MadWool on the Road: Teaching Beginning Spinning in Bridgeport, CT
Ashley Martineau
Mary (our Fiber Elf!) and I hit the road Thursday, August 20, to go teach 17 kids aged 6-13 a little about spinning. Thanks to Suzanne Kachmar of City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport, CT ( http://www.citylightsgallery.org/) for the invitation and organization (and pictures!). We taught the children at the Ralphola Taylor YMCA, and showed them first how to make drop spindles from CDs and dowels. Many were able to make yarn by themselves, or in teams. They watched (and helped) us spin yarn on a wheel, and loved getting yarn to wear as bracelets or necklaces. A couple of pictures from Suzanne:
Mary worked with the kids on her double treadle Baynes Wheel to help the kids spin yarn for necklaces/bracelets. They fell in love with fiber!
I showed the kids how to spin on my single treadle Louet S-10. Not shown: all the kids making their own yarn by treadling the wheel while I drafted! A few of the children loved the wool combs and different fibers. They were able to weave earlier in the week.
We had a wonderful time, and for two hours, 17 kids made yarn! They took home their drop spindles and fiber, so we hope they continue.
