SOAR 2025 OCTOBER 12-17
There are fewer than 80 spaces total for this incredible handspinning experience! Spend five days expanding your skills and deepening your passion for spinning alongside a warm, spirited community of fellow spinners. Learn from some of the most outstanding spinning teachers and fiber artists in the world, including:
(read full instructor bios)
We like to think of the Spin Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR) as a spinner’s paradise. Imagine being in a room filled with people with the same interests while you learn from some of the top spinners and educators. You are all together for five glorious days in a beautiful location, making new memories, building skills, and, of course, spinning!
Join us to study with accomplished fiber arts teachers, connect with fellow spinners from around the world, and relax at Heritage Hills Resort in York, Pennsylvania.
All accommodations, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, classes, materials fees, and evening events are included, but space is limited. Tickets start at $2,799.99 for the full retreat.
Tickets are on sale for everyone! For those considering joining us, classes are selected based on the order in which tickets are purchased. That means the earlier you are on the list, the more class choices you’ll have, so don’t delay!
Attendees will receive a link to build their schedule by June 24, 2024.
You may cancel your registration for any reason up to 90 days before the event (July 8, 2024) for a refund minus a 10% processing fee.
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What’s an intensive? It’s a focused two-day class where you’ll dive deep into a skill with a knowledgeable and passionate instructor. Intensive classes will be held on Monday and Tuesday of the event.
Have additional questions about the classes? Curious which ones are beginner friendly? Contact us at support@longthreadmedia.com.
Most singles are spun with the intent to ply, but there are wonderful benefits to working with singles yarns just as they are. In this intensive, you will learn how to set up your wheel/e-spinner and start spinning both low-twist and high-twist yarns. Heavenly will share her approach to taking accurate measurements, including grist and angle of twist, for record-keeping and replication. Discover key factors for spinning singles with integrity while using different fibers and drafting techniques. On day two, we will dive into fun ways to spin S- and Z-twist singles using combination drafting and interesting colorplay to design your own yarns. Heavenly will help you troubleshoot consistency issues with tips and tricks, and when the spinning is all done, we’ll shift gears to evaluating and finishing yarns that will last. Ready for a new kind of spin? By the end of this intensive, you just might want to create a variety of extraordinary singles!
Spinning wheel or e-spinner in working condition, at least 3 empty bobbins, notebook, writing utensil, niddy noddy (or equivalent)
Students may bring additional fibers from their stash to spin
Deep in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco, women use supported spindles called izdi to spin wool into yarn for their male family members to knit into socks, pants, and other articles of clothing. This class will take you through the process from wool to socks using High Atlas spinning and knitting techniques. Instructor Irene Waggener teaches this class with encouragement from her knitting teachers Hussein Mardi and Muah Ahasali, who collaborated with her to create the book, Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond. It is their hope that others will be interested in learning about these spinning and knitting techniques that are no longer being practiced as widely as they once were. Knitting skills needed: You should be comfortable working in the round on double-pointed needles and these basic sock-knitting techniques: cast on, pick up and knit, increase, and decrease.
Set of 5 double-pointed knitting needles (any size, but recommended range is US 3 to 7) and handcards
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Stripes are a fun way to incorporate more colors into our textiles, but weaving in all those ends can be a drag. Join Kate for a two-day deep dive into creating self-striping effects that increase our color options without all those loose ends. Using several different yarn structures that can be harnessed for color effects, you will create stripey samples that range from gentle color undulations to clear, hard stripes. Then, using an intuitive approach, we will discuss how to adjust the striping scale for specific projects large and small. The focus will be on creating self-striping handspun for knitting, but crocheters, weavers, and more are welcome!
A working wheel or e-spinner, extra bobbins, lazy kate, handcards, and tape measure. Knitters: we will be knitting swatches, so bring at least three needle sizes that correspond to the gauge yarn you typically spin. Bringing additional sizes or an interchangeable set is recommended. If you are not a knitter, no problem! Contact Kate prior to class to discuss: klarson@longthreadmedia.com
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Learn about the tradition of Ravenstail weaving and the beginner-level techniques needed to create a small, finished textile with Tlingit weaver Lily Hope. Using warps prepared by Lily, you will learn to use a vertical frame to weave a 4 x 6-inch finger-twined textile utilizing historic patterns. You’ll walk away with a completed textile that you can hang on the wall or sew to some fabric to create a small bag for carrying your favorite things. Learn more about Lily, traditional spinning materials used in Ravenstail and Chilkat weaving, and the textile traditions she carries forward at spinoffmagazine.com.
