Intro to Drop Spindle with Helen Mawdsley

Free | Sign-Up | Suitable for ages 14+

In this workshop you will receive an introduction to making hand spun yarn using a spindle. The session will begin with a brief 5-7 minute overview if different types of spindles and how they are used to turn fibre into yarn. From there, we will focus on one of the most commonly used tools today – the top whorl drop spindle.

Participants will then spend the remainder of the workshop learning to spin their own yarn, A selection of fibres from various Canadian Sheep breeds will be available, offering the chance to explore how different fibre types and preparation methods affect the spinning process. Throughout the session, participants will receive gentle guidance, troubleshooting support and encouragement as they begin their spinning practice.

A take-home handout will also be provided, including key spinning vocabulary and troubleshooting tops for continued learning beyond the workshop.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to identify common spindle terms, recognize different spindle types, understand how a spindle is used to make yarn, and begin comparing Canadian wool fibres within the context of hand spinning.

About your instructor:

Helen Mawdsley has engaged with the fibre arts her whole life, and about 5 years ago, she began woodturning to augment her passion of the fibre arts. There are umerous tools used in fibre arts that were challenging to find, so she self-taught herself woodturning so that she could make them herself. In addition to fibre art tools, Helen also enjoys making household items and artistic pieces. She recently moved to rural and northern Alberta to enjoy the landscape of the Rocky Mountains, and draws inspiration from this natural setting.

Her work as a fibre artist and woodturner has appeared in Spin Off and Piecework magazines by Long Thread Media, Digits & Threads magazine, in the book 52 Weeks of Shawls with Laine Publishing Oy in Finland, as well as many self-published fibre art patterns. She also has pieces shown in the Jasper Art Gallery.

This programming is brought to you by Alberta Craft Gallery + Shop in partnership with the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. Each week from May 16 – October 10, Alberta Craft will be hosting hands-on craft workshops and programming at the 104th Street Famers Market from 10:30 am – 2 pm. Programming includes a mix of drop-in sessions and pre-registered workshops.

Make sure to follow the Alberta Craft Eventbrite channel to stay up to date on events, including our upcoming workshops at the Downtown Farmers’ Market on 104th Street!