Well, we did it. We (Carrie and I) tried to hook another generation on spinning. I think it's working. *Mwah-ha-ha* It must be, because when I went into the school the next morning moms, and kids were coming up to tell me how cool spinning is, and asking wonderful questions.
I do have some tips, if anyone is crazy enough to show spinning to about 20 kids at once. Number one is predraft the heck out of the wool. I did a little, but next time, there will be pencil rovings, all ready to spin, because some kids (the little perfectionists) didn't like the thick yarn they were ending up with. I had a hard time 'getting' drafting when I started, too.
Another tip is having a lot of grown up helpers, even if they don't know how to spin. We had the teacher, and another mom, and LD. She was a great helper, and she loved that she was allowed to go to the other third grade classroom, while all of her friends had to do a writing assignment. Her teacher said that she's such a good student, she could catch up later. Bless her heart.
On Wednesdays, the third graders have the option to stay in for lunch recess, and knit. I go in for about 1/2 an hour and help. The other day, though, after our knitting time, Carrie and I went over to Mr. D's class, and just jumped right into the spinning thing. Carrie saved my bacon with a little speech about wool, and how old spindles are. I didn't even think about how to start, so here's a great big "Thank You!" to her!
LD's teacher is Mr
s. D, and the other third grade teacher is her husband. They are both so great, but I love that Mrs. D is so crafty. She's the super nice teacher that gave me two sweater kits. See, nice lady! After we stayed in Mr. D's class for about an hour, running around helping kids, we went next door, and did the same thing for Mrs. D's class. Carrie had to run, so I asked her to give her little intro first. Sweetie, sweetie ~ what a great friend.
This morning, I said something like "If I ever do that again...." and Carrie said "You'll be doing it next year, because my daughter will be in that class." Then, Melanie, our other knitting buddy, said the same thing. hehe
I was so tired Wednesday night, though. Whew! I don't know how teachers do it. At bedtime, I realized that I must have been tired when I got up that morning, since I had on two different socks! I've never done that before. At least they were knit out of the same yarn, just two different patterns. Trying to be a good blogger, I snapped a pic.
Carrie, Melanie, Riki, and I decided to have a quick little knit meet this morning, and I was spinning some of my Christmas wool when Carrie pulled out a baggy of bunny softness. I was petting it, when she said I could keep it! "Really?" I said "Sure, he'll make more." said Carrie. Hehe ~ so I started adding it to what I was already spinning, and wow! It is so soft, and warm, and pretty. I love it. It's the white fluff there by the spindle, and added on to the other wool. It is indescribably soft. Is that a word? It should be, if it's not.
Ok, laundry's calling. The dishes are done, though. At least I can knit or spin while the washer's going. Be back soon! Contest on the way, too ~ Don't forget. :)
edit: here's a post of Carrie's with a pic of the softest bunny in the world. (scroll down a little)
9 comments:
Bunny? Where? I'm on it! ;)
It's never too early for indoctrination, but *20* third graders? You are one brave woman.
Good for you! It sounds like it was a blast, even if it was a lot of work!
And thanks - I can't wait to finish the sweater!
Awww, that sounds like such fun. You & Carrie make a great team!
How brave to give a tutorial to the students!!!! Im waiting to be asked at school where I work,been through the cooking thing and it makes me nervous to put in a position where I hate to decline but also afraid of not expressing myself so they understand,hence the "sometimes unwilling guru"label LOL. Of course it can be fun!!!!And if you're organised and with a bit of experience the kids will learn and take those skills with them,just think of the next generation carrying them on !!! Well done!!!
Glad you liked the flowers!!! Its predicted to be 44'C today...
It's so neat that you do spinning/knitting classes for kids. I've said it once and I'll say it again, I wish they had that when I was in school!
WOW!! I have the greatest admiration for your willingness to teach the kids how to knit, and NOW how to spin!! WAY TO GO!!
Congratulations! Sounds like you all had a great time. I agree with you re the large group session - it's exhausting but very fun and rewarding at the same time.
I've done felting workshops with 20+ teens and if it wasn't for Katie helping I would have gone into meltdown. Yay for our crafty kids saving our butts!
A new generation of spinners eh? Maybe they'll go home and teach their parents how to do it too.
Well done you!
oh, the kids are so lucky to have you and carrie show them all this knitterly goodness! you'll probably be teaching spinning and knitting for years to come! ;) i love that LD got to help out too. I agree--the more adults the better-regardless of whether or not they know how to do what you're trying to teach the class!
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