Saturday, November 07, 2009

Spinning Class

Way last summer I got a flier from my LYS, NW Handspun Yarns. It advertised a THREE DAY spinning class called "Fleece in Your Hands" given by JUDITH MACKENZIE McCUIN, who is a "nationally known master weaver, spinner, and fiber artist. She teaches hand- spinning, weaving, knitting, and dyeing around the country, and has led textile tours in Europe and Asia. Her articles are regularly featured in Spin-Off magazine."

The class description included: "We will spin and explore a group of different fleeces each day, coarse, medium, and fine wools, including: Shetland, CVM/Rommedale, Blue Faced Leicester, Romney, Border Leicester, Karakul, Merino."

Doesn't that sound like fun?

Well, Judith actually lives here in Washington State and is good friends with Nancy B, the owner of NW Handspun Yarns. So she teaches regularly in this area, but I have never been able to take any of her classes. I decided I was going to take this class and signed up. At that time - November seemed like such a LONG time away. But time flies when you're havin' fun and the weekend kept getting closer and closer - then I got my new wheel - wow, now I really need this class -

Tuesday I got a phone call from Deb at NWHY - "I'm calling to let you know what you need to bring for the class on Saturday" she said.

"Oh, I am so excited - I can't believe that it is almost here", I answered.

She gave me the list -
  • Wheel - check
  • Lots of bobbins - check
  • Lazy Kate - check
  • Knitty Noddy - check
  • Hand cards if you have them - check

Did she want me to bring my ball winder and my new swift (hmmm - sounds like a great idea. ) - check




I added:

My new "Fiber Journal" (so I'd have something to make notes in) - check

An Apron (so I don't tear my pants apart when I'm using my Hand cards) - check

Some Earl Grey tea and a nice travel mug (cause I don't know what they'll have for beverages.)

And, of course, my camera - check


So, I'm all ready to go!

I have been feeling a little bit guilty at leaving The Shepherd behind for the weekend - as the Saturday class includes a catered dinner and is scheduled to go until about 9 PM, but today I found out today that one of this favorite bands PEARL DJANGO is playing in town Saturday night.

I called him at noon - "Hi Honey - guess what - Pearl Django is playing Saturday night at the NW Jazz Project - do you want to go?" Didn't take much convincing - and the ticket made a perfect "early birthday present" for him.

Problem solved. He's happy and I don't feel guilty.

There are about 20 people signed up for the class. I think it's going to be a really fun weekend.

7 comments:

Michelle said...

Oh, I'm so jealous! Can't wait to hear your report, 'cause I know you'll give us a good one.

Donna said...

I am also quite jealous and am anxiously awaiting your report.

Kathy said...

Well, that makes three of us! :) I was going to call you today, but I think nobody will be home for quite the while. Miss Sinda must be holdin' down the fort.
Hopefully we can connect tomorrow.

Leigh said...

Lucky you! I have one of her spinning videos which I've watched quite a few times and learned a whole lot from.

Donna said...

Well I really hope today is as fun as yesterday. Would love to hear another report. It looks like I am going to need to save some fleeces for AGM!

"Oh, my what a fun day - and Judith is a really lovely person - We started with primitive fleeces - she had a lot of good comments. and she also mentioned that she will be judging Shetland fleeces at the AGM... T."

Sharon said...

I have had the good fortune to take several classes from Judith as well as spend a week in retreat with her. I would take every class she offered in a heart beat and so much of what I use and practice I learned from her. There are many wonderful and skillful teachers but there's only one Judith - you will soon know what I mean.

Michelle said...

Judith was at BSG or OFFF this year, and I'm beginning to think several people should kick me for not taking advantage of the chance to take a class or at least follow her around like a disciple when I had the chance!