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Master Spinner Certificate

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What can you expect from this program/course?

The Master Spinner Program consists of six progressive levels of classroom and independent study involving skill development, research studies and project assignments in the area of hand spinning of all major types of fibers, yarns and the end use of the spun yarns. At all levels, students are evaluated on the basis of written assignments, practical projects, oral presentations and skill development.

For a complete guide to the Master Spinner Program, please see the Master Spinner Handbook.

Level 2 is self-directed ONLY - please call 1.800.661.6537 for more information and to register.

Please note students are eligible to enroll in the next level of Master Spinner even if their work from the previous year's level has not been submitted yet. Homework for the higher level will not be marked or grades awarded if the previous level was not successfully completed.

Certification: Certificate

Delivery: Olds Campus for Levels 3-6.
All instructors will be selected from our qualified roster of Master Spinner instructors.

Level 2 is self-directed ONLY.

Length of Program: 

  • Level 2 is self-directed ONLY with 3 hours of optional one on one access to an assigned instructor.
  • Levels 3-5 are 5 day workshops, followed by 150-175 hours of independent study on homework assignments.
  • Level 6 courses are 5-day workshops, followed by the completion of an In Depth Study.

Course Dates:

  • June 17 - 21 
    * Note: Classes run from 9 am to 4:30 pm with a lunch break. On Friday, classes will end at noon. 

Costs & Fees Per Level: 

  • Levels 2-5: $755/Level
  • Level 6: $845
  • Materials: $85 + GST (Level 2 does not have a material fee)

Registrations are taken through Olds College and are most easily processed online, or by phone using a credit card.

Materials fees collected at the time of registration are for fibres, etc supplied by the instructor for use during the class. They are not meant to be of sufficient quantity for homework completion.

5% Canadian Goods and Services Tax will be added to all registrations. For more information, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency's web page on Visitors to Canada.

Required Supplies & Materials: All students are required to bring the supplies noted in their course's supply list. Each level has a different supply list, outlined below. 

*These courses requires the use of a manual spinning wheel. If you are considering using an electronic spinner, please see our Electronic Spinners Policy.

Course Details

 

Master Spinner Level 2

Now open online for 2024 registration!

This course explores advanced spinning techniques such as plying, blending, spinning to specifics and advanced wheel operations. In addition to wool students will learn to spin silk, llama, alpaca, mohair, camel and camel down.

Pre-requisite: Master Spinner Level 1

Course Requirements: Level 2 supply list.

Master Spinner Level 3 - CONFIRMED

This course focuses on spinning cotton and silk fibres; more advanced spinning techniques with wool using selected spinning equipment.

Pre/Co-requisite: Master Spinner Level 2

Course Requirements: Level 3 supply list.

Instructor: Christie Schulze

Master Spinner Level 4 - CONFIRMED

This course focuses on spinning luxury and bast fibres, along with selecting yarn specific to the application.Pre/Co-requisite: Master Spinner Level 3

Course Requirements: Level 4 supply list.

Instructor: Kara Perpelitz

Master Spinner Level 5 - CONFIRMED

This course focuses on spinning of man-made and protein fibres; demonstrating using different spinning equipment such as Quills and Spindle Wheels.

Pre/Co-requisite: Master Spinner Level 4

Course Requirements: Level 5 supply list.

Instructor: Sara McCourt

Master Spinner Level 6 - CONFIRMED

This course focuses on the history of spinning, demonstrating fibre techniques using select applications, demonstrating various techniques used for mechanics on spinning equipment along with spinning techniques and an in-depth study.

Pre/Co-requisite: Master Spinner Level 5 & Completion of homework in Levels 1-5.

Course Requirements: Level 6 supply list.

In-Depth Studies

Instructor: Vanessa Bjerreskov

  • There are 10 wheels available for rent on a first-come basis. Contact the program coordinator for reservations and make your rental payment when you register. View the rental wheel specifications.

    Note: Olds College does not promote or endorse the purchase of a specific brand or type of spinning wheel.

  • Please include a copy of the requirements you used when you send your work.

    Check with your marker for any special instructions before mailing your work. For Levels 2-5, include a cheque equal to your mailing cost for return postage (payable to the marking instructor).

    When shipping workbooks across the Canada/US border, please label them as "Student Homework - paperwork and yarn samples, will be returned to the USA".  If asked the value of the package, indicate that this amount is less than $100.  The best way to avoid any fees is to use the Postal System, not services like UPS.

  • Homework must be submitted for marking within 12 months after the class has ended. If the work has not been submitted by this deadline, the student will not receive credit for the course.

    An extension to the deadline can be requested by completing the Homework Extension Request Form. This request must be received at least one month before the due date.  If granted, the extension will not exceed four months beyond the original completion date. Only one extension date will be allowed per course level.

    A processing fee of $75 will be applied for extensions.

    Homework Extension Request Form

  • Refund requests, accompanied by the original course receipt, received at Olds College three (3) full work days prior to the start date of a course will be granted in full, less course specific material fees that have been incurred, non-refundable deposits and an administration fee of 20% of the course tuition or $150, whichever is less. No refunds will be issued less than three (3) full work days prior to the start date of a course. Non-attendance does not constitute notice of withdrawal. In the event that a course is cancelled, registrants will receive a full refund.

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