Last July I was introduced to spinning at the Elliot Lake Summer Fibre Camp. I didn’t know if it would take. I always said I wouldn’t learn because knitting is a big part of my life and who needs anything else?!
I borrowed a spinning wheel but was too scared to try it out until October. I watched a ton of spinning videos and then got busy. I spun and spun and spun. I love it.
This year I signed up again.
I was the only person who returned. There were 11 people new to spinning who were all struggling as I was last year. After 2 days it was amazing how many really got going and improved greatly after the first day.
I was able to help a couple people out with some tips that helped me get started. Next year I will be an official teacher. Yikes! That’s a big step.
After two days spinning outside we hit the Elliot Lake Arts Club‘s studio for a dyeing class with Lyn of Shelridge Yarns.
They dyed their spinning and some fibre with chemical dyes. I stayed for a bit but had promised to take my grandson fishing so only did a little bit.
On Day 4 we did natural dyeing which was greatly expanded from last year. We dyed with Logwood (purple), red onion skins (orange) and black eyed susan flowers (green/gray).
Can you see all the variation in colour we got? Natural dyeing is always a surprise. Skeins in the bottom of the pot were darker (we didn’t stir too much since there were other things to do).
Friday we plied up what we had done and it was all over. A great 5 days of fibre, fibre, fibre. Can’t wait until next year.
Cheers, Deb
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