Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids
Welcome to Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids!
Coming to the School of SweetGeorgia on April 6, 2023.
In this video course taught by spinning instructor Rachel Smith, we will cover the following objectives:
- Introduction to Camelid fibres, including types, locational varieties, and considerations for spinning
- A repertoire of spinning preparations to prepare alpaca, llama and camel fibres for successful spinning
- A collection of spinning drafts for working with a variety of preps and lengths to create structurally stable yarns out of your camelid fibres
- Exploring Merino wool and silk blends with these luxurious fibres
- How to finish luxury yarns for your next knitting, weaving, or crochet project
This course will briefly introduce the camelid family of mammals and discuss how their genus breaks down. Then we get into specifics with alpacas, llamas, and camels.
Alpaca is probably the most common camelid fibre that hand spinners have access to, either by itself or blended with wool. When you’re first starting out, you may want to begin with a wool-alpaca blend. The Spinning Luxury Kit: Camelids combined with the Merino fibre are a great way to sample and make blends to explore. Rachel will use to demonstrate each fibre from this kit at the wheel and walk us through examining ply-back tests.
Just dipping your toes into this world of camelids will help you articulate the differences between wool and camelid fibres. You’ll also gain an understanding of the vocabulary when describing your spins, sampling, and swatches.
For blending, fibre preparation, plying, and finishing techniques that Rachel uses, please see Kim McKenna’s Nuances to Spinning Better Yarns and Working from Fleece courses. The practices and knowledge from these three courses will enable you to create truly spectacular yarns!
Camelids Included:
- Llama
- Camel
- Alpaca
- Huacaya
- Suri
The Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids course includes a comprehensive workbook with beautiful photos, tips, and resources.
Talk about the Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids course with members of the School of SweetGeorgia. Post project pictures, share personal reflections, and join the conversations in our Community Forums!
Tag what you are making everywhere with #sosspinning and #schoolofsweetgeorgia!
For the longest time, I felt intimidated by the idea of learning to spin silk yarns. It felt like the epitome of luxury fibres for me. At a KnitCity festival, looking at the Sanjo silk studio booth, I became mesmerised by the shine and character of the silk yarns. As a then-beginner spinner, I got myself a few packs of silk and wool-silk spinning fibres which I promptly sampled going home. After looking at my plyback samples, I stashed those fibres for the longest time, for whenever I would be good enough to spin them.
…
Continue reading Greta`s @gretacornejomakes new Learning to Spin Silk Yarns article at the School where she encourages you to source some luxury fibres (@sweetgeorgia has lovely kits) and add them to your spinning stash. Or unearth that luxury fibre you got a few seasons ago and play. Even five grams can ignite a lot of fun and creativity to your craft.
#sosspinning #spinningsilk #handspunsilk #silkfiber #spinningsilkyarn #spinnersofinstagram #schoolofsweetgeorgia
For the longest time, I felt intimidated by the idea of learning to spin silk yarns. It felt like the epitome of luxury fibres for me. At a KnitCity festival, looking at the Sanjo silk studio booth, I became mesmerised by the shine and character of the silk yarns. As a then-beginner spinner, I got myself a few packs of silk and wool-silk spinning fibres which I promptly sampled going home. After looking at my plyback samples, I stashed those fibres for the longest time, for whenever I would be good enough to spin them.
…
Continue reading Greta`s @gretacornejomakes new Learning to Spin Silk Yarns article at the School where she encourages you to source some luxury fibres (@sweetgeorgia has lovely kits) and add them to your spinning stash. Or unearth that luxury fibre you got a few seasons ago and play. Even five grams can ignite a lot of fun and creativity to your craft.
#sosspinning #spinningsilk #handspunsilk #silkfiber #spinningsilkyarn #spinnersofinstagram #schoolofsweetgeorgia
Finished my first skein with my E-Spinner and felt the need to try my hand at a drop spindle. Actually really enjoying it and working hard on my park and draft. I watched the schoolofsweetgeorgia course on drop spindles and several vids from jillianevefa, both super helpful.
