On The Bobbin' A Monthly Newsletter
- The Spinning Barn
- Oct 1
- 11 min read
The Spinning Barn
Newsletter 005 October 2025
I can hardly believe that we are on issue 5 already. I really hope that you are enjoying our new community-focused newsletter and that you find something useful in each edition. I would be interested to know which your favourite section is so why not leave a comment and let me know.
Equally, if there is something you would like to see in the newsletter each month then of course tell me that too, after all this newsletter is for you. As always I shall do my best to include your suggestions.
I’m so excited to connect with our wonderful community of spinners and share a mix of helpful, inspiring, and fun content each month.
In every issue, you can look forward to:
Spinning inspiration and tips
A spotlight on a sheep breed
Upcoming workshop news
The Spinner’s Spotlight – where one of you shares your spinning story to inspire us all
So, let’s dive into Issue No.5and get those wheels turning again!
Theresa x
What's Happening at The Spinning Barn
Well what can I tell you about happenings at The Barn during September I wonder? It's been a bit of a blur really with lots of workshops taking place and plans for new workshops in 2026.
Meeting and supporting so many lovely new spinners continues to inspire me and give me faith that this incredible craft is indeed thriving with the skills being learned by a range of age groups and genders. And I also hope that with each new spinner another farmer may feel that his wool clip is very much needed and appreciated.
And it's the returning spinners, or should I say spinning friends, that encourage me to come up with new workshop ideas to keep us all motivated. As you know I just love exploring the art of spinning and I am sure I still learn something new every day which keeps me excited too. If you have any suggestions for s workshop then do please let me know and we shall make it happen.
I have started the planning process of my next retreat for 2026 but at this stage, although I have lots of ideas and collaboration agreements I do not have the dates or location set. So watch out for more updates on that in your inbox very soon. It's going to be fabulous and I am excited already!
The image above is of some yarn from my stash which my grandchildren helped me to dye in lockdown. It has been crocheted into our 'lockdown blanket'. I thought the colours looked suitably autumnal!
Let's get straight into the newsletter then.......
Spinspiration Tip of the Month
This month, I’ve been inspired to talk about a plying technique that many of you will likely be familiar with: chain plying. I’ve included a full description of the technique below for anyone who hasn’t explored it yet. However, I want to focus on a question I was recently asked: are chain-plied yarns suitable for sock yarns?
I have to admit, I hadn’t really considered this before—probably because I don’t often knit socks myself! The concern raised was that chain-plied yarn might be unsuitable for socks due to its structure. Specifically, when the yarn is chain-plied, a tiny lump forms at the point where the single yarn joins into three. This spot can be more prone to abrasion, potentially leading to larger holes as the yarn unravels over time.
Curious, I consulted my library of hand spinning books. The only reference I found was in Sarah Anderson’s Book of Yarn Designs (pages 89–91), where she concludes that “the theory did not match the practical experience.” Her article is well worth a read, as she also highlights other factors that could influence yarn durability.
If you have any experience with this theory I would be really interested to hear all about itso leave a comment or send me a message. You know I love a good experiment!
If you have not tried chain plying before or feel a bit unsure I do have a video which you can watch which I hope you will find helpful. Click the link below.
Spinning Focus: Chain-Ply 3-Ply Yarn
Have you ever wanted a beautifully round, sturdy 3-ply yarn without the need to juggle multiple bobbins? Enter chain plying, a clever technique that allows you to transform a single spun bobbin into a balanced, strong 3-ply yarn.
What is Chain Plying?
Chain plying is a method where you create a continuous crochet-like chain with your single, then ply it back on itself. The result is a true 3-ply yarn, with all the durability and roundness you’d expect, but made from just one bobbin of singles. It’s an excellent way to keep long colour repeats intact too, making it perfect for hand-dyed rovings where you don’t want the colours to muddy together.
Why Spin a Chain-Ply Yarn?
Strength & Durability: A 3-ply yarn is stronger and more abrasion-resistant than a 2-ply, making it ideal for hard-wearing items.
Roundness & Stitch Definition: The round structure of a 3-ply gives excellent stitch definition, which really makes textured stitches and cables pop.
Colour Control: Chain plying helps preserve your colour sequences, so stripes and gradients remain clean and vibrant.
Perfect Projects for Chain-Ply Yarns
Because of its durability and structure, chain-ply yarn is especially well-suited to projects that get plenty of use. For example:
Socks: Strong, round, and resistant to wear – just what you need for cozy handknits that last. Perhaps we cn question this ????
Hats & Mittens: The plump structure makes for warm, well-insulated fabrics.
Textured Patterns: Think cables, lace, or seed stitch, where stitch definition matters.
Tips for Success
Practice keeping your chain loops consistent so the yarn remains even.
