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.