Gorgeous spindle from Vermont Spindles on Etsy, spins like a dream.
Fiber is some 100% Corriedale that came with the spindle!
#handspunyarn #handspinning #sosspinning
Finished my first skein with my E-Spinner and felt the need to try my hand at a drop spindle. Actually really enjoying it and working hard on my park and draft. I watched the schoolofsweetgeorgia course on drop spindles and several vids from jillianevefa, both super helpful.
Gorgeous spindle from Vermont Spindles on Etsy, spins like a dream.
Fiber is some 100% Corriedale that came with the spindle!
#handspunyarn #handspinning #sosspinning
In a few short years, the development of e-spinners for every budget and every level of experience has made the electric spinner go from purely aspirational to totally attainable. Have you ever wondered if spinning with e-spinners might expand your spinning practice? Have you considered getting an e-spinner, and if so, which model is right for you?
Over at the new Spinning with e-Spinners course, instructor Debbie Held @doodler01 will answer these questions and more as she teaches how to use this unique spinning tool! Learn just how versatile they are with loads of tips and tricks to help you improve your skills. And then at the SOS Community Forums, you can share your project pictures, ask questions, and join in the spinning chat.
Find the Spinning with e-Spinners course page at our link in bio!
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #espinners #electronicspinningwheels #spinningwheel #spinningyarn #handspun
In a few short years, the development of e-spinners for every budget and every level of experience has made the electric spinner go from purely aspirational to totally attainable. Have you ever wondered if spinning with e-spinners might expand your spinning practice? Have you considered getting an e-spinner, and if so, which model is right for you?
Over at the new Spinning with e-Spinners course, instructor Debbie Held @doodler01 will answer these questions and more as she teaches how to use this unique spinning tool! Learn just how versatile they are with loads of tips and tricks to help you improve your skills. And then at the SOS Community Forums, you can share your project pictures, ask questions, and join in the spinning chat.
Find the Spinning with e-Spinners course page at our link in bio!
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #espinners #electronicspinningwheels #spinningwheel #spinningyarn #handspun
Following the release of Rachel Smith`s @woolnspinning Spinning Luxury Fibres: Silk where we began the exploration of spinning with a variety silk fibres, we`ll soon continue on the luxury fibre path with the upcoming Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids!
With an introduction to Camelid fibres, including types, locational varieties, and considerations for spinning, and exploring Merino wool and silk blends with these luxurious fibres, Rachel will briefly introduce the camelid family of mammals and discuss how their genus breaks down. Then we get into specifics with alpacas, llamas, and camels.
Now available, you can find the materials list for the course so you can begin preparing for the lesson launch on April 6th. There you can also find the link to the new Spinning Luxury Kit, shown here, at the @sweetgeorgia shop!
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #camelidfibre #camelidfibers #spinningcamelids #alpacafiber #llamafiber #camelfiber #spinningfiber
Following the release of Rachel Smith`s @woolnspinning Spinning Luxury Fibres: Silk where we began the exploration of spinning with a variety silk fibres, we`ll soon continue on the luxury fibre path with the upcoming Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids!
With an introduction to Camelid fibres, including types, locational varieties, and considerations for spinning, and exploring Merino wool and silk blends with these luxurious fibres, Rachel will briefly introduce the camelid family of mammals and discuss how their genus breaks down. Then we get into specifics with alpacas, llamas, and camels.
Now available, you can find the materials list for the course so you can begin preparing for the lesson launch on April 6th. There you can also find the link to the new Spinning Luxury Kit, shown here, at the @sweetgeorgia shop!
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #camelidfibre #camelidfibers #spinningcamelids #alpacafiber #llamafiber #camelfiber #spinningfiber
As much as I want to have a really deep, profound reason for making things, it’s really simple: I just really love making things with my hands. I’ve always worked with paper, collaging and glueing, knitting, and playing with yarn and patterns. I find my podcast is an extension of that creative energy, to be able to create something digitally and share that with others.
