Master Spinner Certificate
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.
Levels 1 & 2 now have a self-directed option - 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.
Continuing Education
403.556.4740
1.800.661.6537
coned@oldscollege.ca
What will you learn?
Master Spinner Level 1: Requires students to be comfortable with the basic operation of a spinning wheel. This course is not a Beginner's Spinning course.
Master Spinner Levels 2-6: Requires the previous Level's class to be completed. While the completion of the previous level's independent study portion (ie - homework) is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended. Each level builds off of the previous skill developments.
Beginning Spinning: If you have never had any spinning experience, but are interested in exploring the art, we offer a Beginning Spinning workshop during Fibre Week. Located in our Workshops section, classes starting on Friday.
Did you know we offer Master Spinner off campus course offerings?
Certification: Certificate
Delivery: Olds Campus
All instructors will be selected from our qualified roster of Master Spinner instructors.
Levels 1 & 2 have a self-directed option - please call 1.800.661.6537 for more information and to register.
Length of Program:
- Levels 1-5 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.(Note: Level 6 will not be offered at Fibre Week this year)
Course Dates:
- June 18-22, 2023
- Level 6: Not offered in 2023
- All courses run from 9am – 4:30pm with a 1.5 hour lunch break unless otherwise noted.
Costs & Fees Per Level:
- Levels 1-6: $755/Level
- Materials: $85 + GST
All course tuition prices for off campus courses have slight increases to accommodate additional offering costs, as listed on the off campus offerings page.
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. In addition to the supply lists, students attending off campus classes should bring bring a 1" binder.
*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 1
This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of spinning yarns; the nature and characteristics of wool; selection, processing and spinning of wool; and applying vocabulary, resources, and practical skills.
Pre-requisite: A beginner spinning course or equivalent - must be comfortable with a spinning wheel.
Course Requirements: Level 1 supply list.
Instructor: Jayne Deardorff
Master Spinner Level 2
Pre-requisite: Master Spinner Level 1
Course Requirements: Level 2 supply list.
Instructor: Kristi Lacey
Master Spinner Level 3
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
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: Vanessa Bjerreskov
Master Spinner Level 5
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: Kara Perpelitz
Master Spinner Level 6
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.
Instructor: Not offered at Fibre Week 2023