Apply to Teach Spinning in Armenia
photo of weaver at Woolway
Our network has been tapped in by member network SEKSPA (Southeastern Kentucky Sheep Producers Association) to source some spinners with potential interest in a very exciting exchange opportunity with fiber crafters in Armenia.
Woolway is a Yerevan-based organization that combines fiber crafters from around the country to produce handspun, naturally dyed yarns that are then used for the production of hand-woven rugs and to repair traditional textiles.
This organization has partnered with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation in Armenia to build out a very exciting multi-part program. With the help of SEKSPA and the Greater Cumberland Fibershed, they are seeking to expand their wool bloodlines to include more Corriedale genetics (currently the wool used is from Armenia's traditional sheep, primarily Belbas), expand and enhance their dye house operations, and train 10-12 new spinners to make the yarn: that's where we come in!
Seeking Spinning Teachers
Yarns spun and dyed at Woolway
We are seeking maybe 1 or 2 skilled spinning teachers who are familiar with Louet S10 or similar style Scotch Tension wheels (there will be an opportunity to spend some time with the wheel in advance).
Preference will be given to applicants who have experience teaching workshops or spinning classes and have flexibility to travel for up to 2 weeks in the Spring of 2025.
You (and potentially one spinning assistant) will be teaching a group of women in the mountain region to spin single ply and two-ply yarns in the worsted style in fingering, sport and DK weights. (Visual examples of some of the yarns are below).
Travel both into and within the country will be funded by HDIF.
Lodging will be provided at the Woolway Studio Guest House in Yerevan. This lodging may be shared with you and other consultants. View lodging details here.
Food will be provided. To learn more about food in Armenia, you might want to read this Forbes article. You may be eating at restaurants and also in homes. We do not recommend anyone with strict dietary restrictions applies.
There will be a stipend for your time: we are not clear how much will be approved, but we have requested approximately $150/day, or $2000 for 2 weeks, with the goal of 5-6 days per week teaching spinning to a group of about 10-12 spinners. You will likely have a spinning assistant.
Note: we are unclear about the ability of these venues to appropriately accommodate participants with physical disabilities. If you are concerned about your ability to walk long distances on cobbled, gravel or dirt streets, hike, take bumpy rides or potentially lift 20+ lbs., this may not be the best opportunity for you.
