Spinning Wild & Unusual Silk Video Download

Practical Skills for Blending, Carding, and More

Beyond the classic slick, white bombyx that many spinners know lies a group of unexpected and delightful silk: wild silks in red, gold, and brown hues, and short, textured bits of waste from processing “cultivated” silk. Unfamiliar to most handspinners, these fibers open new design options for unique yarns. With the right techniques, these can also be easier to spin than the silk you may have tried before.

In this video download, renowned spinning teacher Judith MacKenzie brings her trademark warmth and inviting approach to demystify silks including tussah, red eri, peduncle, and dyed silk waste. She demonstrates creating carded blends for smooth or textured yarns, spinning marled singles for color variation, and selecting the best drafting and plying methods for your yarn.

The goal of this video is to help you build confidence, sample without stress, and spin beautiful silk yarns at your own pace. As you watch you'll learn:

• 3 strategies for spinning silk successfully, including blending, marling, and tweed
  
• How to sample and choose a ply structure based on fiber, draft, and end use
• Tips on fundamental drafting methods 

Judith invites you to sample the richest array of silks that has been available to handspinners in our lifetime. Equipped with spinning fundamentals and expert tips, Spinning Wild & Unusual Silk will give you the skills and confidence to explore these fibers for yourself.

Included in the Video Download:

• More than 65 minutes of video
• Plus bonus resources and PDFs download to build on skills learned during the video

Video Chapters:

• Introduction
• Types of Wild Silks
• Marled Singles & Two-Ply
• Handcarded Silk Blends
• Tweed Singles & Two-Ply
• Final Thoughts

Equipment and Materials:

• Spinning wheel or spindle (spinning wheel shown in video)
• Handcards, cotton type recommended
• A variety of silks which could include: Red eri, tussah, peduncle, and dyed silk waste
• Fine wool and cashmere or pygora for blending

Judith MacKenzie has been spinning and weaving most of her life. Her traditional training has been expanded with world travel, deep research, and industry consultation. She writes and teaches extensively, and is the author of The Intentional Spinner and The Practical Spinner's Guide to Rare Luxury Fibers. Her popular online courses include Three Bags Full, Spinning Primitive Breeds, and Popular Wheel Mechanics.

Running time: 68 minutes

Instructor: Judith MacKenzie