Crafting in Public, Spinning

The Joy of Spinning…in Public

Although I have crafted textiles for a long time many people that know me have never seen me work. Most crafters rarely work in public. If we do, it’s usually with a small knitting group.

After all that fun I had at the living history event I realized how much I enjoy engaging the public about crafting. Especially spinning yarn. So many people are fascinated by the process. I love demonstrating the process, and letting people feel the different fibers. Most rewarding of all is persuading people to try spinning and teaching them on the spot.

A piece of the new spinner's yarn. I'm so proud of how well they did with just a few minutes of instruction
A piece of a new spinner’s yarn. I’m so proud of how well they did with just a few minutes of instruction

Ever the dreamer, I envisioned teaching lots of people to spin so I ordered 48 drop spindles.

I ordered 48 drop spindles in hopes of  teaching people to spin
I ordered 48 drop spindles in hopes of teaching more people to spin

Who does that? right.

It is too cold right now for me to attend outdoor living history events so I decided to pack up my spinning wheel and some fiber and spin at the St. Joseph Public library. Thankfully a wonderful crafty friend came with me. It was a hit. We had so much fun and met so many people that I decided to make it my Sunday community outreach.

Today was an especially awesome Sunday. I had 4 girls come and learn to spin! I should have brought more than two spindles. They picked up the skill extremely fast and are already talking about what they want to make. We even had a new weaver friend come and show us some of her beautiful brocaded trim. (I will try to get a picture to share next time). Next week I’m going to show the girls how to dye their yarn with sharpie markers and alcohol.

We can dye the small amounts of yarn with Sharpie markers and alcohol
We can dye the small amounts of beginner’s yarn with Sharpie markers and alcohol
I made small dots on the yarn with Sharpie markers. Sprinkling alcohol on the yarn will spread the colors and set the dye
I made small dots on the yarn with Sharpie markers. Sprinkling alcohol on the yarn will spread the colors and set the dye
Sharpie marker dyed yarn
Sharpie marker dyed yarn. Reminds me of Tie Dye

 

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