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2008 Workshops offered with Janel Laidman:

Getting the most from your painted roving.(1 day, 2 days or 3 days) A systematic approach to spinning painted rovings to get the color effects you want from them instead of wondering why they turned out the way they did. This class can be taught as a 1-day, 2-day or 3-day workshop. The 3-day workshop can be combined with hands-on dyeing if desired, or can be a completely 'dry' workshop. Students learn to analyse different ways of painting rovings, and how to maximize the effects they want. Students will learn several different techniques each day and come away with a detailed notebook on how to get particular effects from their painted roving.
Maximum number of students is 20.

Surface design in felt. (1 day or 2 days) This class is team-taught with felt artist Una Walker. An exploratory class in surface design in felting. Students will learn several different techniques each day to alter the structure, texture and color of handmade wet-felt. This class requires a location where water can be used, and which is cleanable. This class can be combined with a 3rd day of dyeing if desired. Students come away with a sampler book of different surface effects. Maximum number of students: 20 with both teachers.

Dyeing your own painted rovings. (1 day or 2 days) Get the benefit of the Chameleon Colorworks dye experience in this class on dyeing painted roving. Students will learn how to space dye, random dye, gradient dye and combine colors for gorgeous painted rovings and silk caps. This class requires a space which can be cleaned up after dyeing, a water source and electricity. It is ideal for an outdoor space with access to running water and an electrical outlet.
Maximum number of students: 15

Beginning spinning. (1 day) Wheels or spindles! The editor of Spindlicity will show you how to get your whorls to cooperate. The one day wheel class includes a discussion of the mechanics of spinning with a special section on spinning wheel mechanics, ratios, and twist. The one day spindle class covers spindle mechanics and types of spindles and will get you making yarn on your spindle. This class can be combined with a second day of intermediate spinning.
Maximum number of students: 15

Intermediate spinning. (1 day) Wheels or spindles! This one day class discusses the difference between the long draw and the short draw and the difference in your yarn. Learn to spin a variety of fibers and which method is best for each type of fiber. Let your wheel ratios work for you, by choosing the proper ratios for the fiber you are spinning. Spindlers will learn the supported spindle technique and spindling efficiency. Each student receives a packet of different fibers to try. Students should already know some basics of spinning and plying.
Maximum number of students: 15

Designer yarns.(1 day) Wheels or spindles! Learn to make boucle, chenille, flame yarns and other novelty yarn structures. The class begins with a firm foundation in ply structure and a tutorial on spinning thick and thin singles. The spindle version of the class shows you how you can use a supported Navajo spindle to do many of the things you only thought were possible with a wheel.
Maximum number of students: 15

Spinning for socks (1 day) Learn what makes a sock yarn that is durable and comfortable. Includes a discussion of ply structures, and fiber blends for particular sock properties including durability, moisture wicking and antibacterial control!
Maximum number of students: 20

Hi-tech fibers (1 day) Try your hand at spinning some of the new fibers that have come on the market in recent years. Learn the properties of the fibers and how to use them to their maximum advantage. Each student will come away with a notebook with a variety of fiber samples and spun samples.
Maximum number of students: 20

LECTURE ONLY

The Chemistry of Dyeing (1 hour plus discussion). This is a lecture with powerpoint presentation on the history and chemistry of synthetic dyes. Learn how synthetic dyes were created, how pH affects your dyes, the physics of color, proper methods for different classes of dyes and interesting bits about the history of color. A small amount of information on natural dyes will be presented, however this is not a lecture on natural dyeing methods.
Maximum number of students: unlimited

* Whenever travel is combined with other dates in the same area I will split travel costs among the different booking guilds or groups. I am happy to stay with a local host for lodging so lodging costs can be minimized in most cases.

2008 Travel schedule (see if I'm already coming to your area!)