US Master Spinner

The Master Spinner Program consists of six progressive levels of classroom and independent study involving skill development, research studies and project assignments in the area of hand spinning of all major types of fibers, yarns and the end use of the spun yarns.  At all levels, students are evaluated on the basis of written assignments, practical projects, oral presentations and skill development.  For each level, there is a course fee, a studio (supplies fee) and a workbook evaluation fee.

Those individuals who successfully complete the assignments in all six levels will receive a Master Spinner Certificate from Olds College.

The United States Satellite Program

Sherry Healey, an Oklahoma Spinner, was fired up after she took the Master Spinner Program At Olds College outside of Calgary, Alberta. The Program director, Otto Pahl, thought she would be the perfect person to organize a satellite program in the United States. An e-mail to see if there was interest was posted on the Okiefiber and Spindlers lists on Yahoo. It generated a lot of discussion and some very excited spinners set aside one week in October to travel to Davis Oklahoma. The US Master Spinner Program began in 2005 with one Level One course offered. A second Level One course was held in April 2006, and courses were added in Louisburg, North Carolina in 2007.

What to Expect

Students are sent a list of supplies to bring to each level to help them get the most of the learning experience. During the course, specific fibers and techniques are covered with lecture, handouts and spinnable samples allowing learning using all senses. Class time includes hands on practice allowing students to ask questions and receive guidance on all covered material. Students are encouraged to spend their evenings reviewing the material and preparing for the next day's class.