Fridays in February and March
On February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and March 7, 14, 21 and 28 Elaine Staunton will visit StillWater Fibers with several spinning wheels to demonstrate and offer a hands on introduction to making yarn. If you are already a spinner, bring your wheel,share your expertise, learn something new or just enjoy a few hours of spinning in a different space. If you have wondered what one does with such a “machine”, come, watch, ask questions and try your hand at this ancient art. All are welcome. Please let us know you are coming by calling 610.998.9808. If you are bringing your wheel, let us know as well so that we can be sure we have room.
About Elaine:
I started spinning thirty years ago after buying a drop spindle and some very dirty fleece. After washing and teasing the wool, I spun some very thick and lumpy yarn. Next, I carved a crochet hook out of a stick and made a hat. I was impressed that as awful as that yarn looked, it made a pretty nice warm hat.
Shortly after that experience I soon realized that drop spindle spinning was too slow for me, so I bought my first wheel. I had been spinning mediocre yarn for several months when I was fortunate to have a woman visiting from New Zealand show me some of the fine points of spinning. In one afternoon my spinning had improved a hundred fold. One thing led to another, and a few years later I had a small flock of sheep. They are gone now but I still have several of their fleeces waiting to be spun, and fond memories of spring lambs bouncing around the field, and occasionally, a bottle baby lamb in Pampers running around my house.
I have taught spinning, and very basic weaving, occasionally for twenty-five years and I love sharing the creative experience with people who want to learn. All it usually takes is a little guidance from someone with experience and a little patience, to get past the initial frustration with synchronizing hand and treadling. Before you know it you’re forgetting the dishes and the laundry, and you’re knitting socks and sweaters for everyone you know!
If anyone is interested in meeting other spinners, there are two local guilds with experienced spinners/weavers who love sharing their expertise. The guild I belong to is Elk Creek Spinners and Weavers. We meet the first Monday of the month, at the Landenberg Methodist Church, at 7 PM. The other guild is Brandywine Fiber Arts Guild. They have a spinning only meeting the third Tuesday of the month, in different homes.
I look forward to sharing what other spinners have graciously passed on to me. If you want to try it out on one of my wheels, or if you already have a wheel and want to fine tune your skills, come join me and I promise you it will be fun.