Spindles are a portable, cost effective, and fun tool for making yarn. 

In this class, you'll learn the basics of spindle spinning using prepared wool fiber. This class is open to everyone from experienced wheel spinners to those who have never spun an inch in their life. There's no shame if it takes you a few tries - there's a reason why it's called a drop spindle! ;)

Equipment Note: Students are welcome to bring their own drop spindle. The instructor will also provide drop spindles for use in the class that are designed for beginners. Spindles can be purchased from the instructor following the class.

Materials Note: The instructor will supply all fiber for this class.

Skill Level and Prerequisites

This class is open to students of all skill levels. No previous experience required.

Class Dates

Saturday, December 14: 11am-2pm

Materials Fee

Fiber will be supplied by the instructor. A $15 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class for materials and handouts. Please bring cash or check.

Tuition

$79 Member Tuition / $88 General Tuition.

You can register through the Weaver’s Guild of Minnesota by following the link below.

Are you curious about llamas and their wool? Join our class to delve into the world of these fascinating animals and their rich history. Llamas, domesticated by Andean civilizations over 4,000 years ago, have been prized for their wool, which has been used to create warm, durable garments since the Inca Empire. Students will spin a variety of llama and sheep wool blends as well as 100% llama fiber to explore how the percentage of llama wool in blends changes the yarn and resulting fabric.

Equipment Note: Participants are welcome to bring their own spinning wheel, spindles, and other tools, or borrow the Guild's. There is no extra cost to borrow.

Materials Note: A materials kit that includes 1 oz. of prepared fiber for spinning from each llama/sheep wool blend, 1 oz of 100% llama fiber, sample wool locks from each breed, and Breed Study journal worksheets will be provided by the instructor.

Skill Level and Prerequisites

This class is open to students who have some spinning experience, but would like more practice and training to refine their skills.

Class Dates

Saturday, October 19: 12pm-3pm

Tuition

$79 Member Tuition / $88 General Tuition

You can register through the Weaver’s Guild of Minnesota by following the link below.

Spindles are a portable, cost effective, and fun tool for making yarn. 

In this class, you'll learn the basics of spindle spinning using prepared wool fiber. This class is open to everyone from experienced wheel spinners to those who have never spun an inch in their life. There's no shame if it takes you a few tries - there's a reason why it's called a drop spindle! ;)

Equipment Note: Students are welcome to bring their own drop spindle. The instructor will also provide drop spindles for use in the class that are designed for beginners.

Materials Note: The instructor will supply all fiber for this class.

Skill Level and Prerequisites

This class is open to students of all skill levels. No previous experience required.

You can register through the Weaver’s Guild of Minnesota by following the link below.

Are you fascinated by the history of tartans and tweeds? Or the production of ancient fabric? Then let's "travel" together to the beautifully rugged landscapes of Scotland to learn about the impact specific sheep breeds have had on the fabric of this country's history!! 

This breed study course will explore the history and culture of five Scottish sheep breeds. Students will have the opportunity to spin prepared fiber from the five breeds as well as study the wool in its raw form. This class is a wonderful blend of historical, visual, and tactile learning.

We will spin the following sheep breeds: Soay, Hebridean, North Country Cheviot, Shetland, and Scottish Blackface. As we spin we will also discuss the history and lock structure of each breed family.

Materials Note: A materials kit that includes a flight of wool roving, a hand-out, and samples of wool locks will be mailed to each student prior to the class.

The price of the class includes the cost of shipping.

This course will be held online via Zoom. Click the button below to register.

Are you fascinated by the history of tartans and tweeds? Or the production of ancient fabric? Then let's "travel" together to the beautifully rugged landscapes of Scotland to learn about the impact specific sheep breeds have had on the fabric of this country's history!! 
This breed study course will explore the history and culture of five Scottish sheep breeds. Students will have the opportunity to spin prepared fiber from the five breeds as well as study the wool in its raw form. This class is a wonderful blend of historical, visual, and tactile learning.

We will spin the following sheep breeds: Soay, Hebridean, North Country Cheviot, Shetland, and Scottish Blackface. As we spin we will also discuss the history and lock structure of each breed family.

Equipment Note: Participants are welcome to bring their own spinning wheel, spindles, and other tools, or borrow the Guild's. There is no extra cost to borrow.

Materials Note: A materials kit that includes a flight of wool roving, a hand-out, and samples of wool locks will be provided by the instructor.

You can register through the Weaver’s Guild of Minnesota by following the link below.