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You will need a rectangular or square basket for mounting the warped loom Lily will provide. Measurements should be roughly 10 x 12 x 14 inches. Lily often suggests inexpensive wastebaskets for use in class. A basket will be available for you to use during class if you do not bring your own.
Medium-wool breeds are the best! Not too long, not too short, they are just right. Using fleece from some well-known breeders, we will use handcards, combs, flickers, and other tools to prepare the locks to spin woolen, worsted, and all the in-betweens. For extra fun, we’ll also spin some medium-wool braids. You will be delighted to know just how useful and versatile wool from these breeds can be.
Spinning wheel in good working condition and all its parts or several spindles, lazy kate and at least 3 bobbins, wool handcards, and flick card
Extra flick cards, dog comb, and Viking or medium combs if you already own them
Connect with spinning traditions of the ancient world with toolmaker and fiber artist Robin Goatey. Learn to use a distaff to spin and ply wool on three European low-whorl spindle forms recreated or reimagined in The Dancing Goats studio: ceramic whorls of the ancient Near East, pewter whorls of the Roman/Celtic La Tène cultures, and soapstone whorls of the far north proto-Viking cultures. You will also have a chance to use a nøstepinne and Roman/Norse-style wool combs. Wool fibers used during class are gathered from Robin’s flock of Jacob, Border Leicester, Shetland, and Finn sheep. Class discussion and handouts will focus on the works of British historian John Peter Wild’s research on the Roman northern provinces and Roman Britain.
No additional supplies are needed
Students are welcome to bring any rare or unusual fiber that they wish to discuss and spin during class. If you plan to bring fiber, please bring enough for everyone in class to taste-test
Looking closely at antique linens, we can see the incredible skill of makers from the past. Join Tom for a two-day workshop held at Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center, learning about the properties of flax and how it is prepared, spun, and woven into handmade cloth. You will spin flax roving and also be shown how to dress a distaff using long line flax fiber. We will also discuss how to finish the thread after it is spun to prepare it for weaving. Tom will prepare a warp during class and have a loom to show you how to easily warp it for weaving fabric. Learn a few tricks to make the warping process go easily for you and to make your first linen weaving project a total success. There will be numerous antique textiles, such as sheets, pillowcases, towels, and coverlets, from Tom's personal collection for you to look at and handle to inspire you to weave with your linen thread.
Please Note: This class will be held offsite at Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center and requires navigating a single step into the building and a second single step to access the classroom area. If you have questions about assistance needs for this class, please contact us. Transportation for this class will be provided.
Notebook with pen or pencil, spinning wheel in good working order, three bobbins, sample size niddy noddy, a cup to put water in for spinning, a threading hook, spinning oil, and any additional tools that you like to use as you spin
Camera or your cell phone to take pictures during the workshop
What is a sampler? A sampler is a 3-hour class session where you’ll get a taste of a subject: try new techniques, explore new materials, or spark creativity. Participants take part in four samplers over the course of Wednesday and Thursday.
Have additional questions about the classes? Curious which ones are beginner friendly? Contact us at support@longthreadmedia.com.
In this class, we will experience several breeds of sheep from islands around the world. Included will be some you may have worked with before and some you may never have even heard of yet! Amy scours (see what we did there?) the fields looking for rare breeds to bring to class, and she hopes you’ll find a new favorite. We will start with her favorite American breed that developed practically ferally on an island and then spend time with some UK islanders. Amy will talk about not only the history and attributes of these awesome sheep, but also their application in your fiber arts journey.
