Spinning Easy and Elegant Artisan Yarns — A Most Curious Investigation into the Art of Yarncraft 2026

IN PERSON REGISTRATION ONLY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS CLASS, PLEASE STOP BY THE REGISTRATION DESK AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE CLASS START TIME.

Class Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM with 1 hour break

Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Check in at Registration 15 minutes prior to class starting at PE Building for location.

Room: Science West, Room 209

CONTACT NOTE: Failure to provide your email address and/or opt out of marketing updates will result in no communication from the Festival about updates or from your  instructor. Our system does not permit us to reach you through other means. If you choose to decline and do not provide an email address, please ensure that all necessary details have been noted down.

The class fee includes admission to the Vendor Marketplace every day of the festival; April 24 - 26, 2026.

Instructor: Julie Benac

It has long been my observation that the seemingly simple act of spinning wool conceals within it a host of mysteries worthy of a detective’s eye. If you possess the ability to spin a plain single, then you are already prepared to embark upon a most intriguing exploration into the world of artisan yarns that have unusual character, unexpected texture, and undeniable charm.

In this workshop, we shall examine, with the thoroughness of a seasoned investigator, several fascinating techniques:
- The deliberate creation of thick-and-thin singles, whose irregular proportions lend a certain dramatic flair
- The versatile method of core spinning, a technique as adaptable and cunning as any method I have encountered in my inquiries
- The construction of impeccable beehives—not the kind kept by rural apiarists, but sculptural spirals of wool that cling to the yarn like clues awaiting discovery
- The delicate practice of plying with beads, adding glints of light as though jewels had found their way into the thread
- The incorporation of long, curly locks from Teeswater and Wensleydale sheep—fibers with an elegance Miss Adler herself would not disdain
- The spinning of mohair and other lustrous locks straight from the fleece, a process surprisingly reminiscent of coaxing testimony from an unwilling witness
- And, most intriguingly, the addition of unusual inclusions—unexpected elements that transform your yarn into something altogether singular

By the conclusion of our investigation, each participant shall have produced a collection of yarns so distinctive that even Dr. Watson, with his keen but occasionally astonished eye, would describe them as “most extraordinary.”

Skill Prerequisite: 
Spinning Fiber in singles, plying at least 2 singles together, 

Ages: High School, Adult

Supplies: Included in Class Cost:

• An additional cache of fiber for experimental purposes
• Plying threads
• Fine, curly locks worthy of further examination

Additional Supplies Needed: 

• A spinning wheel equipped with no fewer than three empty bobbins (a large flyer is, as always, advantageous)
• An assortment of fiber preparations: batts, combed top, locks
• Threads for plying—those fine accomplices in the creation of texture
• 3 empty bobbins
• Not required, but highly recommended students bring their own spinning stool/chair

Homework: None

Class Policies

• The class minimum is 5 students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.
• By signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.
• If a class is sold out, click here to be placed on the Wait List.
• No refunds will be issued after April 1, 2026.
  
• For any cancellations prior to April 1, 2026, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.