There are fewer than 80 spaces total for this incredible handspinning experience! Spend four days expanding your skills and deepening your passion for spinning alongside a warm, spirited community of fellow spinners. Learn from some of the greatest spinning teachers and fiber artists in the world, including
(click here to read full bios):
You’ll study with accomplished fiber arts teachers, connect with fellow spinners from around the world, and relax in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
All accommodations, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, classes, materials fees, and evening events are included, but space is limited. Tickets start at $2,799.99 for the full retreat.
Participants will be invited to choose classes on a first-purchased, first-choice basis. Attendees will receive a link to build your schedule by July 14, 2023.
We will offer full refunds for any reason until July 29, 2023 (90 days prior to the event).
Have additional questions about the classes? Curious which ones are beginner friendly?
Contact us at support@longthreadmedia.com
Spinning wheels are marvelous machines and in this intensive workshop, we’ll cover how they work. There will be spinning exercises to remove the mystery from drive mechanisms, drive ratios, drafting, twist, take-up tension, and wheel maintenance. We will also address some issues related to your biomechanics/anatomy and the mechanical characteristics of various spinning fibers. Along the way, participants will be introduced to concepts of mechanics, such as force, torque, angular momentum, and friction in a non-mathematical way.
Spinning wheel in good working order, three bobbins, and a lazy kate.
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Explore drafting techniques and fiber preparations that cover the range from the smoothest worsted to the loftiest woollen yarns. One extreme creates firm, hard-wearing yarns with crisp definition, and the other maximizes softness and warmth (and feels like magic to spin!). This skill-builder class covers four drafts—short-worsted draw to woollen long draw and two in-between drafts—plus carding and combing techniques to go with them. We’ll spin them all and examine the appropriate fibers, preparations, and yarn characteristics for each.
Single-drive (Scotch tension) spinning wheel or espinner, handcards appropriate for wool, and wool combs.
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Some wool combs will be available to borrow.
Looking for socks that don’t slouch and sweaters that hold their shape? Devin adores working with fleeces from sheep breeds such as Tunis, Hog Island, CVM/Romeldale, and more to create different types of hardwearing textiles. Join Devin for two days of fiber selection, preparation, spinning, and plying in pursuit of yarns—both coarse and fine—that last. You will explore fleeces from a curated group of down and other sheep breeds whose properties make them particularly suited to making durable knits and wovens when intentionally combined with different preparation and spinning techniques.
Spinning wheel/espinner in good working order and three bobbins, or several spindles; lazy kate or equivalent; handcards; and note-taking materials.
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Fractal yarns make great use of dyed fibers to make complex color repeats in our handspun. Heavenly will help you take your fractal spinning knowledge to new heights as you learn how to create unique two-ply and three-ply fractals with dyed top and batts! In this workshop, Heavenly will discuss practical ways to use color theory when choosing dyed top and how various dye methods influence the outcome of the fractal. She will also demonstrate spinning techniques for creating these yarns, including a new way to spin across the top and tips for maximizing color control while spinning from the fold. The final demonstration involves creating unique fractal batts on a drumcarder and preparing them for spinning. Join Heavenly as she brings a fresh approach to fractal spinning to help you create those self-striping yarns you really want.
Spinning wheel/espinner in working order with at least four bobbins and a lazy kate (or equivalent).
Small or travel niddy noddy and spinner’s control card.
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More than just protecting against winter cold, handcoverings are a way for a spinner to pamper hardworking hands and show off some treasured yarns. Starting with a look at traditional mittens and gloves in Kate’s collection, this class will explore how modern handcoverings can make the best use of handspun yarn. Understanding how fiber, yarn design, and knitted gauge intersect will help you create handcoverings that feel wonderful and wear like iron. We will spin a variety of fibers, talk about how to make the best use of each fiber’s unique characteristics, and create handspun and project plans geared to your skill level. Bring your needles, try a few unusual cast-ons, and also learn some creative mending techniques.
