Shetland Wools–Tremendous Variety, Infinite Possibilities

The stuff of ring shawls, Fair Isle colorwork, tweeds, and taatit rugs, Shetland wool represents the story of humans in relationship with sheep through thousands of years. Described as exceptionally fine wool "of uncommon softness and fineness" and as "scratchy" and as a double-coated representative of primitive wools, might it be all of these? Discuss how to use the Shetland that best suits your goals. Students must be able to spin singles and make a two-ply independently. Experience in prep for spinning useful, but not required. Knitting experience may be useful for optional activities. $

$125

Deborah Robson is a fiber generalist who specializes in spinning, knitting, and weaving, although she experiments with all aspects of textiles. Deb is co-author of The Fleece& Fiber Sourcebook, The Field Guide to Fleece. She served as an editor at Interweave Press, including twelve years as editor-in-chief of Spin-Off magazine and also edited Shuttle Spindle & Dye pot. At Interweave she initiated the Save the Sheep project and the book Handspun Treasures from Rare Wools. She has written for many publications, including PLY Magazine, Piece Work, Interweave Knits, Spin-Off, and The Journal for Weavers,Spinners and Dyers. She served on the board of directors of The Livestock Conservancy. Her current research focuses on the millennia of alliances between fiber animals and humans, Her website is independentstitch.com. Robson is also an artist, working in textiles, printmaking, and oils. She lives in Colorado with her daughter.