Spinning Instruction, Seattle

Hand spinning or spindling is the act of taking loose fibers, applying twist with the aid of a spindle, and creating thread or yarn.

You can create any kind of yarn with a spindle that you could achieve with a spinning wheel. And some you can't create with a spinning wheel!

The advantages of hand spinning include portability, versatility, and a variety of positions from which to spin from. Many people have even learned to walk and spin at the same time!

Another huge advantage is entry cost. Spindles range in price from $12-70. Wheels can range anywhere from $300-600 to begin.

You can learn the basics of hand spindling in as little as two hours with an introductory private or group class given by Lisa.

Supplies provided: 1-2 oz. of fiber (wool, alpaca, blends). A spindle to purchase or loan for the class. An instructional handout.

Cost: $20 for two hours of hands-on instruction. You may borrow a spindle during the class, bring your own, or purchase a student's spindle from Lisa (depending on availability). Payment, cash or personal check at time of lesson.

Lesson: We will start with a 15 minute introduction covering the history of hand spinning, the anatomy of a spindle, the anatomy of the fiber provided, and twist theory. Then we will create YARN! The entire lesson will last for approximately 2 hours.

RSVP: Lessons can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 10am-7pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Email Lisa for appointment availability or call her at (206) 349-4785.

Location: Seattle, WA. You are welcome to come to my home studio (but there is a cat!) or we can meet at a popular cafe in the Green Lake area. My friend owns it, and this is where I host my weekly knitting circle. Other locations may be be scheduled by request.

Group discounts are available! Ask me.

QUESTION! I'm allergic to wool. Can I still learn to spin? Yes! There are a variety of spinnable fibers that don't come from sheep. I can help you select something to fit your individual needs. Since non-wool fibers are often more expensive, I will simply ask for a small reasonable fee to cover the additional expense.

Student YARN Examples!

Liz was allergic to wool, so she learned with Alpaca. This is her first pet-pet.

Stephanie shows off her first few yards on one of Lisa's handmade stone whorl spindles!