Spinning wheel/espinner in good working order, or several spindles; lazy kate or equivalent; and handcards. You will need knitting needles and supplies for class, and the instructor will be in touch with further details.
Knitting patterns, fibers, or handspun to discuss with Kate; sample (travel) niddy noddy; and extra wheel bobbins.
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Have you ever wanted to make images using your handspun yarns? Tapestry weaving is a marvelous way to turn small bits of handspun into enchanting small tapestries using a portable loom. We’ll learn what sorts of yarns work best for tapestry weaving and how to spin them. Bring handspun yarns you’re curious about to discuss and practice with and practice spinning and weaving your own during the class.
Whatever spindles or wheels you usually use and related equipment. Bring handcards or a flick carder if possible.
Small portable frame loom, tapestry fork, small tapestry bobbin, and shed stick.
The instructor will provide a Mirrix Saffron loom with tools to use during class.
Mixing yarns has never been so much fun! This workshop welcomes spinners and nonspinners alike, beginning with an in-depth discussion of yarn: twist, plies, and strength. We will delve into the construction of yarn, both handspun and commercial. You will bring yarn you would like to experiment with, and we will create a beautiful mixed-warp scarf to weave and wear. Warping the loom with a partner during class takes the fear out of setting up your loom, and Stephanie will offer strategies for designing warps with a variety of yarns. Your weaving journey will be interspersed with mini lessons, such as how to make use of complementary wefts, to help you get the most out of this intensive workshop.
Willingness to learn! Also bring any note-taking devices you prefer; yarns, either handspun or commercial, that you would like to use during class or discuss with the instructor; darning needles; scissors; and reading glasses if needed.
Rigid-heddle loom with all its parts and tools if you prefer to use your own.
Rigid-heddle looms will be provided for use during class.
Spend two days with Navajo weaver TahNibaa Naataanii learning how to skirt and prepare fleece for spinning on a traditional Navajo lap spindle. You will learn how to card wool using handcards, and TahNibaa will introduce a few blending techniques used to achieve other natural colors from white, brown, and black Navajo Churro wool. You will learn how to “soft spin,” a technique that creates a pencil roving, which is a common practice among Navajo handspinners. Join us as we explore using the lap spindle to spin various weight of wool—fine to medium to bulky weights—used in traditional Navajo weaving. TahNibaa will bring some of her handspun, handwoven textiles for you to see, and you’ll leave class with inspiration for your own creative journey.
Handcards, Navajo spindle, apron, patience, and enthusiasm.
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If you would like to preorder a spindle from TahNibaa, contact her at tahnibaaweavings@gmail.com.
Come spin Targhee, a true sheep of the West. Developed in Dubois, Idaho, Targhees were bred to survive and thrive in the arid areas of the western United States. Targhee is considered a finewool with a micron range of 21–28 microns and a staple length of 3–5 inches. Maggie will discuss the history of the breed and strategies for washing finewools, and then you’ll take this fiber for a spin: carding, combing, and spinning. Explore worsted and woolen, and those beautiful yarns in between. You will also have the opportunity to sample some prepared Targhee fiber and blends, leaving class with a set of samples and ideas for using this delightful, soft, bouncy wool of the West.
Spinning wheel/espinner in good working order and at least three bobbins, or several spindles; lazy kate or equivalent; and handcards (fine if possible).
Viking or mini wool combs.
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Have additional questions about the classes? Curious which ones are beginner friendly?
Contact us at support@longthreadmedia.com
Learn to prepare and spin Navajo Churro wool with Navajo weaver TahNibaa Naataanii. Using several colors of fleece, you will learn how to card wool using handcards as well as how to spin wool straight from the uncarded fleece. The Navajo lap spindle is a large supported spindle that pairs perfectly with Churro for creating the yarns used in traditional Navajo weaving. TahNibaa will introduce you to some of the traditional materials and tools used in her work, and you will have a chance to see some of her handspun, handwoven textiles up close.
Handcards, Navajo spindle, apron, patience, and enthusiasm.
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If you would like to preorder a spindle from TahNibaa, contact her at tahnibaaweavings@gmail.com.
