NC 28711-1484
Providing
Organic Cotton
to
Spinners and Weavers
Since 1995
WORKSHOPS
Self Study with the DVD
(contains the basics of Charkha 101 and 201 )
Teaching Schedule Bio
Charkha 101: The Basics
Duration: half day or full day
Level: Rank Beginner (I teach children age 9 and up)
Class size limit : half day 8 , full day 12
Materials Fee: $10 per personSynopsis
Learn to spin cotton the easy way! Learn how to tune and maintain the charkha, how to determine the ratio, and how to spin to specification. We will also cover cotton types and properties.Learning Objectives
1. Understand charkha
2. Understand yarn terminology
3. Learn the long draw
4. Spin cotton easilyStudents should bring
Enthusiasm
Charkha optional (Charkhas available for $15 rental)
Charkha 201: Proficiency
Duration: Half day or full day
Level: Intermediate
Class size limit : 15
Materials Fee: $10 per personSynopsis
This class is for experienced point spinners. We will cover tools and techniques for spinning consistent yarns, techniques for improving speed, and techniques for separating colors in striped slivers.Learning Objectives
1. Learn to spin for consistency
2. Understand yarn terminology
3. Learn some speed techniques
4. Learn color separation techniquesStudents should bring
Enthusiasm
Charkha optional (Charkhas available for $15 rental)Cotton 101: Cotton Species and Preparations
Duration: 1 day
Level: Intermediate
Class size limit : 15
Materials Fee: $30 per personSynopsis
This class is for experienced point spinners, NOT for beginners. We will cover cotton species from around the world and their properties including diploids from India, Thailand, and the southwest and cultivated tetraploids including upland, Pima, Egyptian, and Sea Island. We will spin cotton that has been prepared by commercial methods--carded, drawn, combed and roving as well as hand made punis from India.Learning Objectives
1. Learn about the different cotton species and their qualities
2. Learn about commercial preparations and their qualities
3. Learn to spin the different preparations
4. Complete a sample notebook of species and preparationsStudents should bring
Enthusiasm
Pen or pencil
Charkha
Charkha 401: Spinning Lace Weight Exotics
Duration: half day
Level: Intermediate (students should know how to use a charkha)
Class size limit : 10
Materials Fee: $30 per personSynopsis
Yes, you can spin fibers other than cotton on the charkha!. The keyword, however, is "short". We will sample a selection of exotic fibers such as angora, camel down, cashmere, quiviut, and yak.Learning Objectives
1. Perfect the long draw
2. Spin exotics easilyStudents should bring
Enthusiasm
Charkha optional (Charkhas available for $15 rental)
Khadi 101: Harnessing Twist Energy
Duration: 3 day
Level: Intermediate Weaving, advanced spinning optional
This class is for intermediate weavers: experienced spinners who want to learn to spin technical yarns are encouraged to attend. This is a round robin workshop.
Class size limit : Minimum 4, maximum 12Synopsis
This class is an intensive study using singles yarns as weft. We will use commercial singles yarns in various weights and twist levels. Spinners may spin their own weft yarns.
We will explore the relationships between yarn sizes in warp and weft and the effects on sett and energy in singles weft. Weave structure and yarn properties will also be studied.
8-shaft looms are preferred.Learning Objectives
1. Understand the relationship between twist and energy
2. Understand the dynamics of yarn size, yarn energy, sett, and beat
3. Understand how to maximize yarn properties with weave structure
4. Learn to design fabrics that exploit or mask yarn energy
Students should bring
Warped table loom, shuttles, etc.
Optional--Spinning wheel (charkha preferred)Note: I can rent charkhas to experienced spinners who know how to spin on a great wheel but do not have a charkha. This is not a beginning spinning class.
Khadi 201: Single Shuttle Plaid
Duration: 2 day
Level: Intermediate. This class is for experienced spinners. Weaving experience helpful
Class size limit : 15
Materials Fee: $10 per personSynopsis
We will work with striped slivers and color control in the spinning. Once control is established, we will develop color stripe arrangements for a commercial warp to match our ability to create handspun weft stripes. We will paint the stripes on a white warp. Because we will be working with handspun singles, yarn energy will also be discussed.
Notes: This technique is ideally suited to the charkha. If participants have a charkha, they are encouraged to bring it whether they know how to use it or not.
Please also refer to the article Spinning for a Single Shuttle Plaid, SS&D Winter '98 for more detailed information.Learning Objectives
1. Color separation in spinning striped sliver for weft
2. Control of length of color sections
3. Warp calculations for weaving plaids
Students should bring
Spinning wheel and/or charkha
Loom warped to specification, shuttles, etc.
Bobbin winderNote I can rent charkhas to experienced spinners who do not have a charkha. This is not a beginning spinning class.
Khadi 301: Crepe and Shape , or Collapse With Crepe Yarns
Duration: 2 day
Level: Experienced Spinning and Weaving. This class is for experienced spinners and intermediate weavers.
Class size limit : 15Synopsis
Not for spinners only! Weavers who do not spin will use commercial crepe twist yarns and spinning students will spin weft yarns using the fibers of their choice and weave a variety of textures on a straight twill threading. We will explore technical spinning and will use our handspun as weft. Non-spinners will use commercial crepe twist yarns. We will learn to use high energy crepe yarns and use the energy in conjunction with weave structure to shape fabric on the loom. Sett will be explored and completed fabrics will be documented and compared relative to elasticity, hand and utility.
Commercial crepe yarns will be provided: students may bring their own fibers or use fibers supplied at the workshop.
Please also refer to the article Crepe & Shape, Spin-Off Fall '99 for more detailed information.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the wheel ratios and how to use them to obtain consistent crepe yarns
2. Design crepe yarns to obtain collapse and stretch effects
3. Design stretch fabrics based on our knowledge of the yarn properties
Students should bring
Spinning wheel (charkha preferred)
Warped table loom, shuttles, etc.Note I can rent charkhas to experienced spinners who know how to spin on a great wheel but do not have a charkha. This is not a beginning spinning class.
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