Today was my first day at winghams for the mini spin workshop, i've come here a few times to do a post on it since I got in, but i've been so exhausted and totally information overload has left me sat here with a blank and tired expression on my face :lol:

It was a great day, there were five of us in total, and everyone was just beginning to spin, we learnt all the basics, worsted/woollen yarns, different drafting techniques, all about different sheep and fleece, did alot fo spinning, and went on to plying.

She made me take in some of my yarns I had already spun at home, so she could see where I was regarding technique etc, and seemed pleased with my work so far, my main area to put more practise in is my drafting, getting an even amount of fibres drafted through on each spin.

I learnt how to navaho ply to make a 3 ply yarn, as it was felt I was already ok with normal plying, navaho is so tricksy! but apparently 'relaxing' once you've got the hang of it - i'll have to keep you informed of when the relaxing bit starts lol

Second day tomorrow, and figners crossed i'll be there, but my little lad isn't feeling too well, so it's hanging in the balance at present, i'll see how he is in the morning.

Only just spotted this thread :suspect: .

The workshop sounds fantastic. I'm going to book a place for one of the Spring dates, if they don't clash with any classes.

Hope your little boy is feeling better now. Did you get to the second day?

Morning,

yes I did get to the second day, and i'm so glad I did :)

I took an alpaca fleece in I had and worked on that a bit, we learnt how to spin several different designer yarns, bouclet, how to spin cashmere and silks etc

I continued on with the navaho and south american plying as well as getting more complicated on the mathmatical side of things, ratios, twists per inch etc, long draw, extended draw...

Probably doesn't mean much to those not interested in spinning :lol: but it means I can now make a lot of different types of yarns confidently and alot quicker.

I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn how to spin.

It sounds like you fitted a lot into the two days. The prospect of working with the different fibre types is particularly attractive, especially the silk.

Better take my calculator though!