Basic fiber prep equipment, including flick card, handcards, and combs; a working spinning wheel or spindle; a niddy noddy or ball winder; and preferably 4 or more bobbins (there are work-arounds if you don’t have 4)
Notebook, pencil, small baggies for storing samples
Wool combs are beloved tools that can be a great benefit to a spinner's experience with fiber. In this session, you will learn how to comb fleece safely with ease and less waste. There will be opportunities to practice proper loading techniques for combing clean fleece and proper posture and ergonomics to avoid combing “burnout.” Heavenly will share the ins and outs of various wool combs available for handspinners, including their many uses and applications. Prepare yourself for discovery: Heavenly has plenty of tips and tricks for using a diz to remove fibers from wool combs and effectively removing combed top by hand without a diz. Whether you want to build or fine-tune your skills for making your own combed top or explore a relaxing new technique, this session is for you.
Small set of hand combs, either double row or single row is fine; a lap cloth or apron for protecting clothes from debris. A few sets of combs will be available to borrow, and you must contact the SOAR staff to reserve at the time of registration
Students may bring additional fibers to comb
Knitting has a long history among the Armenian people. Socks were a particularly important knit item that were made by women as gifts and as part of their dowry. While the old designs are no longer as fashionable as they once were, some women still use older techniques for knitting toes and turning heels. In this class, you will learn how to knit socks in the style popular with Armenian knitters from Hadrut. These socks are knit from the toe up. Instructor Irene Waggener teaches this class with encouragement from her teachers at the Hadrut Children's Development Center in Yerevan, Armenia. Knitting skills needed: You should be comfortable working in the round on double-pointed needles and these basic sock-knitting techniques: cast on, pick up and knit, increase, and decrease.
Set of 5 double-pointed knitting needles (US size 0, 1, or 2)
Additional knitting supplies, such as stitch markers, extra needles, or yarn bowl. Millspun yarn will be provided, but you can also bring handspun fingering-weight yarn
Tweed fabrics often draw us in with their complex colors and wooly texture, but the subdued hues of most tweeds often begin as a collection of shockingly vibrant colors. Join us as we explore the intersection of easy color theory, spinning fibers, and history. We will use dyed locks, rovings, and combed tops to make our own blends, yarns, and textile inspirations.
Spinning wheel in working order, e-spinner, or several spindles; handcards; and lazy kate
Extra bobbins for your wheel or e-spinner
Join Lily Hope for a three-hour intro to Ravenstail weaving. You’ll get a brief overview of the history and significance of this Northwest Coast artform. You’ll spend some time thigh-spinning Ravenstail warp and finger-twining a small keychain utilizing historic patterns in the style of Ravenstail. Walk away with one square inch of ceremony and a beginner’s understanding of how to weave Ravenstail textiles. Learn more about Lily, traditional spinning materials used in Ravenstail and Chilkat weaving, and the textile traditions she carries forward at spinoffmagazine.com.
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It is always the wheel, not the spinner (well, maybe not always, but a lot of the time). Sometimes just the smallest adjustment to your wheel can make a world of difference. Because spinning wheels, like people, need a little TLC, we will start the session by cleaning and oiling and adjusting our wheels. When the wheels are tuned up and happy, we will play some tricks with them to make them more responsive. Sometimes all it takes is a new drive band or an adjustment here or there to let your wheel do things you didn’t know it could.
Spinning wheel in good working condition and all its parts
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Join Sara Bixler for an introduction to weaving clasped weft. Although woven on a plain weave foundation using simple looms such as rigid heddle, they are anything but "simple" or "plain." Students will not only weave a beautiful, one-of-a-kind fabric that can be transformed into a wearable cowl but also gain critical tips and tricks to plan and construct amazing fabric with your handspun yarns. You will have a chance to see many of Sara's samples highlighting unique materials, scale differences in threads, and variations in projects such as table linens, wearables, and even rugs. Have fun in this low-pressure class that is accessible to even the most novice of weavers. Looms will be pre-warped and a variety of yarns will be available to sample.
Notebook, pencil/pen, colored pencils, and camera or phone for taking photos
Feel free to bring along some of your handspun in a variety of sizes if you like, but it's certainly not necessary. All other supplies and handouts will be provided by your instructor
Amy Ross Manko travels the country (and now the world) teaching, researching and writing about her favorite topic: rare-breed sheep! You may know her from her articles in Spin Off, feature series “Sheep on the Edge” in PLY, or breed profiles in the UK’s KnitNow magazine. When she’s not on the road spreading the gospel of critically endangered livestock, she’s managing her historic farm with her son Drew, which raises nine breeds of heritage- and rare-breed sheep, as well as draft horses, mini-donkeys, and poultry. She is the owner of Ross Farm Mercantile Inc and provides love and shelter to homeless fiber equipment in her small fiber studio in Hudson, Ohio.
