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Sat. 10/11 - Beginner Drop Spindle Workshop - Caroline Vandenberghe

from $50.00

Learn the timeless art of making yarn, right here among the sheep!

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover how to use a drop spindle to turn fleece into your very first handspun yarn. We’ll cover the basics of drafting, adding twist, and winding on, all at a comfortable pace on the beautiful farm property. With the sheep nearby and the wool in your hands, you’ll gain a sense of how yarn is spun from start to finish. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and a love of wool!

Option:

Learn the timeless art of making yarn, right here among the sheep!

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover how to use a drop spindle to turn fleece into your very first handspun yarn. We’ll cover the basics of drafting, adding twist, and winding on, all at a comfortable pace on the beautiful farm property. With the sheep nearby and the wool in your hands, you’ll gain a sense of how yarn is spun from start to finish. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and a love of wool!

Discover how simple and satisfying it is to make yarn with one of the oldest spinning tools in the world: the drop spindle. This class is designed for complete beginners who want to connect with fiber at its source and learn the foundations of hand-spinning.

We’ll start by getting to know the wool itself—fresh from our Icelandic sheep—learning about its dual-coated structure and why it spins so beautifully. From there, you’ll be introduced to the drop spindle and guided step by step through drafting fiber, adding twist, and winding on. You’ll practice techniques for starting your yarn, keeping your spindle balanced, and finding a rhythm so you feel confident continuing on your own.

Along the way, we’ll talk about different types of wool and spindles, how twist affects the strength and feel of yarn, and the role of handspinning in textile traditions around the world. You’ll also have time to experiment, ask questions, and enjoy the peaceful setting of the pasture with the sheep nearby.

By the end of class, you’ll leave with your first handspun yarn and the skills to keep practicing at home.

Materials & Take-Home:

  • A drop spindle (yours to keep)

  • A bundle of Icelandic roving, prepared from our flock

  • Your very first handspun yarn

What you’ll learn:

  • How to set up your drop spindle and attach a leader

  • Fiber drafting

  • Spinning and energy transfer

  • Winding on

  • Plying techniques

Workshop Details:

  • Duration: 2 hours on farm

  • Format: Group learning, hands-on workshop guided by Caroline

  • Included: 50g of premium icelandic roving, in the natural color of your choice. Optional: a drop spindle

  • Location: Fog & Fleece Sheepery, on farm at 4269 Y Road in Bellingham, WA 98226

  • Dates: Saturday October 11th - 1-3PM

  • Cost: $50+ per person

Who should attend:

  • Fiber enthusiasts or people who love wool

  • Knitters, crocheters, weavers,

REFUNDS - please note that we will not be able to offer refunds for the class if you cancel less than a week out from the class date.