Join the Breed Study Club online for a night of accountability as we work on completing our Breed Study Journal worksheets. This is the perfect time to sit with your fellow Breed Study Club members to finish spinning/plying your sample yarns. This is an open study time, drop in when you can and drop off when you need to. We hope to see you there!

Journal Night will be held from 6:30-8:30pm (CT)

To receive the Zoom link RSVP below.

Join the Breed Study Club online for a night of accountability as we work on completing our Breed Study Journal worksheets. This is the perfect time to sit with your fellow Breed Study Club members to finish spinning/plying your sample yarns. This is an open study time, drop in when you can and drop off when you need to. We hope to see you there!

Journal Night will be held from 6:30-8:30pm (CT)

To receive the Zoom link please RSVP below.

Let’s “travel” together to the lush pastures of the English countryside as we spend an afternoon spinning and exploring the various sheep breeds of England! We will analyze wool locks and spin a flight of wool roving to discover and “taste” the unique characteristics and attributes of each breed. Exploring these unique traits will not only aid you in spinning breed-specific yarn, but in planning breed-specific projects.

We will spin breeds from the following categories: Mountain/Hill, English longwool, and down wools. As we spin we will also discuss the history and lock structure of each breed family.

Price includes all class materials including one ounce of roving from each breed, samples of wool locks, and raw fleece.

This class will be held in-person at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. For additional information and to register, visit WGM’s website by clicking below.

Join the Breed Study Club online for a night of accountability as we work on completing our Breed Study Journal worksheets. This is the perfect time to sit with your fellow Breed Study Club members to finish spinning/plying your sample yarns, ask additional questions, or delve deeper into your breed study. This is an open study time, drop in when you can and drop off when you need to. We hope to see you there!

To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP below.

Spindles are a portable, cost effective, and a fun tool for making yarn. 

In this class, you'll learn the basics of spindle spinning using prepared wool fiber. This class is open to everyone from experienced wheel spinners to those who have never spun an inch in their life. There's no shame if it takes you a few tries - there's a reason why it's called a drop spindle! ;)

Equipment Note: Students are welcome to use the Guild's drop spindles, or bring one of your own.

Materials Note: The instructor will provide fiber for spinning.

Skill Level and Prerequisites

This class is open to students of all skill levels. No previous experience required.

Class Tuition

$43 Member Tuition / $48 General Tuition

Materials Fee

A $15 materials fee will be payable to the instructor at the first class for materials. Please bring cash or check.

This class will be held in-person at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. For additional information and to register, please visit WGM’s website by clicking below.

Join the Breed Study Club online for a night of accountability as we work on completing our Breed Study Journal worksheets. This is the perfect time to sit with your fellow Breed Study Club members to finish spinning/plying your sample yarns. This is an open study time, drop in when you can and drop off when you need to. We hope to see you there!

To receive the zoom link please RSVP below.

Join Alejandra Sanchez from Three Rivers Fibershed for a Yarn Dyeing Workshop at the North Studio Courtyard at the Anderson Center on Saturday, October, 1 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Class fee is $150 for the general public and $130 for Anderson Center Members (class fee includes $45 materials fee). Space is limited, advance registration is required. Appropriate for ages 15 and older. Rain site is the Tower View Cafeteria.

Join us for a workshop that will explore the magical world of natural dyes! The workshop will focus on locally-grown dye plants and will guide you through the process of extracting beautiful colors from these plants and how to apply them to wool yarn. We will also engage in a discussion on the history and cultural significance of the plants, while learning how to cultivate and grow them in your own garden. Each student will take home three skeins of naturally dyed yarn. All experience levels are welcome!

Light beverages and snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring a sack meal.

Alejandra Sanchez is the fiber artist, shepherd, and conservationist behind A Woolen Forest Farm, located in Minnesota. The focus of the farm is the preservation of wool crafts and textile arts through education and the conservation of heritage sheep breeds. The farm is home to a herd of Angora rabbits and a mixed flock of heritage breed sheep which include: Soay, Jacob, and Leicester Longwool. Alejandra is the co-president of the Three Rivers Fibershed and a member of the Livestock Conservancy. She teaches classes on spinning, wool processing, natural dyeing, heritage breed studies, and historically-based textile practices.

With Susan Kolstad and Alejandra Sanchez

Join Vesterheim and the Three Rivers Fibershed for an exploration of the history of socks. The evening’s presentation will cover socks in Vesterheim’s collection and will include information about their construction, style, and mending.

You can still register to receive a link to the online recording of the webinar.

Grab your drop spindle or spinning wheel and come spend a Saturday morning spinning wool with us!