Aim for a slightly finer single than you think you need, as the 3-ply will bulk up your finished yarn. Our handy Spinners Control tool can help with this.
Don’t worry if your chains aren’t perfect at first – with a little practice, your hands will find a rhythm.
If you’ve never tried chain plying before, give it a go on a small sample. You might just discover your new favourite way to create a robust, versatile yarn that’s perfect for everyday knits.
Click the link below to watch my Chain Plying Demonstration Video.
Breed Focus: The Leicester Longwool
The Leicester Longwool Sheep: Origins and Wool Properties
The Leicester Longwool sheep is a breed with deep roots in British agricultural history, renowned both for its distinctive appearance and the high-quality wool it produces. With origins tracing back to the 18th century, this breed has played a pivotal role in the development of modern longwool sheep and the textile industry.
Origins and History
The Leicester Longwool breed was developed by Robert Bakewell, a pioneering English agriculturist, in the mid-1700s in Leicestershire, England. Bakewell’s goal was to create a sheep that combined rapid growth, high meat yield, and fine-quality wool. By selectively breeding local longwool sheep with attention to body conformation and fleece characteristics, he produced a breed that was both productive and visually striking.
Leicester Longwool sheep quickly became valued throughout Britain and beyond for their adaptability and the quality of their wool. They contributed genetically to other well-known breeds, including the Bluefaced Leicester and the Border Leicester, cementing their legacy in the development of modern longwool breeds.
Physical Characteristics
Leicester Longwools are large, sturdy sheep with a characteristic long, lustrous fleece. They have a broad body, strong legs, and a long face. Both rams and ewes are polled (hornless). Their fleece is particularly notable for its length, density, and soft, silky texture, which sets it apart from other British sheep breeds.
Wool Properties
The wool of the Leicester Longwool is highly prized for several reasons:
Staple Length: Leicester Longwool fleece can grow between 8–15 inches (20–38 cm) in length, making it ideal for spinning long, strong yarns.
Fibre Diameter: Typically around 32-46 microns, offering a soft handle while retaining durability.
Lustre: The fibres have a natural sheen that makes them desirable for hand spinning, weaving, and high-quality knitting projects.
Crimp: The fleece has a loose, open crimp, which contributes to its elasticity and makes it easy to draft for spinning.
Uses: Leicester Longwool wool is versatile, suitable for spinning smooth worsted yarns, weaving, and creating luxurious garments. It is often blended with finer wools for increased softness or used on its own for strong, durable yarns.
Modern Significance
Today, Leicester Longwool sheep are still appreciated both for their wool and for conservation breeding. While not as widespread as some commercial breeds, they are valued by hand spinners, weavers, and heritage farmers for the exceptional quality of their fleece. Organisations such as the Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association work to preserve the breed and promote its uses in modern textile crafts.
Hand Spinner Spotlight
This section of the newsletter is devoted to you, our amazing community of hand spinners, where each month I cast the spotlight on just one member of our fabulous spinning community.
I believe that every spinner, at whatever stage of their spinning 'journey' deserves to take the limelight and share their story with us all to help us celebrate their achievements and to inspire us all but I need your help to do that. So do please send in just a little bit about oyur spinning or textile journey to be featured too.
So I am delighted to introduce this month's spinner, Claire, whose story really shows just what can happen when we start to fall in love with wool! Read on to see just what I mean!
My spinning journey …. mmm …. well it’s been interesting
I had several goes at learning to spin over a period of 20 years, all of which suggested this was not for me. I just didn’t get it, whether drop spindle or on a spinning wheel.
Having a flock of rare breed Leicester Longwool sheep and a spinning wheel my husband had acquired from a friend for £20 which turned out to be an Ashford traditional, I was always being asked – so do you spin? My husband decided to have a go at spinning because he likes to work out how things work, and turned out to be something of a natural. That just added the pressure.
We have a family motto – how hard can it be – which over the years has led us to do all sorts of mad things, like buying a smallholding and then some sheep! So in the autumn of 2023 I decided the time had come to have another go. And with lots of “help” from my husband, I at least started to get a yarn that held together, albeit with enough twist to mimic a corkscrew. But I still found the coordination of foot and hands beyond me. I tried an e-spinner which helped in some ways but I still produced truly horrible yarn.
I reached the point of total despair and decided to see if I could find someone to teach me or give up. Enter Theresa who, in response to cry for help, told me it was totally normal to produce twisty yarn at this stage and she could help! So I booked up for a weekend of spinning tuition and I learnt to connect my hands with my feet and start to get the hang of it.
