Workshops and other details...
The details you need to know about to have The Spinner’s Loft Experience...
The Beginner’s Workshop focuses on sheep’s wool. It starts with learning about fleece, properties of wool fibers, terminology, types of basic yarn, carding wool, spinning wool on a drop spindle, and practice. Then we move to the magic of the spinning wheel, techniques, plying singles, and more practice!
In The Exotic Fibers and Novelty Yarns Workshop you will learn the properties and qualities of various animal and vegetable fibers, techniques for handling and spinning them; then practice and plying to create exciting novelty yarns. You must be a very experienced spinner for this one.
The Intermediate Level Workshop is for anyone who would like to hone their skills and techniques, and get help with spinning or plying problems -- tension and drafting.
The Spinner’s Loft is a ‘cat-friendly place. Sorry, no cat-allergic people! If you have food allergies, or are vegetarian, please let us know.
You do not need to bring anything with you but clothing for warm and cool weather, walking shoes and swimming gear if those are activities you enjoy. A notebook would be a good idea.
All equipment and supplies will be provided. If you have your own wheel and carders you may bring them; let us know if you will be doing this.
Workshop Prices...
All Workshops are $100 CAD (Canadian dollars) per day. This includes 2 nutrition breaks and delicious, healthy, homemade lunch.
For deposits we accept U.S. or Canadian checks, and paypal, no credit cards; for bill payments U.S. or Canadian check, cash, paypal, no credit cards.
Supplies fees for all workshops are calculated by the weight of your finished yarns.
For the Intermediate Workshop you can bring all or some of your own fibers. If you need fibers supplied, let us know in advance; the fee depends on the type of and price of fibers needed .
25% of the workshop fee is required as a deposit upon registration. You may make payment by check or money order. The balance is due upon arrival.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation fee is 10% of total workshop price if canceled 1 month before date; if canceled less than 30 days before date, cancellation fee is 20% of total workshop price. If The Spinner's Loft cancels a workshop, total deposit is returned.
Workshop Schedule for 2009...
If traveling from afar, please arrive at accommodations of your choice the evening before start date; workshops begin at 9 A.M. Evenings may be spent in the studio for additional practice.
1. Beginner’s 2-days, 3-days, or 5-days, your choice
2. Intermediate can be 1 to 3 days, your choice
Advanced workshops, any number of days you require. If you are interested in either, please contact me and we will work something out.
I am not posting dates for 2009, but the Studio is open year-round for any type of workshop you see here. Please contact me -- I am relatively flexible! Please email me and I will send you my information letter.
I can also offer a 1 day workshop for you if you are interested in just having a fun experience of spinning, but you are not sure you want to commit to buying a wheel; this would be especially fun for a group of friends to come and spend the day together. Or escape the city Friday night and spend a 'hands-on' day here!
How To Get Here...
One hour from downtown Halifax, the capital city, or the Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).
Driving from Halifax, take the A. Murray McKay bridge to Dartmouth, follow Main Street to Highway 107 towards the Eastern Shore to the end, turn right into Musquodoboit* Harbour; drive along Highway 7 to Head of Jeddore, turn right at the West Jeddore Road; go 8 kms to The Spinner’s Loft. (*musk-o-dob-it, the name means narrow mouth that widens in the native Mik’maq language)
Pick up and return to the airport, each way, $55.
Accommodations...
We have two single rooms to let in the 19th century Cape house adjacent to the Studio. $75 per night includes a hearty breakfast and delicious dinner.
Jonah By The Sea Bed and Breakfast is lovely and just down the road. They have 2 double rooms and 1 single. Tell them you are attending a workshop here and they will give you a discount.
Contact them at: wjonah@accesswave.ca or see their website. or: BBCanada.com/associations/novascotia/
Margaret H. of Virginia said in August 2008, "I saw the ad in the back of the SpinOff magazine. Reviewing the website I got so excited; I thought this was exactly what I was looking for - an opportunity to improve my spinning skills and learn new techniques while visiting a beautiful area.
Although the website is great, it doesn't do the actual experience justice! I was able to greatly improve my spinning skills and work with interesting and exotic fibers. But, in addition, Leslie did a wonderful job of showing me the beautiful Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. The meals prepared by Leslie were not only delicious, they were healthy and nutritious, as well. It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end - I would recommend it to anyone who spins or has any interest in learning how!"
If you want to use Margaret as a reference, email her at mfh1229@aol.com
See you at The Spinner’s Loft! Come, have fun, and spin with us.
