Michael Kelson
Friday AM
Muga, Eri, Tussah, Bombyx, sari silks, silk hankies (aka. mawata), silk brick, silk lap — as spinners, we are surrounded by many different types of silks in various preparations. Both for spinners new to silk and for more experienced silk spinners, this class will explore the different various types and preparations spinners may encounter. We’ll discuss techniques for successfully spinning pure silk preparations, and we’ll explore techniques for blending silk with other fibers (both carding and combing) to create your own custom silk blend.
Skills you will learn:
- Techniques for spinning silk tops
- Using hand-combs to blend silk to create a worsted, combed preparation for spinning
- Using hand-cards to card silk inclusions into your preparation
Skill Level:
Successful students should have a good working relationship with their spinning wheels, be able to spin a consistentsingle, and have some experience plying and finishing yarn.
Student Supplies:
Students should bring a spinning wheel in good working condition with extra bobbins, notebook, lazy kate (if you have one).
Students should bring cotton hand cards if you have them. The instructor will provide student cards if you do not have a pair of your own. Students should also bring mini-combs if they have them (optional) - ideally 2-pitch extra-fine, e.g. Valkyrie, Majacraft, or Forsyth. Although combing will not be a primary focus of the class, we will demonstrate blending on combs and the instructor will have a small number of hand combs for students who want to try combing.
All fiber for the class will be provided, but students are welcome to bring any personal fiber they might like to use for practice.
Homework: None
Materials Fee: $25