This class is part of our Mill Open Weekend celebrations.
So, you can spin a fairly even yarn, and you feel like you are ready to take on a new challenge? Then why not try this introduction to fancy / art yarns?
Amanda will show you the building blocks to create many styles of art yarn. These basic techniques will cover core spinning, thick and thin singles, and spiral plying.
We will be working with combed tops for starters, but some of the techniques also work well with locks or carded batts. Core-spun yarn is the perfect technique to show off the luscious colours in striped or space-dyed top, and those same tops with just a bit of extra know-how can create a very stable slubbed single. You will then be able to combine these elements to create bulky textured yarns, spirals, flame, coils, beehives and many more, all from your favourite combed tops. Why not join us and put that stash to new and exciting uses... or even discover a new reason to add to it!
Date: Sunday 7th June, 2026
Time: 10.00am to 1.00 pm - 3 hours. Please arrive 30 mins before event starts.
Location: The Court Room, South Molton Town Hall, EX36 3AB
Price: £55.00 including materials
Skill Level Information: The class is aimed at competent spinners who have good control over their wheel, but no prior knowledge or experience of fancy / art yarns is necessary.
What is included? Wool and wool-blend tops will be provided as class materials, plus cotton threads (for core and bindings). You will also receive a voucher for a beverage of your choosing from the pop-up MOW café.
What do students need to bring? A wheel (clean and well oiled) with at least three bobbins (don’t necessarily need to be empty, we can work on top of existing yarn). A sample niddy-noddy, lazy-kate, notebook and pencil, plus swing tags for labelling samples. Any cones of fine two-ply yarn or cotton sewing thread you have in stash, no need to go out and buy anything specially, as Amanda will have a good range available for use during class.
Tutor Bio:
Amanda has been spinning for over forty years, and dyeing for nearly as long. She is a member of Liskeard Spinners, Somerset, Peter Tavy and the Online Guilds and has had work selected for several Association Exhibitions. As well as teaching workshops and masterclasses around the UK and Europe she has also taught at most of the Association Summer Schools since 2007.
She holds the National Association of Guilds’ Certificates of Achievement in spinning and dyeing, and has a City & Guilds Stage 1 teaching certificate.
Amanda has also just had her first book The Handspinner’s Companion published.
Website: www.mandacrafts.co.uk | Email: amanda@mandacrafts.co.uk | YouTube: ADHUK
