Distaff & Spindle Spinning: Session 1
with June Covington
World History of Textile Arts: Making Wool Yarn with a Distaff and Spindle
Fairy tales are not always about love as we have been told, instead, most old tales are about spinning yarn. Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, Arachne, Ananzi, Friga's Distaff all share a theme: the best spinner gets the power.
In this workshop, we will consider the history and culture of this ancient and universal craft while we undertake the basic skills related to hand-spinning.
The end result will be a small skein of useful and fabulous yarn from your own fingers!
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
WHAT TO BRING: You may bring your own tools if you wish to do so.
MATERIALS INCLUDED: Spindle and a few ounces of wool. You may also bring your own tools!
MATERIALS FEE: $60 payable to the instructor.
Register for [FADDS1]
$145
Meet your instructor…
June Covington grew up in a family of makers; quilting, sewing and other handcrafts. When she came upon the Foxfire Books during high school, the photos of spinning wheels and looms struck a chord. At college, in Kentucky, she learned to weave while majoring in Art Education and Printmaking. After college, she returned to Texas where she learned to spin thanks to the Dallas Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild. Through the Guild and other organizations she has taught or demonstrated textile crafts in many places.
She taught Art at a small Episcopal School as well as a Private Art School in Dallas, Texas. While earning her Masters Degree in Humanities at the University of Dallas, a focus on ancient texts and culture started her down a path of experimental archaeology by making and using ancient textile tools.
June has presented textile workshops at MAVWA in Santa Fe, NM, Española Valley Fiber Arts Center in Española, NM, Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum and Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas. She is always happiest in a room full of people who are learning and making things.
The sense of community that grows, even temporarily, from the experience of making yarn with simple tools in good company, is deeply satisfying. Time has a way of slowing down while folks work together.
You can read more about June’s studio practice and opinions at:
Email: jcovington2@mac.com