Heavenly Bresser is an award-winning handspinner, teacher at major fiber events, spinning wheel collector and restorer, and the founder of Heavenly Knitchet. She is excited to share her love of knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, and all things fiber related with the world. Some of her areas of passion include the love for working with color, working from fleece, and researching historic information for antique spinning wheels. Heavenly has made it her mission to help fiber artists of all levels expand their knowledge in their craft and to try new things. Learn more at heavenlyknitchet.com.
Irene Waggener is a knitter, spinner, independent researcher, and author focused on knitting traditions around the world. She is the author of Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco's High Atlas and Beyond, which she wrote in collaboration with shepherds from Morocco's Aït Boulli valley. She is currently living in Yerevan where she is working on a new book about knitting in Armenia. You can find her on Instagram @waggens_ho where she shares the sheep, spinning wheels, knitted socks, and more that cross her path as she travels the world. Learn more at 106metersfromtheroad.com.
Kate Larson (she/her) is the editor of Spin Off and loves using fiber arts as a bridge between her passions for art and agriculture. She keeps a flock of Border Leicester sheep and teaches handspinning and knitting throughout the United States. Kate is the author of The Practical Spinner's Guide: Wool (Interweave, 2015), many articles and patterns, and several videos, including How to Spin on a Charkha (Long Thread Media, 2022).
Lily Hope (Tlingit; b. 1980; Alaska) is of the Raven moiety, belonging to her grandmother’s clan, the T’akdeintaan. She learned Ravenstail weaving from her mother—master weaver Clarissa Rizal—and artist Kay Field Parker. Hope apprenticed for over a decade in Chilkat weaving with Rizal who, until her untimely passing in 2016, was one of the last living apprentices of the late master Chilkat weaver Jennie Thlunaut. She endeavors to leave honorable weavers in her place. Hope is one of few living designers of ceremonial dancing blankets, flowing garments created and worn by Northern Northwest Coast Alaska Native peoples. She teaches both finger-twined styles, demonstrates internationally, and offers lectures on the spiritual commitments of being a weaver. Her work can be found in numerous museum collections, including the State Museum for Nature and Man (Germany), the Eiteljorg Museum, the Sealaska Heritage Institute, and the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery. Learn more on Instagram @lilyhopeweaver and at lilyhope.com.
Maggie Casey has been addicted to spinning since the last century, and while some people are proud of their wine cellars, she much prefers her basement full of fleece. Maggie was co-owner of Shuttles Spindles & Skeins in Boulder, Colorado, until it closed in 2020. She teaches at events around the country, including Estes Park Wool Market, Harrisville Designs, John C. Campbell Folk School, Maryland Sheep & Wool, PlyAway, and SOAR. She holds Part 1 of HGA’s Certificate of Excellence in Handspinning and is the author of Start Spinning, many articles, and several videos and courses from Long Thread Media.
Robin Goatey is a toolmaker and student of folklore creating reproductions and re-imaginings of historic and prehistoric fiber arts tools. Focusing on the textile traditions of the Northern Roman Provinces, the Northern Isles, and Western Europe, he makes shuttles, heddles, looms, spindles, and whorls available to modern fiber artists. Robin teaches spindle spinning and small-loom weaving workshops in the United States. Follow him on Instagram @thedancinggoats and visit the shop at TheDancingGoats.etsy.com.
Sara C. Bixler is the owner and resident instructor of Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center in York, Pennsylvania. She has been teaching spinning and weaving for about 10 years and prides herself on having a broad knowledge spectrum to share with her students. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Bachelor of Science in K-12 education—although she gives full credit for the depth of her knowledge to her apprenticeship with her father, Tom Knisely. You can find many examples of Sara’s work in issues of Handwoven and Little Looms and see her in person or in one of her many weaving videos.
Tom Knisely has been teaching handweaving for more than forty years. In addition to teaching, Tom weaves professionally and is a frequent contributor to Handwoven magazine. Voted Handwoven Teacher of the Year, Tom is renowned among his weaving students for his kindness, good humor, and seemingly infinite knowledge on the subject of weaving. He teaches at the beautiful Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center in York Haven, Pennsylvania.
