Hand Spinning Retreat - Spinning With Intention
5th - 8th March 2027
Launde Abbey Leicestershire
Creating the Yarns You Really Want
Early Bird Offer — until 15 December 2026
Get 10% Off
Book your place at Launde Abbey and receive 10% off the How Hill retreat. Your exclusive discount code will be emailed after your booking.
Retreat Overview
Date: 5th - 8th March 2027
Location: Launde Abbey, Leicestershire
Arrival: Friday from 3:00 pm
Departure: Monday at 11:00 am
Why Launde Abbey?
I have to admit, I gasped the first time I saw Launde Abbey.
Nestled among the rolling Leicestershire countryside and surrounded by fields of sheep, this beautiful and peaceful place immediately felt like the perfect setting for a spinning retreat.
It is the sort of place where you can take a breath, slow down and leave everyday life behind for a few days. A place where we can spend time together, surrounded by beautiful gardens and wonderful countryside, sharing our love of hand spinning.
And there is something rather special about looking out across fields of sheep while we’re talking about wool!
Launde Abbey also has beautifully landscaped grounds and a spectacular walled kitchen garden, which provides fresh vegetables for the Abbey’s kitchen. Even the food is connected to the land around us.
What to Expect at the Launde Abbey Retreat
Understand your Fibre
Explore different fibre types and discover how their individual characteristics influence the yarns you can create.
Design your Yarn
Learn how drafting, twist and spinning technique can transform the weight, structure, texture and character of your finished yarn.
Spin with Confidence
Move beyond simply following instructions and gain the understanding to make deliberate decisions about the yarns you want to create.
Learn Through Experimenting
Put theory into practice as you try different fibres, drafting methods and amounts of twist. There will be plenty of time to ask questions, compare results and discover what works for the yarn you want to make.
Time to Relax
Alongside the structured learning, there will be time to spin at your own pace, chat with fellow spinners, explore the gardens and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Launde Abbey.
Everything Provided
All retreat materials are included, so you can arrive ready to learn, experiment and enjoy your spinning. A pop-up shop will also be available if you would like to take home some new fibres and spinning goodies.
What’s Included
Residential Guests (Full Board)
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Comfortable ensuite accommodation
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Breakfast each morning
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Lunch each day
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Afternoon tea
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Dinner each evening
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Full access to the Launde Abbey retreat experience
Day Guests
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Full retreat tuition and activities
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Lunch each day
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Afternoon tea and refreshments
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The same learning and social experience as residential guests
For All Guests
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All retreat spinning materials supplied
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Expert tuition, demonstrations and individual guidance
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Opportunities to explore different fibres, drafting methods, twist and yarn structure
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Plenty of time to experiment, practise and ask questions
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Time to relax, spin and enjoy the company of fellow spinners
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Opportunity to browse the retreat pop-up shop
Dietary requirements can be catered for. Please provide the necessary information when booking.
Booking Information
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Dates: 5th–8th March 2027
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A £100 deposit is required to secure your place
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Full payment is due eight weeks before the retreat
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Cancellations made at least 12 weeks before the retreat will receive a full refund
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Unfortunately, refunds cannot be offered after this point
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Bedrooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis
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Accessible ground-floor rooms are available but limited
A Retreat with a Purpose — and Time to Relax
Sometimes we spin simply for the pleasure of seeing what happens. But when we need a particular yarn for a larger project, leaving everything to chance can make the result difficult to reproduce.
During this retreat, we’ll take the guesswork out of spinning while still leaving plenty of time to relax, chat and enjoy being at Launde Abbey.
You’ll have time to:
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Learn through practical demonstrations
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Experiment with different fibres and techniques
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Ask questions and receive individual support
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Spin socially with other like-minded people
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Enjoy the gardens, countryside and peaceful surroundings
Understanding Fibre and Yarn Structure
We’ll explore different fibre types and discover how their individual characteristics influence the yarns we can create.
Terms such as crimp per inch, twist per inch, twist angle, fibre characteristics and yarn structure will begin to make practical sense.
You’ll learn how to:
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Select suitable fibres for different projects
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Understand how fibre characteristics affect the finished yarn
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Control drafting and twist
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Create a more consistent and repeatable result
Create the Yarn You Really Want
By the end of the retreat, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to make deliberate decisions about your spinning.
Whether you want to create a beautifully smooth yarn, achieve a particular yarn weight or produce a textured yarn that remains consistent throughout a project, we’ll explore how to make it happen.
Most importantly, you’ll understand why you’re making each choice, rather than simply being told what to do.
Learn Through Experimenting
All retreat materials will be provided, giving you plenty of opportunity to sample fibres, compare techniques and see how small changes can transform the finished yarn.
There will be time to practise, make notes, compare results and ask questions in a relaxed and supportive environment.
You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to create — just bring your wheel, your curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
A Chance to Switch Off
This retreat is also about stepping away from the everyday demands of life.
There will be time to sit and spin, walk through the gardens, enjoy good food and talk about wool with people who understand the excitement of a beautiful fleece.
Return home feeling rested, inspired and ready to create the yarns you’ve been imagining.
Ready to Join Me?
Step away from everyday life and spend four inspiring days at Launde Abbey, exploring fibre, developing your spinning and learning how to create the yarns you really want.
There will be time to learn, experiment and ask questions, as well as time to relax, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and share the experience with other enthusiastic spinners.
If you have any questions about the retreat, accommodation, day-guest places, accessibility or dietary requirements before booking, you’re very welcome to contact me at info@thespinningbarn.co.uk or use the enquiry form.