On The Bobbin' A Monthly Newsletter
- The Spinning Barn
- Nov 2
- 10 min read
The Spinning Barn
Newsletter 006 November 2025
It's always a pleasure to sit down and write this newsletter for you because the feedback has been so positive. I wake in the night with ideas and inspirational thoughts, which I often forget as I drift back to sleep, but then I love researching the ideas and turning them into an interesting, educational and fun read for you all.
So thank you for your continued support of our fabulous hand spinning community which seems to be growing by the month. And every single one of you are most welcome to the fold.
If you are new to the newsletter here is what you can look forward to in every issue:
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 with the rest of us
So, let’s dive into Issue No. 6 and get those wheels turning!
What's Happening at The Spinning Barn
October seems to have flown by with so many changes to our routines. With the nights getting darker earlier I have started to check and tend my flock of sheep and horses earlier than usual and admit that it takes a bit of adjusting to as I am a creature of habit. Ted, our beloved dog has also been confused and just can't understand why his mealtimes have changed!
I quite like the longer evenings though. I think it almost gives us permission to slow down and relax with our crafts rather than feeling the obligation to work in the garden late for example just because it is daylight.
So I have been focusing on my knitting again and am currently working with a fabulous blend of Hebridean and Cheviot yarn from a small flock of sheep from The Birlinn Yarn Company from the isle of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides. I purchased it at the Woolly Good Gathering in Edinburgh earlier this year and I am so pleased with it. Here is a link to their website https://birlinnyarn.co.uk/
Alongside a busy month teaching lots of wonderful spinners my days have been spent creating new workshops for 2026 and planning our next hand spinning retreat, which I hope to share with you all very soon. As always if you have a workshop idea do let me know because what I do is all for you.
So as the new month of November starts for us all I hope that you all feel able to slow down a little bit and find enjoyment at your spinning wheel or curled up on the sofa with your knitting. However you spend the month I hope you all stay well - and warm!
Spinspiration Tip of the Month
Spinning Is About Progress, Not Perfection
It’s so easy, especially as spinners, to get caught up in the idea of perfection — perfectly even yarn, matching skeins, flawless tension. But the truth is, hand spinning is a journey, not a destination. Every time we sit at the wheel, we’re learning something new — about our fibre, our tools, and even ourselves. If you have attended one of my workshops you will know that I always say that every spinning opportunity is also a learning opportunity and that is what continues to inspire and excite me after so many years of spinning.
Think back to your first bobbin. Maybe the yarn was thick and thin, maybe it was overspun, maybe it looked nothing like what you hoped for — but that bobbin was a teacher. It showed you how fibre behaves, how your hands move, how twist changes everything. And the next bobbin built on that lesson.
Each new skein carries your progress in its twist. Even now, after years of spinning, no two bobbins come out exactly the same s hard as I try — and that’s part of the beauty of handspun yarn. It’s alive. It tells a story. It reflects the spinner’s mood, rhythm, and growing skill.
So the next time you sit down to spin, release the pressure to make “perfect” yarn. Instead, focus on enjoying the process — the feel of fibre drafting between your fingers, the hum of the wheel, the moment the twist catches just right.
Celebrate the uneven bits, the lumpy sections, the surprises — they’re proof that you’re learning, evolving, and truly making something by hand.
After all, every bobbin teaches you something, and that progress — not perfection — is where the real magic of spinning lives.
So tell me,what has your latest bobbin taught you? I’d love to hear — reply to this email or share a photo of your “perfectly imperfect” yarn in progress. Let’s celebrate the beauty of learning, one bobbin at a time.
The photo below shows you my very first skein full of lumps and bumps, twists and snarls. I spun it many years ago and still adore it. It's a reminder of where I started and where I am now and it always make me smile.
Breed Focus: The Shetland
Spotlight on Shetland Sheep: Small Sheep, Big Character
Shetland sheep are one of Britain’s true treasures — small, hardy, and full of personality. They come from the windswept Shetland Isles, off the northern coast of Scotland, where they’ve thrived for over a thousand years. These islands are not an easy place to live — rugged, cold, and exposed to North Atlantic gales — so Shetland sheep evolved to be tough, resourceful, and remarkably efficient.
A Heritage Breed with Deep Roots
Shetlands are part of the Northern European short-tailed group of sheep — ancient breeds that trace their ancestry back to the sheep of the Viking settlers. Over centuries, they adapted perfectly to their environment, living mostly on rough grazing and seaweed, and growing a fine, soft fleece that protected them from the elements.
Because of this natural adaptation, Shetland wool has become world-renowned — especially among hand spinners, knitters, and weavers.
The Wool: Fine, Soft, and Wonderfully Versatile
One of the most charming things about Shetland wool is its variety. The breed standard recognises eleven official colours and thirty different markings — from pure white to deep black, fawn, moorit (reddish brown), grey, and many subtle shades in between.
Each fleece is unique, and the fibre type can vary depending on where the sheep live and how they’re managed. Generally, Shetland fleece is:
Fine and soft — averaging 20–30 microns, suitable for next-to-skin wear.
Light and lofty — perfect for warm, breathable garments.
Elastic and strong — making it ideal for knitting and weaving.
Easy to spin — whether you want smooth worsted yarn or airy woollen texture.
Some fleeces are uniform, while others have distinct outer and inner coats — the outer providing strength, the inner giving softness. Traditionally, Shetland spinners would separate these by hand for different purposes: soft undercoat for lace and the stronger fibres for everyday garments.
