Yarns

This class is designed for crafters who want to explore the world of handspun art yarns using just a spinning wheel or a spindle. Participants will learn a variety of creative plying and drafting techniques that can transform standard fibers into unique, expressive yarns.

Objectives:

• Understand the basics of drafting and how different techniques can be applied to create various textures and thicknesses in your yarn.

• Explore plying methods, including chain plies, spirals, and textured plies, to enhance the visual interest and character of your yarn.

• Experiment with color blending and specialty fibers to add depth and variation.

Class Topics:

Introduction to Drafting Techniques

• Overview of drafting methods (short draw, long draw, etc.)

• Hands-on practice to achieve control over fiber thickness

• Tips for creating slubs, boucle, and other textured features

Plying Techniques

• Demonstration of basic and creative plying methods

• Techniques like cabled plying and coiling for dimensional effects

• How to incorporate yarn overs and other embellishments during plying

Color and Fiber Choices

• Choosing the right fibers to achieve the desired artistic effect

• Working with mixed media and novelty fibers

• Techniques for blending colors before and during spinning

Inspiration and Design

• Finding inspiration for your art yarns

• Developing a design concept—a finished product or texture

• Advice on how to finish and set your yarn for optimal results

By the end of this class, students will have the confidence to spin and ply their own art yarns without complex equipment, empowering their creative expression. Join us to transform your spinning practice into an art form that reflects your unique style and vision.