The SOS has released two free tutorials which you may be interested in. One, “Fractal Preparation with a Diz and a Hand Card”, reviews my technique for creating fractal yarns from handpainted braids. The other tutorial, “Dizzing Fibre off a Hand Carder”, demonstrates my technique for doffing fibre from a… Read More »School of SweetGeorgia (SOS)
First, why load the sliver onto a distaff in the first place? There are several good reasons actually: It gives you a chance to slightly attenuate the sliver if it is compacted from packaging or dyeing. Eri silk is almost as fine as Bombyx. Even the slightest breeze can blow… Read More »Eri Silk, spinning on a top whorl spindle
February 15, 2024 the School of SweetGeorgia launches my new course, “Spin a Hand-dyed Braid 5 Ways. In this course I demonstrate how you can achieve five distinct colour effects in your 2-ply handspun from a single colourway. I will also be demonstrating how I use my equipment in non-traditional… Read More »Spin A Hand-dyed Braid 5 Ways
Some photos of recent works have been posted to my photo gallery. You will also find an updated list of all 2024 workshops as well as a retreat in August on Salt Spring Island. Below is a photo of six different colour effects spun from one Sweet Georgia Yarns colourway,… Read More »Photo Gallery and Workshops
Sometimes after someone has been spinning for a while, they drift to spinning very fine yarns and are flummoxed as to how to create a thicker yarn. First, there is nothing wrong with continuing to spin fine if a fine yarn is what makes your heart sing. You can stick… Read More »Controlling the Grist of Your Yarn
Here are a few tips if like me, you like the look and hand of handspun yarn spun from a rolag fibre preparation and a backward worsted spinning draft. Please note the following pointers are if you are spinning for a smooth, consistent yarn. Fibre Preparation When creating rolags on… Read More »Tips for Spinning Rolags
This is my setup to help minimize the tug or strain on fine single strands of yarn while transferring them from a spinning wheel bobbin to a secondary bobbin for plying. The spinning wheel’s bobbin is placed on a kate (bottom left). The singles yarn is brought up and around… Read More »Taking the Pressure Off
Below is the description of the newest video filmed with the team at the School of SweetGeorgia. If you are a SOS member, be sure to check it out….. https://www.schoolofsweetgeorgia.com/courses/spin-in-clinic/#learndash-course-content “You may be just starting your spinning journey or maybe you have a few years of spinning under your belt,… Read More »SOS – Spin-In Clinic Video Released
On my needles tonight is a heartfelt project for my sister who lives in Calgary. Brrrr!!! Kathi expressed the wish for a headband to keep her ears warm on winter walks through Fish Creek Park. Ever eager to help, I checked out my stash before she could change her mind.… Read More »Entre Soeurs & Laine
Handpainted rovings are seductive. Plain and simple. I know I am not alone when it comes to purchasing a handpainted braid or two with complete disregard to breed, staple length, etc. Sometimes my purchases are based solely on the yearning to work with the bewitching colours before me. But unlike… Read More »Wool Cake for Beginner Spinners