Monday, April 18, 2011

Sheep to Shawl

Yesterday I did a fiber program for the library. They have had a knitting club since we opened the facility in 2005, and it was the sponsor of this group who asked if I'd be willing to do a presentation. The group has grown and become much more skilled at knitting so this is the array I brought to cover in my talk.
At my suggestion they called the program Sheep-to-Shawl - lots of wiggle room. I was a little taken back when I saw the flier noting that I'd be talking about everything, from raising llamas to making felt, since I know little about either. I planned to start with sheep breeds, S crimp and M crimp wools and fiber preparation. I also wanted to show the simple and invaluable tools like a lazy kate and a niddy noddy.
From there I wanted to move to drop spindles and then the actual spinning wheel. At that point I took my Lendrum its bag and set it up. On the second semi-nice day of Spring, 29 ladies had come to listen to me, and about at this point they became comfortable enough to volunteer questions. I moved to making color in your own yarns and everything was a sample to be passed. If I skipped a step or was unclear, I'd get a question. After showing how the wheel works, I was asked about plying. I had the three bobbins from my current project and thought - really. How much yarn would I lose if I showed how this works. And then I moved into felting, an area I'm not comfortable with. Thanks to great instructors like Mim and Amy, I actually did a credible job with both wet and needle felting.

I had been adding things to the dining room table as I thought of them when I started getting this together a couple weeks ago, but nothing more happened while Alexia was here. I finalized the presentation and what I needed to bring while I was taking my shower yesterday morning. Yea for shower thoughts!

This table was just a display table to demon-
strate how I have used handspun yarns. I hadn't planned to pass these articles around, but the questions I got were better demonstrated by showing, rather than telling.
One of the library staff took this "action" picture. I was flattered when they asked if I give classes. I told them all I know - Fiber 101. I think the ultimate form of flattery was that people hung around to talk and ask questions for another hour. Between my drive time and set-up, I missed lunch. I gassed up at Costco at 4:00 and then ran inside for a hotdog. Does that tell you hungry I was?!!!!

13 comments:

Cindie said...

looks like you had a wonderful display of items to show. I'm glad it was such a success - folks staying around to talk after really means they were interested.

Michelle said...

It sounds like you did a WONDERFUL job of showing them nearly everything related to fiber! They were a lucky bunch of ladies, and they realized it.

LA said...

I would have loved that presentation! Sounds like you did a great job!

Theresa said...

I would have loved to attend that presentation too! It sounds like it was fantastic. The display table certainly was bountiful and one can't help but admire all your skills. I know I do. LOL, a Costco hot dog eh...no good deed goes unpunished I guess. ;)

Valerie said...

Wow....sounds like an excellent presentation!! You were certainly well prepared for that audience.

Bet you have some new BFF's as a result!

Jody said...

It sounds like you really enjoyed teaching. Lucky students!!! Your work is very beautiful and well done!

Two Guys and a Loom said...

Wow Sharon.... Nice job, the pieces that you shared are all lovely. I'm sure the group enjoyed your presentation very much!

Anonymous said...

The presentation sounds fantastic! How good of a library to host this.

Nina said...

What a great presentation! I'll bet all the attendees were thrilled. You covered a lot of information. Way to go.. well, too bad about the hot dog, hehehe

bspinner said...

Congrats on a great job demonstrating and teaching everything fiber related. It's not easy but you've pulled it off. Your table display is holding alot of your beautiful things.

Leigh said...

What a fantastic idea for an educational display. So many folks don't have a clue about where things like shawls come from!

Purple Fuzzy Mittens said...

Great display!! I bet we see some of your students at our next Guild meeting!

Benita said...

I wish I had been there! I'll bet you did an awesome job, and if you whetted some fiber appetites while demonstrating, woohoo!!!!