Foundations of Spinning
Amy King
Class Preview
0:56
- In-depth Instruction; over 179 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Getting to Know Your Wheel
18:45
Meet your instructor, spinning expert Amy King, and learn about the different types of spinning wheels, their parts and how they work. If you already have a wheel or are shopping for a new one, you're sure to glean some useful advice.
Fibers
25:50
You'll want to choose a high-quality fiber to practice with, but how do you know what to choose? Amy walks you through the types of fleece that are available, from unprocessed Shetland fleece full of lanolin and vegetable matter to washed and combed top from a Wensleydale sheep. You'll consider staple length, how the fibers are aligned, whether you want natural or dyed wool and what the best choices are for beginners.
Getting Started at Your Wheel
19:56
Are you ready to start spinning? Amy shows you the best posture for spinning in ergonomic comfort, then explains the S and Z twists that form in your yarn as you spin. If you're brand-new to spinning or looking for a refresher, Amy offers some spinning games that will help you get used to treadling and feeding the fiber through your hands -- a process that will help you get a feel for your wheel's settings.
Spinning: The Basics
29:55
Whether you're spinning roving, combed top or a batt, Amy will show you how to start spinning it. See how to attach a leader to your bobbin and how to hold your hands as you feed the fiber. She also shares tips on troubleshooting when your yarn -- or your back! -- starts acting up.
Honing Your Skills
29:15
Refine your spinning skills by practicing the long draw, sliding long draw and short draw, both forward and backward. Learn how to spin from the fold and how to park and draft. You'll want to save samples of your work for future reference, so Amy has provided journal cards and a protractor you can use to take note of your twists' measurements.
How to Ply
35:01
With some singles under your belt, you can start plying your yarns with Amy's guidance. Learn about the different types of plied yarns and how to achieve them: two-ply, three-ply, four-ply (or chain-ply) and Navajo-ply. Learn how to make an Andean plying bracelet and gain other tips for managing your yarns as you ply.
Yarn Finishing & Wheel Maintenance
19:41
Once you've spun your yarn, it's time to turn it into skeins, give it a bath and find a project to knit or crochet! Amy will help you with all three, and share advice on how to maintain your wheel for years of happy spinning.
Learn what to do after you take your wheel out of the box, with expert guidance from renowned fiber artist and author Amy King. You’ll begin by getting to know your wheel, its drive system, and what each part does. Next, get warm and fuzzy with fiber! Learn about different fiber types and the various states in which you may find your fleece. Discover proper posture and hand placement as you prepare to spin. Amy will also work through a few wheel games to familiarize your body with these new movements. Then, find out how to attach a leader to the bobbin as you practice spinning with several different fibers. You’ll work through honing your skills, creating twists, and even journaling your yarn to track your impressive improvements! Plus, explore a variety of plies as you learn Andean plying, plying from bobbins, cable, and more before finishing your yarn with ease. Finally, find out how to care for your wheel so that it’s always ready to go for a spin!
Amy King
Amy King is a renowned fiber artist, author and owner of Spunky Eclectic, a fiber studio and online community for artists. She is best known for her fiber samples and the Spunky Eclectic fiber club that she founded. She is also the author of Spin Control: Techniques for Spinning the Yarn You Want. Amy has been called a spinning force to be reckoned with, but really, she simply enjoys helping people get started with their wheels and take their spinning to the next level.
Bonus materials available after purchase