Spinning Local Wool: Drop Spindle Basics

Learn to spin wool into yarn with shepherd and woolmonger Marie Hoff of Full Circle Wool. Using a locally made drop spindle and locally grown wool, you’ll experience the transformation from loose fiber to handmade yarn while building the foundational skills to continue spinning on your own.

Along the way, you’ll explore different sheep breeds and locally raised animal fibers, including wool, alpaca, llama, and angora. Marie will also introduce the different forms in which fiber is prepared for spinning—from locks and batts to roving—and help you understand how fiber type and preparation influence the yarn you create.

In this workshop you’ll:

• Learn how to draft wool and spin it into yarn using a drop spindle
  
• Practice plying individual strands together to create finished yarn
• Explore wool from different sheep breeds and other locally raised animal fibers
• Learn the differences between roving, batts, locks, and other fiber preparations and how to choose the right fiber for your project
• Build the skills to continue spinning at home with your own drop spindle

About the Instructor
Marie Hoff is a Northern California shepherd and woolmonger and the founder of Full Circle Wool. She raises a small flock of heritage-breed sheep for grazing and wool and works with locally grown fiber and domestic mills to create useful, regionally produced wool goods.

Prerequisites
No prior spinning experience required. This workshop is designed for beginners, with plenty to explore for those with some spinning experience as well.

Supplies + Details List
All materials are provided. Each participant will work with two ounces of local wool roving—one ounce white and one ounce dark grey—and a locally handmade drop spindle that is yours to take home so you can continue spinning after the workshop.

Please wear denim or other woven cotton or linen clothing.