Yesterday's Textiles class went great. Everything was "Show and Do," and the kids seemed fascinated with it all - stinky, greasy, raw wool from three different - and progressively softer - breeds; washing wool; clean wool; dyeing wool (roving); flick-carding clean locks. I actually ran out of time, so could only demonstrate hand cards and show them my drum carder while they took turns flicking, but I'd rather run out of time than have bored kids. I took my camera but only had time and thought to snap one picture while they were adding Kool-Aid to the crockpot (that's half the kids in the class).Here's the resulting dye job:
The kids are really excited about using the brightly colored roving. I told them I'd have them spin a single of white and a single of dyed so they'd have a "barberpole" yarn when plied, and they loved that idea. I'll have to dye a couple more batches (in different colors) to have an ample supply for everyone, and still need to assemble and test spindles, so there's another busy week ahead.
At least we have sunshine (temporarily) and flowers. :-) I always forget about my little patch of snowdrops; I'm sure they were blooming when I tortured you with the photo of blooming sarcacocca. Oh well, this way I can prolong the torture!P.S. I've turned off word verification for now after a reader told me Blogger was being difficult. Hopefully that helps.
That's it for today from . . .
10 comments:
Those are some focused kids! What fun! I love the colors on that roving. Who knows...you may have launched some careers. Or at least some serious hobbyists!
Good job keeping them interested. I was outside earlier ... walked around back of the house and found a clump of Narcissus blooming ... nice bunch in the kitchen in a vase making kitchen smell like spring. My puter is taking over 1/2 hour to load pictures for blog so I keep giving up.
My youngest went with me to my first spinning class and I think he may end up being better at it than me! He loved it. How great of you to teach them. They will always remember it.
Very cool that you did this....we need more kids being exposed to this sort of thing.
Good work Michelle.
I bet they had a blast. Believe it or not, I miss homeschooling. It was always a lot of work but so rewarding.
I helped my brother move out of his condo last night during freezing rain. I really, really don't appreciate the flower photos. LOL
I love those colors!
Good work Michelle. I 'm sure the rest of the classes will go well. Lucky kids!
It is way better to run out of time!!
I'll try to get the little loom warped and to you for their "weaving" section - it would be a good prop.
All your preparation is paying off. Kool-Aid is such a great way for kids to learn about dying.
Looking forward to next week's installment when you introduce the spinning.
Thanks, everyone; it was FUN!
Sorry to torture you, Christine. Just look at the photos as a "virtual mini-escape" from winter!
I'd like that, Laura. But what if I like it so much I won't give it back? And if that happens, I would have to kill you, because I don't have TIME for another hobby!
Wanda, I will try to take more photos next week, but I imagine I'll be busy! Fortunately, one of my helpers knows how to spin, so there will be two of us helping ten kids get the hang of add twist to fiber.
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