We will have discussions about the characteristics, stories, and histories of Japanese indigo dye and Kakishibu-Persimmon dye. Then we will try dyeing natural fabrics together with Bengara from Japan. Bengara mud-mineral dye is such a unique sustainable way of dyeing colors using less water than other immersion dyes. Natural dyeing enthusiasts and curious individuals are welcome! No dyeing experience required.
Wear an apron, clothes, and shoes that you don’t care about getting stained.
Handspun to dye during class (about 2 ounces or less).
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We’ve all eyed the fur of our beloved canines and may have even spun some. This workshop introduces you to something different: the fur from wolf-dog hybrids, living in sanctuary near Kris in Colorado. These beautiful animals have a wide range of fur, and it’s all spinnable! This fiber is different than canine fur; it’s warmer and has some wonderful and challenging characteristics. Kris will briefly touch on why these animals live in sanctuary, and then we will experience the unique properties of their fur. Kris has been working with this fur for years and is excited to discuss techniques that have worked well for her when preparing, blending, and spinning wonderfully warm creations.
Spinning wheel in working order, three bobbins, and lazy kate. You will also need handcards for this class.
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Soft, handmade buttons created using linen thread and bits of cloth were made in Dorset, England, as early as the beginning of the seventeenth century. Come learn about the history of these special buttons, how they were traditionally made, and how we can adapt them for very modern uses. Do you have trouble finding buttons worthy of your handmade garments? Kate will show you handspun sweaters and accessories sporting Dorset-style buttons and discuss how to adapt the techniques learned in class to design your own buttons. Starting with Blandford Cartwheels, you will learn to make several ring-style, thread-wound buttons and leave class with a few finished buttons, extra rings to try at home, and a “finger” of antique flax strick to spin for traditional Dorset buttons.
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Just bring yourself to class. Kate will provide all supplies needed.
Book- and briefcase-style charkhas—largely used for spinning cotton singles—are captivating, self-contained little devices. However, the learning curve can feel steep. Learn tips and tricks to begin a charkha practice: exploring multiple types and preparations of cotton to find your best fit, understanding adjustments and lubrication, seated positions and ergonomics, troubleshooting, yarn handling, the beauty of corn-husk bearings, and more. Learn to listen to your charkha, tune it like an instrument, and adjust your movements to spin in harmony.
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If you have a book or box charkha, feel free to bring it.
Charkhas will be provided for use during class.
Fractal yarns with complex color repeats are often created with dyed combed tops, but in this session you will learn how to achieve fractal color effects using a blending board prep. Blending boards allow spinners to explore color interactions and intentional color placement, and Heavenly will share her approach to planning and creating these blends so you can explore your own color sequences for fractal spinning. You are invited to explore gradients and textured add-ins that will make your rolags stand out, and Heavenly will share a new approach to applying fiber to the board that results in loftier rolags. You’ll leave this session with new ways to approach the blending board and how to create rolags for fractal spinning.
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Spindle, spinning wheel, or espinner in good working order for sampling rolags, if time permits.
Blending boards will be provided for use during class.
The spinners of Orenburg transform the downy undercoats of cashmere-type goats into delicate two-ply lace yarns using supported spindles in unique ways. In this afternoon session, you will learn how to ply the singles spun in the morning session in the Orenburg way, winding very fine silk thread and handspun singles onto a spindle before plying. Galina will discuss how the yarns are traditionally finished and show exquisite knitted-lace pieces to inspire your spinning.
*Prerequisite: You must take Galina’s morning spindle-spinning class in order to sign up for this afternoon plying class. Contact us if you have questions.
Old kitchen towel; note-taking materials.
Russian spindle or other supported spindle.
Supported spindles will be provided for use during class.
To spin the fine, ultrasoft fibers used to make Orenburg lace yarn, spinners use a one-piece wooden spindle. No whorl, no hook—just a simple, straight spindle supported in a bowl. Learn to spin incredible yarns from short luxury fibers—and even discover how some spinners use their spindles in a suspended mode. Galina will discuss some of the traditions of the Orenburg artisans and how they used fine goat-down fibers to create sumptuous knitted lace. You will have a chance to see some of Galina’s finished lace during class.
