Intentional Art Yarn

A virtual class with Esther Rodgers

Aug 6, 2:00-4:00pm
Aug 7, 2:00-4:00pm
Aug 13, 2:00-4:00pm
Aug 14, 2:00-4:00pm CDT

Take your hand-spun yarns to a new level. We will work beyond creative spinning to spinning with intent for a yarn that expresses a feeling, an idea, a story, or a work of art. This workshop is for spinners new to art yarn, as well as intermediate and experienced spinners looking to create more exciting and interesting yarns.

This workshop is an art class, which uses un-spun fiber as the medium. Esther begins by explaining hand-spun yarn, creative yarn, art yarn, and intentional art yarn. As the workshop moves from discussion to fiber, you discover what the word intent can mean for your own spinning and designing.

We begin creating and designing yarns that are thoughtful and unique, yarns that tell your story while we all interpret the same theme. As you and your classmates explore color, texture, and design, you build on your existing skills, add new techniques*, try different approaches, share ideas, and play with layering — and we see how individual our spins can be. Conscious and deliberate choices you make will insure that the yarn becomes uniquely yours.

We’ll then move on to a game that opens your creative flow, and you’ll be ready to spin yarn to your own concept/theme. Find your inspiration. Gather your extras for inclusions in your yarn: locks, sequins, non-fiber add-ins, plant matter (flax, straw), beads and buttons, even pieces of clothing/fabric. Esther’s motto is: If you can dream it, we can figure out how to spin it in! Feel free to bring materials that put that theory to the test.

By exploring color, texture, and design as you spin, you’ll lock into your own personal inspiration and find ways to create yarns that embody this ideas.

*Bring a list of techniques you would like to see or learn to the class! As we work, techniques will be reviewed and renewed, as needed, for each spinner.

Special skills or knowledge needed to take this workshop:
Students should be familiar with basic creative spinning techniques — corespinning, plying with thread — the broader foundation the student has, the more advanced the resulting yarn designs can be.

Supply List
•2 oz hand-dyed top
• 3 oz solid top
• 1 oz locks
• various add ins
• plying yarn

Required equipment:
• Spinning wheel
• Lazy Kate
• Bobbins