The end of June is one of my favorite times to visit Oregon because I am fortunate to be able to attend the Black Sheep Gathering! An amazing event for all things fiber related. They put together an extensive collection of classes taught by very experienced instructors. This year, I decided to buy a spinning wheel, as last year I felt like I was the only one there who didn't know how to spin on one! Shortly before I arrived in Oregon, I ordered a Spinolution Worker Bee. I unboxed it, just a few days before Black Sheep and tried to get the hang of spinning on it. I enrolled in a Beginning Spinning Class, so I was trying to get a head start. We spent about 5 hours on our wheels, and that was the concentrated time I needed to get to know the wheel and actually make some yarn! I was able to spin up most of the fiber you see in the photo below. Spinning is one of those things you should probably never start if you don't have time in your schedule, because once you do, you won't want to stop!
It just so happens that my 12 year old daughter is in love with spinning also. We are sharing the wheel, and since we have taken it out of the box, we have been taking turns! She really clicked with spinning while at Black Sheep, and was so happy to be able to spin in the "Spinner's Circle" with the other spinners. The magic of being around so many fiber enthusiasts!
After the classes were over, my daughter and I shopped in the Marketplace for spinning materials. One of our favorite booths had baskets full of dyed locks that you could choose and buy by the ounce. We were almost tempted to take home a whole basket because each hand-dyed lock you pick up is more beautiful than the last!
Of course, we couldn't go home without making friends with an Alpaca :-) We have more fun each year we attend, and are already thinking about next year!
When it comes to fiber arts, there's nothing you two can't do. Sara was already looking like a pro on the spinning wheel video you posted.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tammy! :-)
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