Old kitchen towel; note-taking materials.
Russian spindle or other supported spindle.
Supported spindles will be provided for use during class.
Longdraw spinning on a spindle can be comfortable, speedy, and fun with a bit of practice. Drafting with a longdraw means that the twist is between your hands, so suspended-spindle spinning with this drafting style can feel a bit risky at first. Devin will walk you through ways to manage the twist, fiber, and spindle while creating a delightful yarn. Devin, who is often seen spinning in this way while chatting at gatherings or out walking at fiber retreats, invites you to “trust the twist” and relax into spindle spinning.
Suspended spindle. Both top and bottom whorl spindles work well with this technique.
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Expand your rigid-heddle weaving with a collection of techniques that add great texture to plain weave. Angela will introduce you to patterns that can be created with one and two pick-up sticks, as well as how to work with multiple shuttles. Honeycomb, simple twills, and textured weaves await!
Tapestry needle.
If you wish to use your own loom, Angela will send warping instructions prior to class. You will need a pre-warped rigid-heddle loom, minimum 6" weaving width; weft yarn (same as warp), 40 yd; contrasting yarn, 5 yd; two stick shuttles; two pick-up sticks; and tapestry needle.
Pre-warped looms will be available to use during class along with required equipment.
Add texture and light to your weaving with a collection of hand-manipulated lace, including leno, Brooks Bouquet, Danish Medallion, and variations. Angela will show you how to create laces that can be used for decorative borders, repeating motifs, or all-over patterns. These techniques are equally suited to rigid-heddle and multi-shaft looms. Warped rigid-heddle looms will be available for use during class. If you wish to bring your own loom, Angela will provide warping instructions prior to class.
Crochet hook and a tapestry needle.
If you wish to use your own loom, Angela will send warping instructions prior to class. You will need a pre-warped rigid-heddle loom, minimum 6" weaving width; weft (same as warp), 40 yd; contrasting yarn, 5 yd; two stick shuttles; pick-up stick.
Pre-warped looms will be available to use during class along with required equipment.
Silk hankies are a “mawata” silk that consists of very thin layers of silk squares. We will learn strategies for preparing these hankies for spinning, and then we will spin them using various strategies, including chain plying. We will cover strategies for making your hands smooth to minimize snagging of silk, discuss various uses of silk hankies and yarns spun from them, and spin hankies from Bombyx mori silkworms as well as from other “wild” silkworms.
Spinning wheel/espinner in good working order and three bobbins, or several spindles; lazy kate (or equivalent).
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To predraft or not to predraft, that is the question! Maggie’s answer is, as usual, “It depends.” To say there is a difference of opinion in the spinning community about predrafting may be an understatement, but she thinks it is a useful technique. Predrafting is a skill, so this workshop will start with practicing the technique. Maggie will help you examine the difference between non-predrafted and predrafted samples to see how it affects the yarn or project. You will have a chance to spin a variety of fibers before and after predrafting so you will have your own answer to the question, “To predraft or not to predraft?”
Spinning wheel/espinner in good working order and three bobbins, or several spindles; lazy kate or equivalent; and handcards.
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Amy Tyler has degrees in modern dance, kinesiology, and physiology. Her art and science backgrounds give her a keen understanding of learning and analyzing movement skills, composition, pattern recognition, and systematic exploration. She translates that understanding into practical approaches to spinning and knitting techniques. She teaches spinning and knitting at venues across the country and is well-known for her animated and engaging teaching style. Amy has had numerous articles published in Spin Off and PLY, and has also been published in Interweave Knits and Handwoven. In addition, she has authored several instructional videos available through Long Thread Media, including her new online course Spinning Wheel Mechanics. You can find out more about her work on her website, stonesockfibers.com.
Angela Schneider is both a techie and an artist—but above all, she’s a teacher. As Long Thread Media’s project editor, she checks and double-checks project instructions in an impressive range of fiber arts. Her designs have regularly appeared in Handwoven and Little Looms magazines, and she has created everything from delicate jewelry to massive weaving installations in public spaces. With a background balancing programming, engineering, and art, plus a Master Spinner Certificate from Olds College, she relishes getting down in the details to understand a textile. One of her greatest joys is teaching and watching someone’s eyes light up with understanding.
Devin Helmen (they/them) has been immersed in fiber since learning to spin at age eight. They spin, knit, and weave in beautiful Minnesota. Devin enjoys writing and teaching about fiber arts and has a passion for spindles and everyday textiles. Their focus is on making useful textiles from natural materials in a way that is informed by history and celebrates the materials. Devin’s fiber ambition is to be surrounded by handspun textiles and they work toward furnishing a handspun household and building a handmade wardrobe. They blog, intermittently, at afewgreenfigs.blogspot.com.
Galina A. Khmeleva is the owner of Skaska Designs and the author of two books, several videos, and many articles about the history and techniques of Orenburg lace shawls. A former clothing and costume designer who worked with the aristocracy of St. Petersburg’s music and theater society, Galina has championed the work of Orenburg’s textile artisans for decades. Learn more at galinakhmeleva.com and on Instagram @galina_khmeleva_lace.
Heavenly Bresser is an award-winning handspinner, teacher at major fiber events, spinning wheel collector and restorer, and the founder of Heavenly Knitchet. She is excited to share her love of knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, and all things fiber related with the world. Some of her areas of passion include the love for working with color, working from fleece, and researching historic information for antique spinning wheels. Heavenly has made it her mission to help fiber artists of all levels expand their knowledge in their craft and to try new things. Learn more at heavenlyknitchet.com.
Kate Larson (she/her) is the editor of Spin Off and loves using fiber arts as a bridge between her passions for art and agriculture. She keeps a flock of Border Leicester sheep and teaches handspinning and knitting throughout the United States. Kate is the author of The Practical Spinner's Guide: Wool (Interweave, 2015), many articles and patterns, and several videos, including How to Spin on a Charkha (Long Thread Media, 2022).
Kris Paige has been spinning for nearly 40 years since she discovered it soothed the chaos from yet another move. Her personal discovery that wolf fur was spinnable struck when she was working as a vet tech in 2006 and was brushing off her scrubs. Since then, she’s spun, knitted, and woven a variety of things, all to help her local wolf sanctuary raise funds to continue their work. The fur she works with is from domestic wolf-dog hybrids (so no worries about the Endangered Species Act). Kris discovered early on that this fur is unlike spinning her beloved canines’ fur, and that it’s even warmer than that of the llamas in the back yard.
Maggie Casey has been addicted to spinning since the last century, and while some people are proud of their wine cellars, she much prefers her basement full of fleece. Maggie was co-owner of Shuttles Spindles & Skeins in Boulder, Colorado, until it closed in 2020. She teaches at the Estes Park Wool Market, Harrisville Designs, John C. Campbell Folk School, Maryland Sheep & Wool, PlyAway, and SOAR. She holds Part 1 of HGA’s Certificate of Excellence in Handspinning and is the author of Start Spinning, many articles, and several videos and courses from Long Thread Media.
Maki Teshima is a botanical-dye fiber artist. Born and raised in Japan, she studied botanical drawing, painting, and printmaking at Corcoran College of Art in Washington, D.C. She learned natural dyeing techniques at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Textile Art Center, and private studios in Kyoto, Japan. In early 2021, Maki relocated to Denver, Colorado, after living in New York City for 15 years, where she worked as a textile surface designer for various fashion companies. She actively organizes natural dyeing workshops and teaches at various places, such as the Denver Art Museum and Denver Botanic Gardens. Learn more at tomorrowisalwaysnew.com.
Rebecca Mezoff (she/her) has been weaving magic carpets for well over a decade now. She is a contemporary tapestry weaver working exclusively with her own hand-dyed yarns and occasionally with her own handspun. Rebecca has a studio in Fort Collins, Colorado, and teaches tapestry weaving online at rebeccamezoff.com. She also offers free information on how to weave tapestries on her blog at rebeccamezoff.com/blog.
Stephanie Flynn Sokolov is a fiber fanatic experienced in teaching and motivating students in many fiber arts. She has a diverse expert background that includes spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, and dyeing. Her interest in learning about fiber arts started at a very young age, and she trained in accessory design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Stephanie continues expanding her expertise by seeking out the best in the industry. Her online weaving class can be found on craftsy.com and online spinning classes on Schacht School of Textile Arts. Stephanie is co-author of the book Woven Scarves: 26 Inspired Designs for the Rigid Heddle Loom with Jane Patrick. Her other projects can be found in Spin Off, The Weaver’s Idea Book, and Little Looms. She loves to spread her contagious enthusiasm for fiber with everyone she meets and vows that students are sure to find inspiration in any class she teaches.
As a fifth-generation Navajo weaver, TahNibaa Naataanii creates as her ancestors did, using a traditional vertical Navajo loom. As a young girl, she was given the Navajo name of TahNibaa Atlo'iigii, which means “TahNibaa the Weaver.” Her mother, Sarah Natani, is a past SOAR instructor. TahNibaa has been weaving since the age of seven, apart from a tour of duty in the United States Navy. Her weavings are made from a combination of handspun wool from her flock of Navajo Churro sheep, millspun wool, and sometimes other fibers such as silk, Merino, feathers, leather, and hemp. She says, “I am influenced by my surroundings, by the sunrise, the landscapes, my dreams, my community, and my family heritage of weavers. When I weave, I feel the presence of my grandmothers.” Learn more at tahnibaanavajoweavings.artspan.com.
We were lucky enough to bring Tiffany Warble onsite to capture some memories of SOAR 2022!
SOAR class options will be announced in mid-March. Participants will be invited to choose classes on a first-purchased, first-choice basis.
Treenway Silks is where spinners find the silk they love. Select from the largest variety of silk spinning fibers, silk yarn, and silk threads & ribbons at www.TreenwaySilks.com. You'll discover a rainbow of colors, thoughtfully hand-dyed in Colorado. Love natural? Treenway's array of wild silks provide choices beyond white. If you love silk, you'll love Treenway Silks where superior quality and customer service are guaranteed.
The Yarn Barn of Kansas has been supplying Knitters, Weavers, Spinners, and all fiber crafters and artists with yarn, patterns, equipment, and accessories since 1971. Whether you are around the corner from us in downtown Lawrence Kansas, or around the country, the Yarn Barn truly is your "local yarn store" with an experienced staff to answer all your questions. Call us today at 800-468-0035 or visit our website at www.yarnbarn-ks.com to shop, learn, and explore.
Greenwood Fiberworks is an indie dye company that specializes in hand-dyed luxury fibers and yarns. We carry a selection of yak, camel, merino, bamboo, blends, and more, all celebrating our love of spinning and fiber. When we aren't in Utah dyeing fiber, we are on the road, and look forward to meeting you this October in Colorado at SOAR. Visit us atwww.greenwoodfiberworks.com
Visit Eugene Textile Center's retail shop for equipment and materials for the fiber arts, as well as studios for weaving and surface design. They offer classes and studio support for anyone with an interest in handweaving, surface design on cloth, and other non-woven fiber techniques.
We have been designing handweaving and handspinning equipment since 1969. It's been pleasurable and challenging to learn how closely our products tie in with the craftsperson's work. We realize that the quality of this work depends on the quality of our tools.
Long Thread Media serves content for the handspinning, handweaving, and traditional needlework communities online, in person, and in print. The company was founded by Linda Ligon, Anne Merrow, and John Bolton to publish Handwoven, Little Looms, PieceWork, and Spin Off, as well as offer information, education, and community to crafters in those fields.
SOAR is brought to you by Long Thread Media LLC.
