US Master Spinner

Competentcy Profile for all levels

Master Spinner Certificate Level I

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of spinning wool, the nature and characteristics of wool, its selection and processing, and natural dyeing of wool. Students will: Identify the quality and characteristics of a fleece, identify the various breeds of sheep; identify and explain the various pieces of equipment used in fibre preparation and spinning; demonstrate introductory spinning techniques for wool and wool/silk blended fibres; demonstrate introductory fibre preparation techniques; demonstrate dyeing techniques using natural dyes.

• Instructor, Ellen Munro
• Supply List
• Tips from students

Master Spinner Certificate Level II
Prerequisites: Level I
This course is a further development of the skills and knowledge acquired in Level I.
Students will: identify a sound, good quality fleece for a specific end use. Identify and operate at least three different spinning wheels and hand spindles. Explain the difference between different grades of wool. Demonstrate: plying yarn, spinning "S" and "Z" yarns, spinning varied thickness of yarns, spinning exotic fibres, spinning with Tops, blending fibre for different purposes, demonstrate ability to spin silk, llama, alpaca, mohair, camel, and camel down.

• Instructor, Marg Sjostrom
• Supply List
• Tips from students

Master Spinner Certificate Level III
Prerequisites: Spinning Level II
This course furthers the student's knowledge of spinning, dyeing, and types of spinning equipment. Emphasis will be on spinning cotton and ramie fibres.

• Instructor, Chuck Vereschagen
• Supply List

Master Spinner Certificate Levels IV - VI are currently available through Olds College

Olds College Master Spinner Program