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Perfect your spindling skills with these SOAR classes.
Pamela K. Schultz3 min read
I’ve taken my fair share of classes and workshops, but last year was the first time I had an opportunity to attend the Spin Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR)—it’s an incredible all-inclusive retreat that allows you to break away from everyday life. You’ll arrive on October 12, 2025, and have the afternoon to get settled, meet other spinners, and enjoy a happy hour and dinner. The next morning, immerse yourself in four days of spinning classes, with a two-day deep dive into one topic, followed by four half-day sampler classes. In the evenings, there are captivating keynote speakers, a fashion show, and of course, shopping. Many spinners return year after year, and after my first experience at SOAR, I can see why. It’s truly a spinner’s paradise!
This year, we’re excited to welcome Amelia Garripoli as one of our instructors. Amelia explores spinning, weaving, dyeing, nalbinding, and sock machines, but is perhaps best known for her passion for teaching spinning. She leads workshops at fiber festivals and guilds across America, and teaches e-spinning Zoom classes.
When I was a new spinner, I discovered Amelia through her blog, Ask the Bellwether, and promptly ordered a copy of her book, Productive Spindling. Later, I discovered her excellent spindle videos on the Spin Off website. Even though I’m mostly a wheel spinner, Amelia’s clear and helpful teaching style helped me get excited about—and succeed with—spinning on a drop spindle.
Immerse yourself in spinning at SOAR.
Amelia’s SOAR intensive, “Everything Turkish Spindle,” is a two-day deep dive into the simple but clever Turkish spindle. You’ll try different fibers, different spinning draws, troubleshoot your spinning for consistent results, learn tips to improve your spindle productivity, and even explore several plying techniques. From the basics to fine-tuning, there’s so much to explore with this versatile and portable spindle!
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by plying your yarn on a spindle, then Amelia’s half-day sampler class, “Spindles Can Ply!” is a must-try. From speed plying with a multi-strand ball to chain plying and ply-on-the-fly, you’ll walk away from this class with new skills, ready to create beautifully spindle-plied yarn on your own.
Learn to ply on a Turkish Spindle. Photo by Tim Janneck
For more than 40 years, the Spin Off Annual Retreat (SOAR) has been a beloved institution, gathering far-flung spinners every fall. Like many long-running events, it can mean something different for each attendee. It can be a chance to see friends each year or an opportunity to learn from instructors from around the world. It can also be an escape and a great shopping experience. Here's a peek at a past SOAR:
Class registration is beginning now! If you’re considering joining us, note that classes are selected based on the order in which tickets are purchased. With fewer than 80 spaces in the retreat and limited spaces in each class, you’ll want to make sure to register soon. The earlier you get on the list, the more class choices you’ll have—so don’t delay! We can’t wait to see you at SOAR!
Pamela K. Schultz is the content editor for Spin Off. She knits, spins, weaves, and gardens in coastal North Carolina. Her first SOAR was in 2024, and she can’t wait for more.
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