Virginia Handy

Training

Have been a handspinner since l975. Many courses from the best spinning and weaving teachers at Fernwood Nature Center, Niles, Mich. from l975 to the present. My bibliography includes an article in Country Woman on my flax work, May-June 1993,and articles by myself in magazines as well as writing the Flax Craft newsletter, l993-99. Have taught youngsters fiber arts since l975 in 4-H and presently at the Salvation Army Center for the Arts, Benton Harbor

Weaving

Basic weaving. I have about six small looms of various types for classes as well as a Kessenich floor loom. Many hands-on events at local festivals and fairs. I specialize in leno-lace weaving for myself, making curtains for my log cabin. One curtain in home-grown flax won first place at Fiberfest, Kalamazoo, 1992.

Spinning

Basic spinning on drop spindles or wheels. I have an antique flax wheel, an antique walking wheel, a Loret upright wheel, an Ashford wheel (my first, purchased in l994), a replica of a Shaker wool wheel, an Indian-type wheel for spinning cotton, and others. Have done hundreds of events for hands-on spinning for children.

Dyeing

Many years of 4-H experience in the l970s and 80s, including a class every week at a Sodus school for dyeing, spinning, and weaving. Gave a natural dyeing course (after taking one at Fernwood) for St. Joseph Adult Education program at my woods.

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