I started to improve even over that weekend. And finding that a double treadle wheel suited me better, I found myself not only improving but actually enjoying it. Having spent so long not being able to spin, I’m still amazed when I sit down at a wheel and actually produce yarn, often as I intend it. I really do see it as one of the my top achievements in my life - to have learnt to spin! So I am forever grateful to Theresa and love coming to her various workshops to learn new techniques or aspects of spinning.
Concurrently with learning to spin, I’ve developed a business, totally emersed in wool. Starting with our own flock of sheep, I now buy in breed specific fleeces from other local farmers to produce breed specific rovings and spun yarn which I sell on line and at a wool studio on our smallholding. Dedicated to promoting yarn and fibre from British sheep breeds, processed in the UK, I also stock “real” Shetland wool from Shetland, Welsh wool from Wales, Romney wool from Kent and gorgeous British wool blends from Blacker Yarns and John Arbon Textiles in the West Country. I don’t think this would have happened if I’d not learned to spin to fill the gap between fleece and fibre for my weaving and knitting.
You can find Claire and support her fabulous business at www.woolplay.co.uk
Upcoming Workshops
There’s nothing like having a creative date in the diary to look forward to — and I’ve got some lovely workshops coming up with spaces still available over the next couple of months. Whether you're new to spinning or looking to deepen your skills, there’s something here just for you.
Curious about what’s coming up?Here’s your chance to plan ahead, try something new, and enjoy a relaxing day immersed in wool, wheels, and like-minded company.
Want the full picture?You can always browse the complete workshop calendar over on the Workshops page of my website. From beginners to improvers, there really is something for everyone.
Can’t see what you’re looking for?If there’s a specific workshop or date you’ve been hoping for, just let me know! I love hearing your suggestions, and I’m often able to add extra dates or tailor sessions to suit. Drop me a message — let’s see what we can make happen.
October
Saturday 4th – Flax Spinning – FULLY BOOKED More dates coming soon — this one’s popular!
Saturday 18th – Create Textured Tweed Yarns Blend colours and texture to craft rustic, classic tweeds.
Wednesday 15th – Spin True Woollen Yarns Discover the airy bounce and warmth of true woollen spinning.
Friday 17th – Get Creative with Art Yarns Add drama, texture, and flair to your spinning with playful techniques.
Thursday 24th – Beginner Spinning
November
Saturday 1st, 15th, 23rd - Beginner Spinning. Get your spinning journey started in our small, fun and informative workshops.
Thursday 13th - Get Creative with Art Yarns Add drama, texture, and flair to your spinning with playful techniques.
Sunday 16th Flax Spinning - try this incredible plant fibre and turn the flax into linen during this fun workshop.
Thursday 20th Spin True Woollen Yarns Discover the airy bounce and warmth of true woollen spinning.
Sunday 30th Spin Sensational Silk fibres - explore a range of silk fibres to create the most lustrous yarns.
December
Saturday 6th Cotton Spinning - Master the Art of Spinning Soft, Plant-Based Fibre
Sunday 7th Refine Your Hand Spinning - perfect for spinners who need to refresh or focus on a specific area of spinning to help you spin the yarns you really need.
Sunday 14th & Saturday 20th - Beginner Spinning. Get your spinning journey started in our small, fun and informative workshops.
You can check out all of our workshops and book your place using the link below.
I look forward to welcoming you to The Spinning Barn soon.
Social Spinning Group – Come Spin with Us!
Our Social Spinning Group is a lovely, relaxed way to connect with fellow spinners, share ideas, and enjoy some peaceful time at the wheel (or spindle!). Whether you're a regular or it’s your first time, everyone is welcome — just bring your spinning and settle in for some good company and woolly chat, and of course there is always coffee, tea, cake and lots of laughter! Each meeting costs just £5 payable n the day.
Here are the upcoming dates:
Wednesday 8th October
Saturday 25th October Annual Challenge Display Day! Come along to see what everyone has created as part of this year’s spinning challenge — always a fun and inspiring session. This year's theme was to create a hat using British wool and I can't wait to see the interpretations for this. I know it's going to be amazing.-
Wednesday 12th November
Saturday 29th November
Saturday 13th December - Annual Christmas Social. Everyone welcome. No charge. Please bring a small plate of refreshments for the group to share.
If you’ve been meaning to join us, why not pop a date in your diary and come along? We’d love to see you there!
Until Next Time…
That wraps up this edition — thank you for joining me on the journey! I hope you’ve picked up a little inspiration, popped a few dates in your diary, and perhaps even felt the nudge to explore something new at your wheel.
As always, I truly love hearing from you — whether it’s a story, a workshop idea, or simply a friendly hello. It’s this wonderful community that makes The Spinning Barn what it is, and I’m so grateful you’re here.
Wishing you joyful spinning and calm, woolly moments until the next edition lands in your inbox.
Warmest wishes,
Theresa
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