Francie Goudie
Francie started spinning in 2014, and quickly developed a passion for exploring colour and fibre while spinning with Turkish-style spindles. She has consistently challenged the assumption that spindles aren't a viable tool for spinning significant quantities of yarn. In 2023 she expanded her practice to weaving, developing a distinctive style that maintains an emphasis on letting her handspun yarn shine.
With a background in science she approaches her craft with an analytical mind and an appreciation for the history and knowledge upon which we build. However, she is also a great believer in the importance of free-flowing creative expression, and embracing the hand in handmade. In a world where mass-produced "perfection" is commonplace, we have so much to gain from interacting directly with unformed material, using our hands, eyes and mind to create genuine expressions of our perfectly imperfect self.
As an educator, Francie is enthusiastic, approachable and knowledgeable. She never stops learning, and is always working to integrate her understanding into an accessible framework - giving students the skills they need to explore on their own and continue their creative journey.
Learn to Spin on a Spindle
Saturday, 5 April 2025
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue TBA
Do you love fibre crafts, yarn and all things fluffy? Spinning might just be calling to you! With just one simple tool - the spindle - and the desire to create, you can become part of this most ancient of crafts.
In this workshop you'll learn the basics of spinning on a drop spindle, with experienced and enthusiastic spinner Francie Goudie. You'll come away with your own skein of yarn and the knowledge you need to keep exploring. This is the perfect workshop for anyone looking to learn to spin, or wanting to brush up on the basics.
NB: Bring your own spindle, or purchase a kit on the day for $30
Beginner friendly fibre will be provided.
Skill level: Beginner
Tutor: Francie Goudie
Cost: $35 pp
Spinning on a Turkish Spindle
Sunday, 6 April 2025
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue TBA
Turkish Spindles - cross-armed bottom-whorl spindles with a removable shaft - are an ancient tool that is uniquely suited to modern spinning. Convenient, portable and quite frankly adorable, there's so much to love about the Turkish Spindle. And with the right tips and techniques, it can become a truly productive tool.
In this workshop, experienced spindle-spinner Francie will teach you her approach to spinning on Turkish Spindles. With an emphasis on ergonomics and productivity, you will learn how spinning on a Turkish Spindle can become an enjoyable, peaceful and even meditative experience! Whether you're a new spinner, you've been spinning on a wheel for years, or you've tried spindles but never gotten the hang of them, this workshop will get you started on your Turkish Spindle journey, and guide you on your next steps.
Included:
• A Turkish Spindle (3D printed) to keep
• Fibre for spinning
• A printed booklet, with accompanying digital material
Skill level: Some experience with spinning. If you've never spun before, please first attend the "Learn to Spin on a Spindle" workshop on Saturday
Tutor: Francie Goudie
Cost: $65 pp
Colour Handling in Spinning
Sunday, 6 April 2025
1:30 am – 3:30 pm
Venue TBA
As spinners, we have so many options when it comes to colour - all of the beautiful bright fibre available to us! But it's easy to get overwhelmed, and it can be challenging to keep on track as we move from fibre to yarn to eventual project.
This workshop will provide you with knowledge and skills to navigate the colour journey - starting with developing an understanding the colour possibilities in fibre - then planning the yarn you want to spin, with or without a project in mind - and finally exploring the techniques that allow you to spin that yarn, including chain plying, fractal spinning, gradient spinning, variegate spinning, matching plies and more.
You will explore a wide range of samples to discover how many possibilities exist in a single colourway, as well as having the chance to spin your own. You will also be invited to bring fibre from your own stash that might be posing a colour challenge - to discuss with the group and brainstorm an approach!
Included:
• Fibre for sampling
• A printed booklet, with accompanying digital material
• Fibre from your stash for discussion
Materials to bring:
• Any spinning device - wheel, e-spinner or spindles
• Fibre from your stash for discussion
Skill level:Some experience with spinning. If you've never spun before, please first attend the "Learn to Spin on a Spindle" workshop on Saturday
Tutor:Francie Goudie
Cost: $65 pp