SPINNING & WEAVING

In this three-hour workshop, Ilana will help guide you into understanding of how animal fibers are prepared and then spun into the delightful yarn we love to use and collect.

What you’ll learn:

The stages before yarn:

• Different fibers
• Tops, batts, roving, rolags, etc…
• Staple length

Making yarn with a top whorl drop spindle:

• What is a top whorl drop spindle?
• Park and draft method
• Plying
• Other techniques

Making rolags with hand carders:

• Brief history of hand carders
• Safety
• Other techniques

Included in your class registration fee:

• Spinning fibers

Available to use during the workshop: 

• 2.5 oz Ashford top whorl drop spindle
• Ashford Classic Hand Carders, 72 TPI

Prerequisite skills: None

Instructor: Ilana Holland

Class Policies: Be sure to read our general Class Policies before registering.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule your registration, please provide at least 24 hours advance notice before the start of your first class for a refund minus a $10 service fee. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice are non-refundable.

Made from solid New Zealand hardwood, the Student Drop Spindle is durable and lightweight, ensuring that it’s easy to handle and spin for extended periods. The top-whorl design is ideal for beginners, as it helps maintain consistent spin and control, allowing you to focus on perfecting your technique. The spindle’s simple yet sturdy construction gives a balanced spin for easier drafting, creating even yarn.

With its 27-gram weight and a 10 cm (4-inch) shaft, the Ashford Student Spindle is versatile enough for spinning a range of fiber types, from fine laceweight to thicker yarns. Its compact size also makes it highly portable—perfect for spinning on the go, whether you’re at home or traveling.

Joy Ashford, Walter's wife, was right by his side when spinning wheels were being introduced to the world. The foldable and portable spinning wheel is named after Joy, because it is such a joy to use!

The Joy Spinning Wheel was designed during the rise of the next generation of Ashford wheels in the early 1970s. When Walter's son, Richard, joined the business he was able to travel outside of New Zealand and learn about the international demand for fiber and textile equipment. From there portable carding equipment and accessories were invented, and not soon after folding weaving looms and spinning wheels. 

This wheel is ultra lightweight, sold with with backpack for easy transporting. Designed with seamless carry handles built into the frame, there is more room for the tension springs. The Joy Spinning Wheel has updated 2-piece universal con rod bearings that snap perfectly into their place. Including polyurethane con rod joints that fit perfectly into the treadle boards for positive drive. Arranged on flexible polyurethane hinges, the treadle boards are extremely silent and trouble-free. With three Included in the package, Ashford's improved sliding hook flyer bobbins can now hold up to 30% more yarn. 

All Ashford products are created under the company's philosophy that nature and employees are treated with the outmost respect. 

Comes with: Carry Bag, Scotch tension, built in kate, 3 bobbins, threading hook, basic spinning instruction booklet.
Wheel diameter: 15 3/4″
Orifice: 3/8″
Bobbin capacity: 4-5 ounces
Ratios: 6, 8, 11 & 14:1
Lightweight: 11 lbs (single treadle) or 13 lbs (double treadle)
Size when folded: 25″ x 15¾” x 9½”

This all in one kit includes a pair of hand carders, a drop spindle, a selection of fibres – including dyed fleece, Corriedale and Merino slivers, Angelina and Silk, and full step-by-step instructions on how to use the hand carders to prepare fibre for spinning, spinning the yarn and plying on the drop spindle. It is a perfect introduction to the fibrecrafts!

Kit includes:

• 1 x pair of handcarders small 72 ppsi 185 x 80mm.
• 1 x student drop spindle.
• Introduction to spinning booklet – includes carding, spinning and plying instructions.
• 150gms in total of corriedale, merino, dyed english leicester locks, silk and angelina.