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.
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 4-6. All instructors will be selected from our qualified roster of Master Spinner instructors.
Length of Program:
Course Dates:
Costs & Fees Per Level:
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 require the use of a manual spinning wheel. If you are considering using an electronic spinner, please see our Electronic Spinners Policy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG) helps employers cover the cost of eligible training — including programs like this one — to enhance productivity and strengthen workforce skills for today’s fast-changing economy.
With funding from the Government of Canada through the Workforce Development Agreement, employers can apply on behalf of their employees and receive partial reimbursement for approved training.
Phone: 403.556.4740
Toll-Free: 1.800.661.6537
Email: coned@oldscollege.ca