A Wool Made for Tradition
Shetland wool is famously linked to the Fair Isle knitting tradition, which developed in the Shetland Islands and became an iconic part of British heritage. The natural range of colours lent itself beautifully to patterned knitting, and Shetland yarn’s lightness made even the most intricate garments wearable.
Perhaps the most famous use of Shetland wool, though, is in lace knitting — think of the legendary Shetland wedding ring shawl, so fine it could be pulled through a ring. That delicacy comes from the finest grade of Shetland fibre, hand-combed and spun with great care.
Why Spinners Love Shetland
For hand spinners, Shetland wool is a joy because it’s so forgiving and versatile. You can spin it fine for lace or bulky for cosy jumpers. It takes dye beautifully but is equally stunning in its natural hues. And every fleece has its own personality — much like the sheep themselves.
Whether you’re working from raw fleece or prepared top, Shetland wool invites you to explore texture, colour, and tradition — all in one beautiful fibre.
Try This: If you haven’t spun Shetland before, get your hands on a small sample of white, moorit, and grey. Spin a little of each and see how they differ in texture and handle. You might just discover why so many spinners fall in love with this remarkable little sheep.
To find out more about the Shetland Sheep visit their breed society page using the link below.
Upcoming Workshops
As we approach the end of the year there is still time to make time for yourself with a creative date in the diary to look forward too. 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? I shall be adding to my full calendar very soon to include dates for 2027 so you may like to 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.
Workshop dates:
November:
1st, 15th, 22nd - Beginner Hand Spinning - suitable also as a refresher or to focus on a specific area of spinning.
9th - Art Yarn Spinning - This introduction to art yarns will equip you with the skills to make a range of textured and lofty yarns to inspire your creativity.
16th - Flax Spinning- Get to grips with this incredible fibre and learn to spin your own yarns ready for weaving or knitting your linen projects.
20th - English Woollen Long draw - expand your spinning techniques and learn to spin lofty and bouncy yarns, perfect for winter woollies.
30th - Sensational Silk - dive into the world of silk where you can experience the beauty of spinning a wide range of silks which all hold their own character.
December:
6th - Cotton Spinning - try something new and explore the beauty of cotton spinning and add another dimension to your other creative crafts.
7th - Refine Your Hand Spinning - in this workshop you will learn how to spin the yarns you need by exploring the effects of twist, drafting precision and so much more. If you have a specific area of spinning you would like to focus on then this is also for you.
14th - Beginner Hand Spinning. The last workshop of 2025.
Hand Spinner Spotlight - Could You be Next?
I’ve been absolutely loving our Spinner Spotlight series — it’s such a joy to celebrate the wonderful people who make up our spinning community. Every story is different, but each one reminds us why we fell in love with this craft in the first place.
Whether you’re just beginning your spinning journey or you’ve been at the wheel for years, your story matters. It might inspire someone to finally give spinning a go, try a new technique, or simply feel connected to others who understand the magic of wool and wheel. And each new spinner helps to keep this heritage craft alive for future generations too.
If you’d like to be featured, it's really easy. You don't need to write anything complicated, just share a bit about your spinning life, your favourite fibres, or what keeps you inspired, and a photograph or two would be wonderful. So go on — don’t be shy! Your story could be exactly the spark someone else needs to pick up their wheel and start spinning.
Spinner Spotlight: Meet the Spinner Behind The Spinning Barn
Many of you already know me, but for those who are new here, I thought it was about time I introduced myself properly.
I’m Theresa, and I run The Spinning Barn — a place where wool, wheels, and wonderful people come together. I started hand spinning many years ago after falling completely in love with the process of turning raw fleece into beautiful yarn. There’s just something magical about watching fibre twist and transform beneath your fingers. However, as you can see from my previous photograph of my first yarn it certainly was not plain sailing at the start, but I persevered.
Over time, that love grew into teaching others to spin, and it’s honestly one of my greatest joys. Whether it’s seeing someone create their very first skein, or helping an experienced spinner gain confidence in a new technique, I never tire of that spark of excitement when it all comes together.
Even after all these years I still get excited by this craft. Every time I try a new fibre or a new technique it feels like a new experience and continues to keep me motivated to try new ideas and experiment so no two days at the wheel ever feel the same.
These days, my weeks are happily filled with workshops, social spinning groups, planning new projects, and spending time in my studio surrounded by fibre (and usually a cup of decaf coffee close at hand!). When I’m not spinning, I’m often thinking about spinning — or dreaming up ideas for future workshops and community projects. I have had the real pleasure of writing articles for PLY magazine too which takes up a lot of time but I love the process.
If you’ve been part of The Spinning Barn for a while, thank you for being on this journey with me. And if you’re new — welcome! I’d love to know how you found your way to spinning, so do drop me a message or say hello next time you visit.
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, knitting, crochet or other portable craft 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 12th November
Saturday 29th November
Saturday 13th December NOTE This will be the only date in December and we shall have a fun morning to end our spinning year. Please bring a small plate of something to share for lunch that we can all enjoy together. There will be NO CHARGE for this festive social meeting.
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’s all for this edition — thank you for spinning along with me! I hope you’ve found a little inspiration, a few dates to look forward to, and maybe even the spark to try something new at your wheel.
As always, I love hearing from you — whether it’s a story to share, a workshop idea, or just a hello. This community is what makes The Spinning Barn so special, and I’m so glad you’re part of it.
Wishing you happy spinning and peaceful moments until we meet again in the next edition.
Warm woolly wishes,
Theresa
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