Learn the ancient textile craft of producing your own yarn, using a drop spindle.
For thousands of years and around the world yarn was spun by hand using a basic spindle, before the invention of the spinning wheel. A drop spindle consists of a stick and a weight, to help to draw out, add twist and make strong yarn with plant and animal fibres. Spinning is a rhythmic and meditative process which is often a calming experience.
In this workshop we will hand-spin using a drop spindle, learn how to sort and prepare sheep fleece and hand-card this fleece to make rolags to spin yarn. The yarn that you produce, you can take home and use in a knitting, crochet, weaving or other craft project. The aim of this workshop is to teach the basics of spinning for you to acquire the skills and confidence to spin your own yarn independently using a drop spindle.

All materials and equipment are provided. If you have any fleece or a drop spindle you are welcome to bring them to use. This workshop is suitable for age 7+.

Tickets include all-day garden entry and discount off lunch at Quackers cafe