Susan Conover will teach a one day workshop on spinning on the great wheel. There will be some great wheels available if you do not have one (on a first come basis). The cost for this workshop will be $65, including a $10 dollar deposit to hold your place. Open to non-guild members (cost is $25 additional, which includes membership in the guild through May 2020). Email Mary Ellen S to reserve your spot. Location: Albany, NY area (Niskayuna Fire District #2 firehouse).
Susan has spent many years spinning and demonstrating on her collection of great wheels. In this one day, hands-on class, participants will enjoy the myths, legends and tips which surround this wonderful style of spinning wheel. Susan will cover the following topics:
- Wool preparation: worsted, semi-worsted and woolen
- The left-hand long draw
- The Minor's head and direct drive head
- Tensioning devices
- Regional differences of great wheels
- Making new drive bands
- How to make cornhusk bearings
- Leather bearing pros and cons
- Power Point show “The Evolution of the Spinning Wheel”
Participants may bring their own great wheel, in good working order. Susan will bring three wheels from the Conover’s private collection to be used as loaners in the class. All fibers and course
handouts are provided.
Experience Level: Participants must be able to spin a continuous yarn
Susan Conover began spinning and weaving in 1980 and spent the next three decades studying under numerous international teachers. Her focus has always been on the historic aspects of the craft. Since 2000 she has offered courses in spinning and weaving from her studio. It is a premiere teaching environment with six Schacht Equipment floor looms and a “herd” of Schacht and Louet spinning wheels.
Her expertise has included being Operations Manager at Vavstuga Weaving School in Shelburne Falls, MA for five years. She specializes in lectures and workshops for guilds and craft schools throughout the country.
Susan currently operates out of a newly remodeled studio that augments the original Schacht and Louet equipment with ten Glimakra countermarch and counterbalance looms. She offers two to five-day workshops in her home studio and hosts students from throughout North America.
Beginning in early Spring of 2017 Susan enrolled in the Olds College (Alberta, Canada) Master Weavers Program. She is planning to complete the five-years of study by 2021.
Susan has provided workshops previously for the HWMG and received universally positive feedback from the attendees. We are thrilled to have her back.
