Workshops

I currently offer four workshops on spinning and fiber preparation, with more in development. I also offer private lessons on the spindle or wheel in the Greater Toronto Area (and a bit beyond, especially York Region), and in these COVID times, also on Zoom! I can mail supplies for an extra fee.

While I’m based in Toronto, I am occasionally available for teaching in other cities such as Ottawa and Montreal. Please contact me for details at lordal (at) gmail (dot) com.

Beginning Spinning on a Drop Spindle

Learn the basics of spinning your own yarn using the simple and portable drop spindle. This class will show you how to make a 2-ply yarn suitable for knitting, crochet, or weaving, and includes a drop spindle, fiber, handmade spindle/project carry bag, and notes for you to take home.

Long Draw Drafting

Learn to spin light, airy yarns with this useful technique. We’ll go over the fibres and preparations best suited to the long draw, and you’ll learn the basic principles of woollen (as opposed to worsted) spinning, as well as a few variations.

Participants should be able to spin a continuous yarn and will need to bring their own spindle or wheel. All fibers and notes are included.

Plying Methods

Go beyond your basic 2-ply with this class on plying methods. We’ll cover ways to ply from a single source of yarn, plying to preserve colour changes, cabled yarns, and more.

Participants should be able to spin a continuous yarn and will need to bring their own spindle or wheel. All fibers and notes are included.

Fiber Prep

This class will teach you everything you need to know to hand-process a raw fleece for spinning. Learn how to select, skirt, and wash a fleece, as well as use a variety of tools to turn it into a spinnable preparation. Fiber to take home and notes are included.

12 Responses to Workshops

  1. Sheila Fairley says:

    Hi

    I am interested in taking the Spinning 2 class..have you any sessions scheduled?

    Thx Sheila

  2. Andrea says:

    I would like to learn to spin using my Grandmother’s wheel but it requires some maintenance (mainly to be put together). Do you do that kind of work? If not, could you suggest someone who would? Are you planning on a “beginner’s course” in using a wheel? I would be very interested in that. Thanks!

    • Leslie says:

      Hi Andrea,

      I don’t currently offer a beginner’s course in wheel spinning, but I do offer private lessons in it. I’ll send you an email, and include the name of a couple of spinning wheel restorers who may be able to help you with your grandmother’s wheel!

      Leslie

  3. Yvonne says:

    I’d like to learn spinning on a wheel and would take private lessons. I bought an antique wheel and would love to get started in the fall. Thanks!

  4. patricia says:

    hi there,
    i am new at this subject and would love to learn how to prep wool and make it into yarn. what would you suggest i start with?

    • Leslie says:

      Hi Patricia, sorry for the delay in replying! I’d suggest taking a class or getting one-on-one instruction if possible–where are you located?

  5. Joanne says:

    Hi,
    I was just wondering if you were offering any spinning classes for absolute beginners anytime soon?

    • Leslie says:

      Hi Joanne! I don’t have anything confirmed right now but am working on setting up classes again. I’ll let you know when things are up and running!

  6. Pingback: New classes! | Leslie Ordal Fibre Arts

  7. Eszter Papp says:

    Hi

    I would like to learn to use the drop spindle. I am located in Toronto but happy to travel nearby for training! I’m an absolute beginner. Can you suggest me a course?

    Thank you!
    Eszter

  8. Pingback: New class! | Leslie Ordal Fibre Arts

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