What is Spin With Ewe? It is a specially-curated online event that includes a “roving flight” of various rovings milled by Theresa Bentz and Alejandra Sanchez at the Bentz Farm Mill. You will “taste” your flight of roving during the event and discuss the various sheep breeds with your fellow spinners and the shepherds.

The theme of this event is sock blends! Your flight will not only include heritage sheep breeds, but will also explore various sock blends so that you may spin your own sock yarn! The flight will be mailed to you prior to the event, which will take place via Zoom.

We hope to see ewe there!

If you would like to arrange local pick-up of your flight use discount code: LOCALSWE to save on shipping!

CLASS DATE/TIME:
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022
11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Grab your drop spindle or spinning wheel and come spend a Friday evening spinning wool with us!

What is Spin With Ewe? It is an intimate virtual event that includes a “roving flight” of various rovings milled by Theresa Bentz and Alejandra Sanchez at the Bentz Farm Mill. You will “taste” your flight of roving during the event and discuss the various sheep breeds with your fellow spinners and the shepherds.

The theme of this event is Winter Nights! Your flight will not only include heritage sheep breeds, but will also feature a roving flight curated to invoke the colors of Winter Nights, think of those moody blues, whites, and dark black shades. The flight will be mailed to you prior to the event, which will take place via Zoom.

We hope to see you there!

Photo credit: Drew Arrieta

Grab your drop spindle or spinning wheel and come spend a Saturday morning spinning wool with us!

What is Spin With Ewe? It is a specially-curated online event that includes a “roving flight” of various rovings milled by Theresa Bentz and Alejandra Sanchez at the Bentz Farm Mill. You will “taste” your flight of roving during the event and discuss the various sheep breeds with your fellow spinners and the shepherds.

The theme of this event is sock blends! Your flight will not only include heritage sheep breeds, but will also explore various sock blends so that you may spin your own sock yarn! The flight will be mailed to you prior to the event, which will take place via Zoom.

We hope to see you there!

Photo credit: Ashlee Gulden-Bennett

Beginning spin class Same class will be offered four times, pick your date. January 5, January 19, February 23, March 23 6-9pm. Member $48 / Non-Member $50. Are you captivated by images of spinners spinning wool into yarn on a drop spindle or spinning wheel, but feel it would be too difficult to learn? Spend a few hours at the Paradise Center for the Arts with two spinners/shepherds as we teach you the art of spinning yarn on a drop spindle.  We will have spindles to use, as well as the fiber to spin.  We will also have beginner spinner kits available for purchase if you fall deep into the fiber rabbit hole. Before the lesson starts, we will discuss the origins of spinning, the importance of textiles to cultures and agriculture. This is a very hands-on class, we will help you as you discover this art, and will be available to answer questions you may have. This class is offered four times, and for all levels of experience. Come as often as you need or want. Instructors: Theresa Bents and Alejandra Sanchez

Must be registered 3 days prior to the class date. To get registered email info@paradisecenterforthearts.org

Please note: The Paradise will be closed during the holidays so email responses will be delayed. If you would like me to manage your registration please email me at awoolenforest@gmail.com with your desired class dates.

Please join us at the Three Rivers Fibershed Holiday Pop-up Sale, happening this Saturday, December 18th from 11am-4pm.

We will have so much lovely local wool and fiber goodies available, supplied by your local shepherds and farmers! Come out and support local fiber this holiday season! Vendors joining us will include:

Autumn Larch Farm LLC
A Woolen Forest
Get Bentz Farm
First Draft Farms
Nordic Horn Cashmere
Orchard Acres Textiles
The LayZee Farmer
Social Park

Spin with Ewe is going on the road! Grab your drop spindle or spinning wheel and come spend a Sunday afternoon spinning wool with shepherds and the sheep, at Nash Lake Fiber Farm in Webster, MN where Amy raises Romney and Southdown Sheep. 

This small intimate event will feature a “roving flight” of various rovings from heritage breed sheep milled at the Bentz Farm Mill, that you can spin during the event and discuss with your fellow spinners and the millers and shepherds. We will spin in a spacious heated barn with the sheep and llama grazing nearby. Depending on the weather we will have a fire going outside and you are welcome to walk the grounds and enjoy the stunning views of the lake. Bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy a lovely Sunday, reconnecting with your fiber community and the amazing animals that bring you their wool.

Space is limited!! Reserve your spot below.

Spin with Ewe will take place at Nash Lake Fiber Farm from 11am-2pm on Sunday November 21st.

