Objectives:

The WGGB Spinning Certificate Program (SCP) is designed to give WGGB members a structured study guide and to establish standards by which they can measure their growing expertise in spinning. The Program will allow participants to demonstrate their knowledge of multiple fibers, ability to spin to specification, proficiency in use of appropriate tools, and skills in designing and completing a project.

SCP Description:

The SCP has three levels: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Masters. The Apprentice and Journeyman Levels are designed to demonstrate the spinner's knowledge and technical skills. The participant must show proficiency in multiple fiber categories and on various types of equipment. Apprentice and Journeyman participants will form a study groups that will support their learning experience. Other Guild study groups, the Guild library, mentoring by skilled spinners in the Guild, and classes available from the Guild and other sources will also support these efforts.

The Masters Level comprises planning and executing an independent project to produce decorative or wearable items that highlight mastery of spinning. Certification at the Apprentice and Journeyman Levels are prerequisites of the Masters Level.

Apprentice and Journeyman Levels: Fiber and Technical Skills

Participants working on the Apprentice Level will submit work on color theory and yarn measurements, and use wool, cotton, bast, synthetic, man-made and silk fibers. Work for the Journeyman Level will cover animal fibers, yarn structure, tools, design elements, yarn duplication and novelty yarns.

Masters Level: Independent Project

Participants will propose and execute an independent project. The required documentation will include a statement of purpose, presentation of the inspiration for the study, and conclusions. Actual items submitted will include preliminary work and the complete work.

Program Guidelines:

• The participants will have two years per level to complete the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Masters Levels. Participants will register for one Level at a time. Participants must re-register for each Level if the work submitted is not accepted, or if the work is not submitted within the specified two-year time frame.

• Each year, applications will be accepted by SCP Registrar no later than the October Guild meeting. The same deadline applies to re-register for any level.

• There is a $20.00 fee to register or reregister for any level.

• The complete Program documents are available on the Guild web site.

• Study groups for participants will be formed each fall. As a group, the participants will draw up a schedule for studies and submissions. The groups will assign and share research information, share fiber sources and costs, and work together to support their efforts.

• The submissions for each section will be labeled and documented as required.

• Work submitted for one section may not be submitted for a subsequent section.

• All work for ratings must be done independently; samples from workshops, study group sessions, or classes are not acceptable.

• Evaluations will take place in a timely manner after each submission date.

• The participants will receive feedback from the judges. Participants need a grade of 75 to pass.

• If the judges do not accept all of a candidate's items for one section, those pieces that are accepted may be resubmitted along with new items for another try at the same section.

• At the judges' discretion, applicants will be allowed to resubmit one or two skeins within one month of the evaluation date to successfully complete an Apprentice or Journeyman section.

• Certificates for the Apprentice, Journeyman and Masters Levels will be awarded at the June meeting.