Rachel Smith @woolnspinning is a passionate learner, a kind and clear teacher, and a jewel in our community. At the new SOS article `Learn About Spinning Instructor Rachel Smith`, Greta Cornejo @gretacornejomakes speaks with Rachel and shares some insights into her work. If you haven`t yet watched Rachel’s online spinning courses at the School, we encourage you to do so.
Read the full article at the School – link in bio »
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #woolnspinning
As much as I want to have a really deep, profound reason for making things, it’s really simple: I just really love making things with my hands. I’ve always worked with paper, collaging and glueing, knitting, and playing with yarn and patterns. I find my podcast is an extension of that creative energy, to be able to create something digitally and share that with others.
Rachel Smith @woolnspinning is a passionate learner, a kind and clear teacher, and a jewel in our community. At the new SOS article `Learn About Spinning Instructor Rachel Smith`, Greta Cornejo @gretacornejomakes speaks with Rachel and shares some insights into her work. If you haven`t yet watched Rachel’s online spinning courses at the School, we encourage you to do so.
Read the full article at the School – link in bio »
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #woolnspinning
In a few short years, the development of e-spinners for every budget and every level of experience has made the electric spinner go from purely aspirational to totally attainable. Should you get an e-spinner and if so, which model is right for you?
Instructor Debbie Held @doodler01 will answer all of these questions and more as she teaches us how to use this unique spinning tool at the coming-soon Spinning with E-Spinners. Debbie will have loads of tips and tricks to help you improve your skills.
View the materials list to get your supplies ready before the course launch on March 16th »
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #espinner #espinning #spinnersofig
In a few short years, the development of e-spinners for every budget and every level of experience has made the electric spinner go from purely aspirational to totally attainable. Should you get an e-spinner and if so, which model is right for you?
Instructor Debbie Held @doodler01 will answer all of these questions and more as she teaches us how to use this unique spinning tool at the coming-soon Spinning with E-Spinners. Debbie will have loads of tips and tricks to help you improve your skills.
View the materials list to get your supplies ready before the course launch on March 16th »
#sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #espinner #espinning #spinnersofig
I recently became the new owner of a Louet S10 spinning wheel. I had been letting the idea of learning to spin churn around in my mind for the last year or so, but I never let it get past the “I’d like to learn that” phase. It just seemed like there were too many hurdles, and it wasn’t the right time.
Well, I happened to throw it out into the universe (Aka Makers Circle😂) one night that I would really like to learn to spin. Less than a week later, I had a wheel. Another knitter in our community was ready to pass hers along, and I happily took her home. She’s from the 80’s (just like me) and a bit of a tricky beast to learn (also, like me 😉) but I’ve named her Lizzy, after her former owner and her new one, since we share a name!
So, this is where the fun begins. Starting at absolute zero is a challenge, but I’m reminding myself that it is important to continue to learn and grow. And, I do know quite a bit about yarn after all, so at least I know what I’m aiming for. Now to just learn how to get there.
Pictured here is my first skein of yarn. Yarn, that I made! In all it’s perfectly imperfect glory.
Also, I really appreciate all the advice/account recommendations that I’ve received in my stories as I shared about this the last few weeks. If you’d like to pop your favorite books/Insta accounts/podcasts/websites below I’d love to keep them all here as a resource for all of us!
The best advice I received so far was to sign up for schoolofsweetgeorgia since I haven’t found anyone local to learn from yet! This first skein is a product of the learning to spin from scratch class.
Cheers to being a beginner! 🥂
#handspunyarn #handspunhabit #spinnersofinstagram #sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #knittersofinstagram #spinittoknitit
I recently became the new owner of a Louet S10 spinning wheel. I had been letting the idea of learning to spin churn around in my mind for the last year or so, but I never let it get past the “I’d like to learn that” phase. It just seemed like there were too many hurdles, and it wasn’t the right time.