25545 Fairlawn Avenue, Webster, MN 55088

Nash Lake Fiber Farm is a fellow member of the Three Rivers Fibershed.

Come spend an afternoon on the farm immersing yourself in the magical world of natural dyes! Alejandra Sanchez of A Woolen Forest will be leading a natural dye workshop focusing on locally grown dye plants. We will walk you through the process of extracting beautiful colors from these plants and lead a discussion on the history and cultural significance of the plants. You will spend time in the dye garden learning about how each plant is grown and will have the opportunity to harvest the plants being used for the workshop. Each student will take home three 50g. skeins of naturally dyed yarn. All experience levels welcome! Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks/food/beverages.

The class is limited to 6 students.

Saturday 10/2 from noon-4pm

Location- Get Bentz Farm

30700 Northfield Blvd

Northfield MN 55057

THIS IS NOT A DEMONSTRATION. THIS IS A FULLY IMMERSIVE, HANDS-ON CLASS.

Come spend a summer afternoon on the farm immersing yourself in the magical world of natural dyes! We will be leading a natural dye workshop focusing on locally grown plants. We will walk you through the process of eco-printing plants on fabric through bundle dyeing. You will spend time in the garden learning about how each plant is grown and learning of their historical and cultural significance. We will also walk the through the forest exploring other plants we can use for our bundle dyeing. Next you will learn how to harvest the plants to use in your bundles for eco-printing. Each student will take home two eco-printed tea towels.

All experience levels welcome! Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks/food/beverages.

This class is limited to 6 students. It will take place on Friday 9/24 from 6pm-9pm.

This is not a demonstration. This is a fully immersive, hands-on class.

Spin with Ewe is going on the road! Grab your drop spindle or spinning wheel and come spend a Sunday spinning wool with shepherds and the sheep, at Holly Ridge Farm in Wisconsin where Patti and Rick Dougherty raise Leicester Longwool Sheep.

This small intimate event will feature a “roving flight” of various rovings from heritage breed sheep milled at the Bentz Farm Mill, that you can spin during the event and discuss with your fellow spinners and the millers and shepherds. We will spin in an idyllic heirloom apple orchard as the sheep graze in a nearby pasture and chickens meander through the garden. Bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy a lovely Sunday, reconnecting with your fiber community and the amazing animals that bring you their wool.

Spin with Ewe will take place at Holly Ridge Farm from 11am-2pm on Sunday September 12th.

N4324 410th St

Ellsworth, WI 54011

Holly Ridge Farm is a fellow member of the Three Rivers Fibershed.

Come spend a summer afternoon on the farm immersing yourself in the magical world of natural dyes! Alejandra Sanchez of A Woolen Forest will be leading a natural dye workshop focusing on locally grown dye plants. Alejandra will walk you through the process of extracting beautiful colors from these plants and lead a discussion on the history and cultural significance of the plants. You will spend time in the dye garden learning about how each plant is grown and will have the opportunity to harvest the plants being used for the workshop. Each student will take home three 50g. skeins of naturally dyed yarn. All experience levels welcome! Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks/food/beverages.

The class is limited to 6 students.

THIS IS NOT A DEMONSTRATION. THIS IS A FULLY IMMERSIVE, HANDS-ON CLASS.

Come spend a summer evening on the farm immersing yourself in the magical world of natural dyes! We will be leading a natural dye workshop focusing on locally grown plants. We will walk you through the process of eco-printing plants on fabric through bundle dyeing. You will spend time in the garden learning about how each plant is grown and learning of their historical and cultural significance. Next you will learn how to harvest the plants to use in your bundles for eco-printing. Each student will take home four eco-printed tea towels.

All experience levels welcome! Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks/food/beverages.

The class is limited to 6 students.

This is not a demonstration. This is a fully immersive, hands-on class.

Grab your drop spindle or spinning wheel and come spend a Sunday spinning wool with two shepherds and the sheep, on our farm. This small intimate event will feature a “roving flight” of various rovings milled by the two shepherds at the Bentz Farm Mill, that you can spin during the event and discuss with your fellow spinners and the shepherds.

We will spin under a canopy of trees as the sheep graze in the pasture nearby and the angora rabbits hop along beside you. Bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy a lovely Sunday, reconnecting with your fiber community and the amazing animals that bring you their wool.

This event will occur at A Woolen Forest Farm & Studio. We can only accommodate 10 spinners, and request that you are vaccinated if you want to remove your mask while outdoors. Each spinner will be a socially distant space apart, which gives enough room for the sheep to move between you as you spin. Feel free to bring apple treats for the sheep.

Buy your ticket now! Space is limited!