Fiber Arts Series: Fleece to Yarn 

Tuesday in June,  5:30pm-7:30pm 

Series Price:  $160 person/$150 member (materials included)
Presenter: Patty Williams
Location: Billings Farm & Museum 

Explore fascinating fiber fusion as this four-part series delves into the fleece to yarn process. Led by workshop instructor and owner of Aker Fiber Farm, Patty Williams, you will experience the transformative stages from evaluating and selecting materials to processing, washing, and carding raw wool in preparation for spinning. You will also learn how to spin worsted-style ply which produces a bulky weight yarn that is great for knitting.

Week 1: Overview, Skirting & Washing 
We will discuss the overall process from taking raw wool fleece and turning it into yarn. We will skirt a fleece together learning how to evaluate one for purchase and which bits to use and which to discard. We will then begin to wash seeing the magic as our dirty fleece turns white. 

Week 2: Carding & Combing 
This session will focus on carding and combing. We will cover the difference between carding and combed top, how to blend fibers together (or should you), and different tools you can use to accomplish these tasks. Please bring any questionable spinning wheels to this class. We will be looking at them to see if we can get them working.

Week 3: It's Time to Spin! 
Students will have the opportunity to learn to spin on a drop spindle and/or wheel depending on your preference. Drop spindles will be available for all and students may try spinning wheels that are available.

Week 4: Plying & Setting
We will learn to ply and set our yarns. If time allows, we will discuss basic dyeing techniques and how to use your hand spun yarn.

No prior experience is necessary to take this class.  Registration required in advance.  Students are welcome to bring fleeces, spinning wheels, drop spindles, and carders. Equipment and materials are available for use.

About Patty Williams
Patty Williams is the owner of Aker Fiber Farm in Enfield Center, NH. Knitter, spinner, dyer, designer, and instructor, Patty grew up in all things fiber. She truly lives the farm to fiber lifestyle, and has had her own farm for ten years. She has been in fiber arts for over 30. She has taught fiber arts to folks of all ages for over 20 years up and down the east coast. Patty enjoys introducing new skills to students and helping them overcome fiber fears. 

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Cancellation Policy: There are often waitlists for our workshops, so please let us know in advance if you are unable to attend. Refunds are available up to 7 days before the class is held. There are no refunds within 7 days.