The SOAR team will announce more details on special evening speakers and activities in the coming weeks.
TheDancingGoats makes historic and prehistoric reproductions and re-imaginings of fiber arts tools. Focusing on the prehistoric textile traditions of the Northern Roman Provinces, the Northern Isles, and Western Europe. Shuttles, heddles, looms, spindles, and whorls. Tools are made in wood, stone, pewter, copper alloys, ceramics, and glass. The advanced CNC Laser at TheDancingGoats is dedicated to making fiber arts tools and folklore inspired creations.
You’ll find the largest variety of Silk Spinning Fibers, Silk Yarn and Silk Threads & Ribbons at www.TreenwaySilks.com. Choose from a rainbow of hand-dyed colors. Love natural? Our array of wild silk and silk-blends provide choices beyond white.
We are thrilled to return to SOAR as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year. Our legacy of making high-quality, innovative spinning and weaving equipment continues as owner Paul Vervoorn and the entire Louet team create new products to fuel your passion. You can expect to find our newest wheels and spinning tools at SOAR. We will have many fantastic special offers throughout 2024. Check out our new website at www.louet.nl – you will find our latest 50th anniversary sales and plans here. Remember that our support line is always available with hundreds of support articles so you can find answers to your questions when you need them, or open a ticket by sending an email to support.
G'day SOAR attendees! We are Woolloomooloo, makers of premium merino wool sneakers. At Woolloomooloo, we take the merino wool from Australian Wool growers and spin it into a superfine merino thread that is knit to build a soft, durable, breathable upper. Our method ensures minimal waste and creates the most comfortable Australian Merino Wool sneakers on the market. Sustainable materials drive our design, building shoes that are better for your feet and the planet. We'll be at SOAR with our mobile shoe store - join us and take a pair of sneakers for a spin. See you there!
What a thrill to sponsor this year's SOAR and introduce our heritage and rare breed fibers to this wonderful community of spinners. The Ross Farm is located in Washington County, PA, and is a sixth generation working farm known for our Heritage Breed sheep. We are members of Shave 'Em to Save 'Em and proud to bring American-grown breeds like Gulf Coast Native, Florida Cracker, Black Welsh Mountain, Leicester Longwool, Shetland, Clun Forest, and Hog Island as well as some UK-grown Rare Breeds Survival Trust listed breeds like Castlemilk Moorit, Norfolk Horn, Boreray, Soay and more to this year's Marketplace. Find out more by visiting The Ross Farm. We'll see you in October!
Everyone here at Red Stone Glenn is looking forward to welcoming you to York County, PA. Our fiber arts center is located 20 minutes from Heritage Hills Resort, and we are so excited to participate as a sponsor of this year's SOAR. As a fiber arts center, our mission is teaching, kinship, and passion. As a part of this year's Marketplace, we will bring you an array of products from our shop including fiber, tools, and more. See you in October. Visit us https://redstoneglen.com
Greenwood Fiberworks is an indie dye company that specializes in hand-dyeing luxury fibers and yarns. When you visit our online store you'll find a selection of yak, camel, merino, bamboo, blends, and more, all celebrating our love of spinning and fiber. When we aren't in Utah dyeing fiber, we are on the road and look forward to seeing you again in Colorado. Visit www.greenwoodfiberworks.com or email us at greenwoodfiberworks@gmail.com.
Visit Eugene Textile Center's retail shop for equipment and materials for the fiber arts, as well as studios for weaving and surface design. They offer classes and studio support for anyone with an interest in handweaving, surface design on cloth, and other non-woven fiber techniques.
We have been designing handweaving and handspinning equipment since 1969. It's been pleasurable and challenging to learn how closely our products tie in with the craftsperson's work. We realize that the quality of this work depends on the quality of our tools.
Long Thread Media serves content for the handspinning, handweaving, and traditional needlework communities online, in person, and in print. The company was founded by Linda Ligon, Anne Merrow, and John Bolton to publish Handwoven, Little Looms, PieceWork, and Spin Off, as well as offer information, education, and community to crafters in those fields.
SOAR is brought to you by Long Thread Media LLC.
