Spinning flax into ... gold?
A few weeks back I attended Colleen's Wildrose Fibres Retreat. The weather was glorious (sunny,crisp, autumn crackling) the food delicious, the company fascinating, and the classes? As always a pure delight. I arrived with the original intent of just knitting and listening. That lasted approximately 5 1/2 seconds. My first class was all about prep and spinning of flax and hemp. Chuck (above) was our fearless leader. I learned alot, and actually discovered that spinning flax isn't as difficult as I had thought.
Fiesta supper - Time for margaritas (sans booze)!
Day Two - Donna teaches us all about llamma and alpaca
I have to admit - other than a bag of dusty alpaca someone once gave me as a freebie, I have very little experience with camelids. This was an excellent primer. Working with great quality product always improves the experience. I was amazed how well the alpaca blended with other fibres.
This is an alpaca / dyed silk blend.
This is an alpaca / dyed silk blend.
... And as always, the meeting up of old friends and making new ones. Long live retreat!
