Mechanics of your Wheel

Calling all spinners! No, this is not a cycling class. Nor is it another intro to spinning or drop spindle class. We asked fiber expert Amy Tyler what kinds of spinning classes spinners would actually want to take. Her answer? Mechanics of Your Wheel. These marvelous machines have been around for nearly 1,000 years. Each one nuanced in its response to the spinner. Learn about the mechanics of your own spinning wheel, and take your spinning skills to the next level. New to spinning? This class will also provide a great opportunity to observe and practice the craft of spinning in greater detail than your average introductory spinning class, and equip you with the knowledge necessary to select your wheel and begin this craft on your own. In this workshop, we will cover how spinning wheels work. There will be spinning exercises to remove the mystery from drive mechanisms, drive ratios, drafting, twist, take-up tension, and wheel maintenance. Along the way, participants will be introduced to concepts of mechanics (such as force, torque, angular momentum, friction) in a non-mathematical way.

Itinerary: We will start by gathering and sharing some brief introductions. The day will be spent with a combination of lecture, demonstration and hands on practice. Expect to learn about a variety of spinning wheels, including your own. There will be an hour long break for lunch, after which we’ll continue to hone in on the mechanics of spinning that produce a range of desired results. The day will end with some time for reflection and closing.

Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:  No prior experience required. Ages 18+