Spinning

the ancient textile craft of producing yarn

For thousands of years and all around the world yarn has been spun by hand using a basic spindle. This spindle consisted of a stick and a weight, it helped to draw out, add twist and make strong yarn with plant and animal fibres.
The invention of the spinning wheel, as we know it today, dates back about a thousand years. Later, after the invention of mechanised spinning machines and then the industrial revolution and mass production, only a relatively small amount of commercial yarn has been produced by hand-spinners.

Spinning Workshops

Spin your own yarn using a drop spindle and spinning wheel

Spinning by hand is a very satisfying way of producing your own yarn. In these workshops we will hand-spin using both drop spindle and spinning wheel, learn how to sort and prepare a sheep fleece, card fleece into rolags ready for spinning, compare different fibres and fleece and use a variety of spinning equipment. The yarn that you produce can then be used in a knitting, crochet, weaving or other craft project. Spinning is a rhythmic and meditative process which is often a calming experience.
The aim of this workshop is to teach the basics of spinning for you to aquire the skills and confidence to spin your own yarn independently.
All materials and equipment are provided. If you have a drop spindle, spinning wheel or fleece you are welcome to bring them to use in the workshop.
These workshops are suitable for beginners.


Spinning Course
Straight Curves, Chesterfield
10:00-16:00
Two consecutive days
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd November, 2025
£137
more info and book online at:
www.straightcurves.co.uk

Spinning
Beginners Spinning Workshop
Straight Curves, Chesterfield
10:00-16:00
Saturday 15th November, 2025
£66
more info and book online at:
www.straightcurves.co.uk

Spinning
Drop Spindle Workshop
Thornbridge Hall, nr. Bakewell
10:00-13:00
Monday 1st December, 2025
£41.92
more info and book online at:
www.thornbridgehall.co.uk

Spinning
Spinning Workshop
Memorial Hall, Bamford
10:00-16:00
Saturday 28th March, 2026
£60
an accompanied child free, for 7-18yrs
more info and book online at:
www.eventbrite.co.uk

Spinning


Please note - most of my workshops are run through external organisations.
To book onto a workshop it will be necessary for you to follow the external links provided. You are welcome to email me with any questions about the workshops, enquires about bookings will need to be directed to the relevant organisation.