Discovering Spinning on a Drop Spindle – 2 Places Left

On this short workshop you will discover the joy of spinning fleece with a simple drop spindle.

Our plan for the day:

• Welcome and introductions over a (BYO) cuppa. Looking at why the students have chosen to learn to spin.
• A short history of spinning, the drop spindle and spinning wheel and the drop spindle’s attraction.
• Explanation of fleece – choice and variety and the anatomy of a drop spindle and how to choose one. A brief introduction as to how to prepare fleece for spinning.
• Demonstration of the processes in beginning to spin and hands on learning.
• Lunch
• Development of skills at the level of each student.
• Exploration of the use of different styles of spindles and different fibres.
• The next stages – how to ply and how to wash skeins to ‘fix’ the twist in the yarn.
• Questions and where to go from here…

Tutor: Amy Ford

My name is Amy and I run Sheepish Woollens from my small farm in West Wales. I started spinning about ten years ago having always been fascinated by the alchemy of fleece to yarn! 

My love of spinning and sheep led to me buying my first three sheep 7 years ago and now I have a flock of over thirty. I particularly love the natural  diversity in colour and texture of our native sheep and mostly spin this fleece. 

I love spinning  using drop spindles and spinning wheels but am passionate about teaching the use of the drop spindle as it’s incredibly portable, inexpensive and practical and has a long and fascinating history. 

     
Fee: £55.

There is an additional fee of either £10 or £13 for a drop spindle and supply of fleece which will be yours to keep. Please bring this amount on the day in cash.

There will be maximum of 7 places to ensure good social distancing.

For terms and conditions of bookings please click here

NB. COVID-19: This workshop will take place with social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures in place.

• There will be a smaller number of participants than usual, to allow for at least 2m between all participants
• Please come prepared to work in a cool well ventilated room, with plenty of warm clothing
• If this event is indoors everybody will be required to wear a facemask (unless exempt)
• Please also bring all of your own drinks, food, flask and cups etc.
• There will be access to toilets and hand washing plus plenty of hand sanitiser available

You may also be interested in our other workshops and courses. See our events page for the full list.