'On The Bobbin' A Monthly Newsletter
Hello and a warm welcome to our April edition of On The Bobbin.
I am always excited to connect with our wonderful community of spinners and to 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
Anything else that I think you will enjoy!
So, let’s get into Issue No. 11 and get those wheels turning!
Theresa x
What's Happening at The Spinning Barn
I’ve just returned from the Faroes, and what a trip it was! Teaching at their retreat again felt like visiting family—both inspiring and great fun. The weather was wild, and with three plane changes each way, it was a tiring week, but every moment was worth it. Back home, we’re thrilled to be part of the Peterborough Drop Poppy collaboration. A huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed poppies, flowers, and flags representing the Allied countries from WW2—it really is appreciated! Each 5m section will be joined together to decorate Peterborough Cathedral in June. I really hope everyone who’s helped gets a chance to see the final display in all its glory. Time is short, but we’re excited to make it happen!
Spinspiration Tip of the Month
Using a Nostepinne
A what? I hear you ask! Yes a nostepinne is another piece of traditional wool winding tools that is simple, effective and so portable. It also allows one to slow down and focus on the beautiful yarn as it is being wound and gives the spinner time to appreciate the yarn they have created.
A nostepinne is a simple, traditional tool used to wind handspun yarn into a neat, portable centre-pull ball. It’s essentially a tapered wooden dowel that allows yarn to be wound in a precise, layered way, keeping it organised and tangle-free.
Why Use a Nostepinne?
Centre-Pull Convenience – Yarn wound on a nostepinne comes off from the centre, which means you can knit, crochet, or weave without the ball rolling around or tangling.
Compact Storage – Nostepinne-wound balls are tidy and stackable, taking up less space than loose skeins.
Smooth Yarn Handling – The even, layered winding reduces stress on delicate handspun fibres, preserving the texture and twist.
Aesthetic Appeal – The resulting “cake” of yarn has a beautiful, uniform look, which is satisfying to both make and use.
How to Use a Nostepinne
Anchor the Yarn – Start by securing the tail of your yarn to the nostepinne. You can tuck it into the groove near the tip or hold it loosely with your fingers.
Begin Winding – Hold the nostepinne in one hand and the yarn in the other. Wrap the yarn around the nostepinne at a slight diagonal angle, building the base layer.
Form a Crisscross Pattern – As you continue, change the angle slightly with each layer to create a crisscross pattern. This helps the ball hold its shape and allows it to unwind smoothly from the centre.
Adjust Tension – Keep your tension consistent—not too tight, or the yarn will be difficult to pull; not too loose, or the ball may collapse.
Finish the Ball – When all the yarn is wound, tuck the working end into the outer layers for safekeeping, leaving the centre pull ready for use.
Tip: Nostepinnes can be used with any weight of yarn, from delicate lace to bulky, but adjusting your winding technique to the thickness helps keep the cake stable.
Breed Focus
This month I have decided to focus not on one breed of sheep but on an association that
promotes and preserves many sheep breeds, the British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association. I am a member and have had the privilege of spinning a few fantastic fleeces from their members. Also as a keeper of North Ronaldsay sheep I am very aware of the importance of doing all we can to support the rare breeds that we are lucky enough to have.
The British Coloured Sheep Breeders Association (BCSBA) plays a crucial role in preserving the UK’s naturally coloured and mostly primitive sheep breeds. These breeds are not only important for maintaining genetic diversity and traditional husbandry but also for their unique and highly prized wools. BCSBA supports breeders through guidance, networking, and promotion of coloured sheep, helping ensure these rare breeds thrive. By doing so, they protect a heritage of fibres that are naturally beautiful, diverse in texture, and ideal for hand spinning, weaving, and other fibre crafts.
For spinners, the BCSBA is an invaluable resource. Their coloured sheep and fleece directory connects fibre enthusiasts directly with breeders, making it much easier to source fleeces at shearing time or find specific breeds for particular spinning projects. Their website, bcsba.org.uk, offers detailed information about different coloured breeds, the qualities of their wool, and contact details for breeders. Whether you’re looking to explore rare natural colours, try fibres with distinctive textures, or support the preservation of traditional breeds, BCSBA is a hub for both inspiration and practical sourcing for spinners.
Upcoming Workshops
Discover all the details of my hand spinning and preparation workshops on my website—there’s something for every level and interest! If you don’t see a workshop that quite fits your needs, get in touch and we can create something just for you.
Remember, even if you just have a question or need some tailored advice, we can always meet online—geography should never hold back your spinning goals.
Each month, I’ll share a list of upcoming workshops with available spaces, where you can expect a warm welcome, lots of fun, and plenty of spinning know-how.
April 4th - English Woollen Longdraw - Create light, lofty yarns for snuggly projects.
April 11th - Discover Worsted Yarns - Master worsted spinning for sleek, even, and durable yarns.
April 18th - Hand Spinning Basics and Beyond - Build confidence and creativity with hand spinning, from beginner onward.
April 19th - Perfect Your Carding Skills - Master hand and drum carding for beautifully prepared, lofty fibres.
April 24th & May 16th - Drop Spindle Spinning Taster - Get hands-on with drop spindle spinning—fun, simple, and rewarding.
May 9th & 10th - Two Day Hand Spinning Experience - From beginner to confident spinner—your hand spinning journey perfected.
May 24th - Get Creative with Art Yarns - Unleash your creativity and craft stunning, individual hand-spun art yarns.
The Spinning Barn Social Spinning Group
Join our Social Spinning Group and discover the joy of hand spinning in a friendly, welcoming environment! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced spinner, this group is all about sharing skills, inspiration, and a love of fibre with like-minded people. It’s a relaxed, fun space where you can get support, try new techniques, and enjoy great conversation while you spin. Everyone is made to feel welcome, and the camaraderie is just as important as the craft itself. Sessions are just £5 each, and your first session is completely free—come along, bring your wheel, spindle or knitting, and see why spinning together is so special! We meet from 10am - 1pm. Refreshments included.
Dates for your diary:
April 8th & 25th
May 13th & 30th
Until Next Time…
Thank you for reading and for being part of our spinning community! We hope you’ve found some inspiration, tips, or a little spark of joy in this edition. Until next time, keep enjoying your fibres, your wheels, and the wonderful world of spinning—we can’t wait to share more with you soon!
Warm woolly wishes
Theresa
x
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