Fleece to Fiber

Start where it actually begins — with freshly shorn (dirty) wool.

In **Fleece to Fiber**, we begin with raw, unwashed fleece and walk step-by-step through the transformation into usable yarn. This is a hands-on, practical class designed to build real confidence working with wool in its natural state.

You won’t just hear about the process — you’ll do it.

We Begin With Cleaning

Each participant will receive**raw, unwashed wool** to practice

* Cleaning

* Washing/scouring techniques that clean without felting

* Proper temperature control and handling

* Drying methods

Spinning in the Grease

Before everything is perfectly washed and fluffy, we’ll explore **spinning in the grease**: This gives you a real understanding of fiber behavior at different stages.

Carding Clean Wool

You will also receive **cleaned wool** to practice:

* Opening and fluffing fiber aka picking & flicking

* Combing & Hand carding

You’ll feel the difference between raw, washed, and fully prepared fiber — which is the key to discovering what kind of yarn you want to create.

From Fiber to Usable Product

We’ll finish by drafting and spinning prepared fiber into yarn using:

* Drop spindle (great for beginners)

* Spinning wheel (bring your own)

What You’ll Leave With

* Hands-on experience cleaning raw fleece

* Practice spinning both in the grease and from fiber you prepare

* Carded wool ready for spinning

* Confidence to process those fleeces you've been eyeing on your own

No prior experience required. All materials provided.

There is something deeply satisfying about working from fleece to finished fiber. Once you understand the whole process, you’ll never look at yarn the same way again.

Level: Beginner

Age Range: Adults, Teens (13-18), Kids (8-12)

Instructor: Kirsten Bonanza (Read Kirsten's bio)

Members: $100

Non Members: $120

Materials fee: $40 cash or venmo (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  Unwashed fleece, Washed fleece, soap, a mesh bag, a variety of carders and combs (to borrow)

Students should bring: Please bring drop spindles, and/or cards/ combs if you have them

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies