february Newsletter

Groundhog Day. I'm always confused about the shadow/no shadow thing and what it all means. What I do know is there is plenty of spinning to do and lots of weaving and in a couple of months there will be new fleeces to be had and added to the fleece room! I love shearing season. Love it! In the mean time here's some fun stuff. Just in is a Schacht Matchless Cherry Bulky Flyer. We've also still got one of each of Abby Franquemont's videos in stock now. These videos are sold out everywhere and soon to be sold out at the Loft. The teacher line up for 2010 is stupendous! We have dates for most teachers and details as far as cost and topics will be coming soon for the instructors. The new Buy in Bulk Program is a great way to make sure you get your fiber on sale any time you like. Also new this year.....We have always loved giving bonus gifts to those who bought equipment from us. Now we're going one step further and making it more fun for you. Keep reading for details! Classes!!!! Private Lessons - If there's something you want to learn or improve as far as spinning or weaving, just call and set up an appointment. We can work in a lesson to suit your schedule. Beginning Spinning - 4 weeks $80 - includes materials Saturdays February 27, March 6, 13, and 20th From 10AM to 11:30 AM In this class we will learn the basics of spinning. Students are welcome to use wheels or spindles. We will cover drafting, wheel mechanics, basic plying, learn the differences between woolen and worsted and try a bunch of fibers to see what you love. This is always a fun class. And it is a relaxed way to learn and build your skills quickly. Spinning fiber will be provided during class. Home practice fiber is not included. Minimum of 2 students. Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving - 2 weeks $65 - Plus Materials Fridays February 19 and March 5 from 10 AM to 1 PM Learn to plan, direct warp and weave a plain weave scarf or table runner on your rigid heddle loom. You will do this project from warping to finishing and have a lovely usable item at the end along with a lovely new relationship with your loom. Class meets 2 times. Materials are not included in the class fee. Ply, Ply, Ply Beth $30 - 02/13/2010 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM You've got the 2 ply down and would like to expand your plying arsenal. Let's try 3 or more ply, Andean, and Navajo. We will look at the benefits and uses for each method. Please come to class with 3 bobbins partially full as well as one empty bobbin. Minimum 2 Students Drafting Methods Beth $45 - includes materials 02/25/2010 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM Lets look at a wide range of drafting methods and talk about why and how to use each one. Having three or four methods to choose from can change your spinning life and help you get to the yarn you want. Minimum 2 Students Weave a Kimono Jacket Gisela Bosch $240 - Plus Materials Saturday March 13 10AM to 3PM Friday May 7 and Saturday May 8th 10AM to 4PM The goal is to come out with a jacket made with handwoven fabric and to learn how to make other garments using handwoven fabric. We will be spending the first day, Jan 30, with planning the garment, the warp and the threading. You should leave that day with the dimensions for your warp, color placement ideas and your yarn ordered. We will be working with Cotton that Beth will order for us. You then have six weeks to weave and finish your fabric. Then on March 12th and 13th we will get together and actually finish the jackets. You may have some embellishments to do at home it depends on what you want. We have had a lot of interest with this class and I hope you can join us. Out of Town Here's the ever growing list of who will be flying in this year: March 26, 27, 28 Sara Lamb Knotted Pile - this class is sold out May 1 and 2 (Saturday and Sunday) Abby Franquemont Wheel vs Spindle 10AM to 4PM $220 This class will focus on the strengths and weeknesses of both Spinning Wheels and Spindles. Be prepared to learn lots of techniques to improve your spinning with both tools. Also come with an open mind and start to dispel some spinning myths. Bring a spinning wheel in working condition as well as a suspended (drop)spindle or two you want to improve with. participants should be able to make yarn with both a wheel and spindle but expertise is not required. Cost includes fibers for spinning. Bring lunch or chip in for carry out. June 25 and 26 (Friday evening and Saturday) Maggie Casey Still working out the class details. August 13, 14, 15 Galina Khmeleva Friday evening will be Russian Spindle Spinning followed by 2 full days of Orenburg Warm Shawl construction November 12 and 13 Deb Robson Still working on the details but something about breeds is in the works. Check out Deb's Blog at http://www.independentstitch.typepad.com/ Watch this newsletter for more classes. Currently we are also working on scheduling Denny McMillan, Amy King and Micheal Cook. It's going to be a busy year! WooHoo! Equipment Bonus! So any of you who have bought a wheel or loom from us in the past know that we always love to give you a gift or two. Well, we've decided to sort of change the way it works...for the better. Beginning in 2010 any purchase of a wheel or loom over $300 will receive a gift certificate work 10% of the purchase price of that piece of equipment. The certificate is good for any in stock items and can be used in the shop or as an online purchase. This is going to be so fun.

So come in to the shop or shop online and mark your calendars for some great fiber stuff this year. Sincerely, Beth Smith Spinning Loft ltd 517-540-1344

Save Up to 20%

New for 2010. A Bulk Buy Program. So here's how it works. There are three discount levels. Purchase your discount level and spend your credit throughout the year. Wensleydale Level - Spend $300 plus tax and get $375 worth of Fiber Rambouillet Level - Spend $212.50 plus tax and get $250 worth of Fiber Oxford Level - Spend $112.50 plus tax and get $125 worth of Fiber You do not have to spend your credit right away. We will keep track for you. All Spinning Fiber and Yarn does qualify! This offer is not good on sale merchandise, tools or equipment. Even if you are an Online Customer you can do this with us. Just email or call and we will ship your order right out! Call or email if you'd like more details.