Interested in learning how to spin your own yarn? This hands-on workshop will teach
you the basics of drop spindle spinning. It’s an ancient technique that's surprisingly easy
to pick up and incredibly relaxing! The workshop fee includes everything you need to
create your first skein of wool yarn.
Overview
In this workshop, you will explore spinning as…
Interested in learning how to spin your own yarn? This hands-on workshop will teach
you the basics of drop spindle spinning. It’s an ancient technique that's surprisingly easy
to pick up and incredibly relaxing! The workshop fee includes everything you need to
create your first skein of wool yarn.
Overview
In this workshop, you will explore spinning as a slow craft and as an opportunity to
experiment with fiber. You’ll work with locally sourced wool and a one of a kind,
handmade drop spindle from Hudson Valley Handspinning. The workshop emphasizes
patience and curiosity, and the satisfaction of creating yarn with a simple tool and your
own two hands. Spinning can be a very relaxing and meditative activity that is calm and
quiet, and results in a unique one of a kind yarn that you can create with or gift.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn a brief history of spinning and receive an introduction to fiber and spinning
terminology. From there, we’ll explore the basic characteristics of different types of fiber
and how each is prepared for spinning, then take a close look at our wool and how it
behaves when manipulated.
Next comes the fun part: giving it a whorl—literally! We’ll begin with the park-and-draft
method and then move on to keeping the spindle in motion while drafting. By the end,
you’ll know how to finish two singles at home and understand several options for plying
them together into yarn. We’ll wrap up by covering how to wash and finish your newly
made yarn.
What You’ll Make
During the workshop, you will spin wool fiber into singles. At home, you will finish it into
one skein of plied yarn.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
While you won't finish a complete skein during class, you'll leave with the supplies, instructions, and foundational skills to keep spinning at home.
What You’ll Take Home
2 oz. of fiber and one HVH drop spindle are included in the workshop fee and yours to
keep. Bring it home to finish spinning and plying into your own skein of handspun yarn!
Who This Workshop Is Best For (Adults 16+)
Perfect for knitters, crocheters, weavers, or anyone curious about fiber arts. No
experience is necessary.
About the Instructor
Kaitlyn Mazza is a lifelong fiber artist and the founder of Hudson Valley Handspinning, a
local small-batch maker of thoughtfully crafted tools for the fiber arts. Kaitlyn brings both
technical knowledge and an approachable teaching style to her workshops. Hudson
Valley Handspinning (HVH) is rooted in a commitment to local craftsmanship and the
regional fiber economy. They create heirloom-quality spinning tools, and partner directly
with Hudson Valley farms to source wool from sheep raised close to home.
Registration Fee
$85 (Non Members)
$72.25 (Members)
What's Included:
● A one-of-a-kind Hudson Valley Handspinning drop spindle, made locally of
reclaimed materials. Retails at $40.
● 2 oz. of local wool fiber roving, ready for spinning.
● Access to the HVH online resources page online for further spinning support.
