OHS Spinning Certificate Program - Level I

Instructors will bring the fibre, yarn and dyes in Year 1.

Students, please bring:

• Spinning wheel - flyer wheel in good working order.
• Lazy Kate, wheel maintenance supplies.
• A minimum of three bobbins that work easily on your wheel, with lead cords attached.
• Hand carders and flick carder (or dog brush)
• Top or bottom whorl drop spindle for use with wool
• 1 apron plus a light and dark lap covering (towel, cloth, or apron - minimal patterning),   contrast for spinning dark/light fibres.
• Measuring tape, scissors 
• Small plastic baggies (lots), labels and/or masking tape
• Three-ring notebook and writing materials
• Niddy noddy, (small is best: about 1 m/y).
  
• Cotton yarn for tying skeins
• 1 or 2 old towels (finishing skeins, washing fleece), 1 or 2 moderate-sized buckets or basins        (washing fleece)
• Reusable mug with lid or bottle - requirement for classroom/dye studio drinking liquids
  
  Optional: camera & books related topics to share. 
  
   

Dye Equipment Level I- IMPORTANT: Closed-toe shoes for protection from hot liquid spills

This Dye Kit will serve you throughout the programme and at home for assignments:

• Large pot with Lid (approx. 10 to 12 litres) - Label both (Stainless steel or unchipped enamel)
• 500 ml measuring cup & plastic or stainless steel measuring spoons
• Rubber or plastic gloves - NON latex & Oven mitts
• Mask for measuring dye powders - respirator with cartridges for particulates - College Health & Safety protocol - a certified tech will test for proper fit.
• Apron or lab coat, scissors, notebook, pen
• Thermometer - check accuracy - should go up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius 
• Stir sticks - can be glass or steel, spoon or plastic chopsticks, old towels
• Buttons or plastic labels for skeins in dye pots.
• Please bring to the dye studio niddy noddy (one m/y), baggies, labels.
  
  Optional: small-scale, mesh bags for soaking/dyeing fibres, small heatproof pot or bowls.

Fee Note

There will be a $110.00 (approx) Material fee payable to the class Treasurer (voted) on the first day, as well as a one-time purchase of the OHS "Guidelines for Students" booklet for $20.00. There will be a $50. marking fee for instructors – cash preferred, which facilitates distribution to each instructor.

Important Reminders: 

Please have your OHS membership paid for 2025, AND MAKE SURE YOUR TETANUS SHOT IS UP-TO-DATE

Mandatory Studio Safety Practices

 

Your health and safety is our priority. Our studio environments can have a number of objects, tools and chemicals that require personal protective equipment (PPE) or other consideration for your well-being. All persons (including faculty, staff and students) are asked to observe the following while in the shops and studios:

• Wear sturdy and appropriate shoes such as sneakers, closed leather shoes or work boots open-toed shoes, flip-flops or high heels are not allowed
• No long, dangling clothing or accessories (scarves, flowing sleeves, chains, long necklaces, etc.)
• Long hair must be tied back
• No bare skin if exposure to chemicals or tools/machinery is likely
• Appropriate PPE is mandatory when operating tools and equipment within the studios.
• Please consult with the faculty or studio technician to determine the appropriate PPE required for specific machines and studio processes.
  

Fit tests are required for courses requiring a respirator as noted on your material list. Arrangements will be made on-site. As these are mandatory safety practices, we will follow up directly with students who may have oversighted the above. Individuals may be asked to address any concerns before continuing to work in the studio. Be sure to buy appropriate, good-quality safety articles and equipment, i.e. safety boots, protective eyewear, hearing protection, work gloves, x-acto knives, etc. - ask your supplier for advice.