Eye Openers

The Golden Gate Fiber Institute Summer Intensive is over. It was a week filled with lots of learning and new experiences. I was so glad that I went -- the words fail to describe how amazing the whole experience was. I took the spinning class given by Judith MacKenzie McCuin in the morning, and natural dye class given by Darlene Hayes. Both are widely known experts in the field, and I still pinch myself that I just spent full six days with them!

Before the intensive, I thought I was doing OK with spinning. Boy was I wrong. There were so many things I was doing wrong, and so many things I didn't know. So many things I didn't even consider trying.


We learned from the basic techniques to fancy yarn spinning, and fiber facts and history. We learned how to adjust spinning according to their knitting style.

We were surrounded by fibers -- all week long! Look how casually cashmere and silk are piled up.
Heavenly hemp.


Most any kind of fiber you can think of.

Right by the enchanting coast line.

With great fiber people and great food -- what could be better? (Oh, maybe a heated swimming pool)

This experience has reaffirmed me that I love spinning, and I have so much more to learn. Ever since I came home, I've been practicing long draw on my Traditional.

I am so tired I have to quit writing now -- and I am leaving to Japan on Wednesday (the thought of not being able to spin for a week is killing me). Will post more on Intensive when I return.

Brooke, Maia -- THANK YOU for the yak down! Mari, Pat, Karen, Cinda and Shelley -- thank you for your great company. Hope to see you again real soon!