Do I need prior spinning experience?

No. This is a beginner-friendly workshop that covers the basics of treadling, drafting, tension, and finishing.

Can I reserve one of Arthurdale Heritage's wheels?

Yes. Email mary.l@arthurdaleheritage.org to reserve one of the two Louët small wheels on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the minimum age to attend?

Participants must be at least 12 years old to join this class.

Where do I park and enter?

Parking is by the dumpster across A Road; enter through the gray door at the Loom Room located behind Center Hall at 18 Q Rd.

What does registration cost and how do I pay?

Registration is $50 for members and $60 for non-members; follow the Arthurdale Heritage booking link or the provided referral link to complete payment.

How many students are in each session?

Classes are limited to seven students to ensure individualized instruction and hands-on coaching.

Learn to Spin: Small-Wheel Wool Workshop in Arthurdale, WV | Workshop

On a spring evening in Arthurdale, West Virginia, the Loom Room behind Center Hall becomes a low-lit classroom of motion: small wheels spin, wool drafts into yarn, and beginners find rhythm under the guidance of instructor Karin Gateless. The Spinning Wheel Workshop at Arthurdale Heritage is a two-hour, hands-on class for people age 12 and up who want to learn the fundamentals of spinning wool on a small spinning wheel. Held at 18 Q Rd., Arthurdale, WV 26520 on Tuesday, May 12 from 6pm to 8pm, the workshop keeps numbers intimate—seven students maximum—so each attendee can get direct feedback.

This beginner-friendly session focuses on the small wheel: treadling, drafting, tension and basic troubleshooting. Arthurdale Heritage provides two Louët small wheels on a first-come, first-served basis; other participants must bring their own small spinning wheel or email [email protected] to reserve one of the loaners. Students work with wool fiber and leave with a sample of handspun yarn and practical skills to continue at home. Registration is $50 for members and $60 for non-members, and the Loom Room entrance is the gray door behind Center Hall with parking across A Road by the dumpster.

What makes this workshop special for the area is its focus on craft continuity and hands-on mentorship. Spinning is an ancient, practical art that transforms loose fiber into usable yarn; taught here in a community-oriented setting, it connects modern makers to material history without abstract jargon. Karin Gateless keeps instruction concrete: short demos followed by guided practice, small corrective cues, and an emphasis on repeatable technique so beginners leave with confidence. During the session Karin demonstrates wheel setup, how to draft fiber for consistent thickness, adjusting the flyer and tension, and simple plying methods so students understand how to finish a two-ply yarn. Instructors recommend practicing short daily sessions after class and connecting with the Arthurdale Fiber Guild (see the Fiber Arts page) for follow-up workshops and peer support. Bring a small snack and water for the evening.

Practical details matter: bring a personal small wheel if you own one, wear comfortable clothing that allows ankle movement for treadling, and arrive a few minutes early to claim a seat. The Loom Room's compact layout makes for excellent one-on-one attention but limited space, so reserve early. This workshop is ideal for knitters, curious makers, or anyone seeking a tactile, slow-skill evening that contrasts with screen time.

Whether you're learning to spin to supply your own knit projects or simply exploring a traditional craft, the Arthurdale Heritage session balances craft history, clear instruction, and immediate hands-on results. It's the kind of local, small-group experience that turns a town visit into a skill gained and a skein to show for it.

About Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. preserves and shares the cultural history of Arthurdale, West Virginia through public programs, hands-on workshops, and community events. The organization hosts a range of experiences that connect visitors and residents with Appalachian traditions, including weaving, relief printing, herbalism, creative writing, folk music, and historical lectures.

Programs include classroom-style workshops such as Tiny Tapestry: Weaving for Beginners and Mug Rug Weaving, which teach basic loom techniques and let participants take home finished pieces. Art-focused offerings include a Relief Printing Workshop led by Meish Claus and Ekphrastic Writing: A Creative Writing Workshop with Jessie Van Eerden, both designed for practical skill development and artistic exploration. Music and storytelling are central to the calendar with events like Folk Music of the Southern Coalfields featuring Chris Haddox, and an outdoor theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s MACBETH by the Rusted Mechanicals troupe.

Educational talks and literary programming further highlight local history and practice. Making History with Christina Fisanick guides researchers and writers in using primary sources for family history and narrative work. Taste of Arthurdale presents historical perspectives on food in Appalachia, led by historian Katharine Donnelly. The Poetics of Gratitude workshop and Herbal Mixer build community through shared creative and practical activities.

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. programs are delivered by named instructors and guest presenters and take place in Arthurdale, West Virginia. The organization focuses on accessible, place-based learning and cultural preservation, offering scheduled workshops and events that invite participation from local communities and visitors alike. Program details and schedules are posted regularly.