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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.
Meet Your Instructor:
Amy Tyler
Amy has degrees in modern dance, kinesiology, and physiology. Her art and science backgrounds give her a keen understanding of learning and analyzing movement skills, composition, pattern recognition, and systematic exploration. She translates that understanding into practical approaches to spinning and knitting techniques. She teaches spinning and knitting at venues across the country and is well known for her animated and engaging teaching style. Amy has numerous articles published in Spin Off, and PLY Magazine; and she has also published in Interweave Knits, Handwoven, Little Looms, and Farm & Fiber Knits.
The Choreography of Craft:
Many crafting traditions have been practiced for hundreds of years, including spinning. The result is not only a rich history, but a physical memory of these movements that live deep within us. Crafting incorporates muscle memory and embodiment. Think about the sports you may have played as a child. You might be a little rusty now, but your body knows the stance you took at starting line of a race or on stage during a dance recital. Similarly, your body holds memory of the traditions that have been practiced throughout human history. This is why, sometimes while crafting, you may feel as though something “clicks” as you enter a flow state.
Spinning is a dance. Amy Tyler, with a strong background in dance and movement, knows this. Anyone that takes a spinning class with her will feel it, too. Understanding the mechanics of your wheel in relation to the mechanics of your body will translate to spinning with efficiency, fluidity, and sustainability. This class invites the student to understand how we use our bodies and tools in craft, choreographing a conversation between the two.
Green Door classes are immersive and intentionally long. We find that over prolonged time together, students form deeper bonds with each other, the craft, and their instructor for an overall more impactful experience. Even if you are a Traverse City local, the intention is that these classes feel a bit like a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are visiting from afar, the experience can be even deeper.
Class Details:
Where is the class held?: This class will be held at Green Door Folk School in Cedar, MI, a place that so readily lends itself to community in crafting.
Visiting from out of town?: Surrounding Green Door Folk School is Cedar North of J2 Farms. Cedar North is dedicated to enriching the world through arts and agriculture. Stay in the airbnb…steps from the classroom, art studio, and farm!
Date/Time: September 20th @ 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information and Policies:
What happens after I book the class?: After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Want to make sure you have all of the information before you dive in? Here’s our cancelation policy: We understand that plans change, and we do our best to accommodate while honoring the time, energy, and resources that go into preparing for each class.
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the class start date Receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. This fee helps cover the cost of filling your spot. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 14 calendar days before class begins.
At this time, we are not able to offer:
• Course credit
• Transfers to other courses
This policy allows us to keep class sizes small and intimate, while minimizing pressure to increase overall course costs.
If the class is canceled by the school: In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, we will issue a full refund and do our best to offer a reschedule option.
Policies:
Go for it! If you’re looking to advance in your spinning skills, have been curious about spinning your own wool, or simply love the history of textiles…this is the class for you!