Well, I happened to throw it out into the universe (Aka Makers Circle😂) one night that I would really like to learn to spin. Less than a week later, I had a wheel. Another knitter in our community was ready to pass hers along, and I happily took her home. She’s from the 80’s (just like me) and a bit of a tricky beast to learn (also, like me 😉) but I’ve named her Lizzy, after her former owner and her new one, since we share a name!
So, this is where the fun begins. Starting at absolute zero is a challenge, but I’m reminding myself that it is important to continue to learn and grow. And, I do know quite a bit about yarn after all, so at least I know what I’m aiming for. Now to just learn how to get there.
Pictured here is my first skein of yarn. Yarn, that I made! In all it’s perfectly imperfect glory.
Also, I really appreciate all the advice/account recommendations that I’ve received in my stories as I shared about this the last few weeks. If you’d like to pop your favorite books/Insta accounts/podcasts/websites below I’d love to keep them all here as a resource for all of us!
The best advice I received so far was to sign up for schoolofsweetgeorgia since I haven’t found anyone local to learn from yet! This first skein is a product of the learning to spin from scratch class.
Cheers to being a beginner! 🥂
#handspunyarn #handspunhabit #spinnersofinstagram #sosspinning #schoolofsweetgeorgia #knittersofinstagram #spinittoknitit
This year has been off to a fabulous start and there`s so much more ahead that we`re eagerly looking forward to. Last week, we began the exploration of spinning silk where instructor Rachel Smith @woolnspinning talks about the different meanings luxury fibres can have for different people, and how some fibres may carry a bit of a stigma with them–labelled “difficult to spin,” or too expensive, or hard to find. We’ll spend time spinning each fibre at the wheel. Then, we’ll take a look at ply-back tests and sample skeins that were spun from the @sweetgeorgia Spinning Silk Luxury Kit. With Rachel’s help, you’ll finish this series feeling more confident for all the luxury silks you’ve had your eye on!
Join in at the Spinning Luxury Fibres: Silk course page–you can find the course link in our IG bio »
This year has been off to a fabulous start and there`s so much more ahead that we`re eagerly looking forward to. Last week, we began the exploration of spinning silk where instructor Rachel Smith @woolnspinning talks about the different meanings luxury fibres can have for different people, and how some fibres may carry a bit of a stigma with them–labelled “difficult to spin,” or too expensive, or hard to find. We’ll spend time spinning each fibre at the wheel. Then, we’ll take a look at ply-back tests and sample skeins that were spun from the @sweetgeorgia Spinning Silk Luxury Kit. With Rachel’s help, you’ll finish this series feeling more confident for all the luxury silks you’ve had your eye on!
Join in at the Spinning Luxury Fibres: Silk course page–you can find the course link in our IG bio »
Downloads
- Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids Workbook PDF (coming soon)
- Spinning Luxury Fibres Resources list PDF
Equipment
- Preferred spinning tool, (a spinning wheel is used in the course)
Materials
- Alpaca Huacaya fibre
- Llama fibre
- Camel fibre
- Fine wool for blending
- Silk for blending
*Spinning Luxury Fibres: Camelids kit is available at SweetGeorgia Yarns website.
*18.5 Micron Merino wool and the Spinning Luxury Fibres: Silk kit is available from SweetGeorgia Yarns.
As a School of SweetGeorgia member, use the coupon SOSLUXURY23 for a 30% discount when buying the Camelids fibre kit.
Additional Supplies shown/demonstrated
- Diz
- Wool combs
- Hand carders
*for making merino blends
Do you have questions about the Camelid Spinning Materials? Talk about it with members of the School of SweetGeorgia. Post project pictures, share personal reflections, and join the conversation in our Community Forums!
Course Content
About Instructor
Course Includes
- 2 Lessons
