{"product_id":"the-wool-files-a-hands-on-investigation-from-fleece-to-fiber","title":"The Wool Files: A Hands-On Investigation from Fleece to Finish 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eIN 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Time: Saturday, April 25, 9 AM - 4 PM and Sunday, April 26, 8 AM - 3 PM - One Hour Lunch Break each day.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSt. 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoom\u003c\/strong\u003e: Science West, Room 105\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONTACT NOTE\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe class fee includes admission to the Vendor Marketplace every day of the festival; April 24 - 26, 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Justin Near\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eCalling all curious minds and crafty detectives! Step into the world of fiber forensics and uncover the secrets hidden within raw fleece. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;\"\u003eIn this two-day immersive workshop, you’ll investigate the transformation of wool from its natural state to handspun yarn to a finished project, following the clues through every step of the process. In addition to the detailed handouts you will receive Justin's recommended book, The Field Guide to Fleece by Deborah Robson \u0026amp; Carol Ekarius to assist your investigation into fiber fun!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePart 1: The Investigation Begins\u003cbr\u003eWe’ll open our case with an introduction to fiber and wool, examining samples of various breeds like a true detective at the scene. Through close observation, both visual and tactile; we’ll deduce the unique properties and behaviors of each fiber. Then, you’ll get hands-on with the evidence, processing raw fleece through its many stages: skirting, scouring, picking, and carding or combing. Each step will reveal new insights into the mysteries of texture and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePart 2: Spinning the Clues Together\u003cbr\u003eOnce the evidence is prepped, it’s time to spin the story, literally. You’ll learn the art of drop spinning, breaking down each movement into simple, solvable steps. Together, we’ll explore plying and finishing techniques, and each investigator will receive their own drop spindle to continue the craft. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePart 3: Finally, we’ll put your handspun yarn to use in small crochet, knit, or weaving projects, uncovering how every choice in fiber prep and spinning influences the finished piece.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBy the end of the case, you’ll walk away with your own handspun creations — and a new understanding of the intricate clues that connect fleece, fiber, and finished fabric.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkill Prerequisite: \u003c\/strong\u003eNone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAges:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies: Included in Class Cost: \u003c\/strong\u003eNone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Supplies Needed: \u003c\/strong\u003ePencil and paper for note taking, Knitting Needle or Crochet Hook\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomework\u003c\/strong\u003e: None.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Policies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe class minimum is \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBy signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf a class is sold out, click\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLScDuU_U-88uCBbz2rARK29tA6VxnfOKKE7EwI5vUMQt0cA2Gg\/viewform?usp=dialog\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto be placed on the Wait List.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo refunds will be issued after April 1, 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor any cancellations prior to April 1, 2026, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Justin Near","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51780647125286,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0749\/0302\/8006\/files\/1_4c18ad90-dda5-4701-b16b-76b6631dd8fd.png?v=1765598234","url":"https:\/\/midwestfiberfest.com\/products\/the-wool-files-a-hands-on-investigation-from-fleece-to-fiber","provider":"Midwest Fiber Festival","version":"1.0","type":"link"}