'On The Bobbin' A Monthly Newsletter The Spinning Barn Newsletter 004 September 2025
- The Spinning Barn
- Sep 1
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 18
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Hello and a warm welcome to Issue 4 of our Newsletter On The Bobbin!
Welcome to the fourth edition of The Spinning Barn newsletter! One of the things I love most about spinning is how it brings people together — whether we’re gathered in the studio, sharing stories in a workshop, or connecting from our own homes with a wheel quietly humming beside us. This little newsletter is another way for us to stay connected, to share ideas, and to remind ourselves that we’re part of a wonderful, woolly community. Here each month you can look forward to.......
So, let’s jump straight into Issue No. 4 and get those wheels turning again! |
Breed Focus: The LonkNow I have to admit that I had never heard of this sheep until about five years ago. Where have I been! I was immediately taken by the name, Lonk and just loved the way that sounded so it really piqued my interested. All descriptions that I have read refer to it as a sturdy, slightly coarse type of wool perfectly suited to its environment on the Pennines. I have included it in my British Wool Celebration Box and I was initially surprised at its relatively soft but sturdy feel. So read on to find out more about this impressive looking sheep. I shall also include below a link to the breed society if you would like to investigate it even more.
Origins & History
Characteristics
Fleece & Wool
Spinning Qualities
My hand spinning experience: Although I have been aware of this breed for a few years I confess that I have never spun the wool until I started to prepare for this newsletter. I was expecting a rather sticky draft and a coarse yarn but I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I used a short forward draw technique spun straight from the end of the top at a 6:1 ratio which immediately felt sufficient for this fibre and I just let the fibre talk to me, I had no real plan. I found that the fibres glided easily and smoothly making for a very relaxed spin. I did notice a mix of fibre colours and type with white, grey and black flecks along with some kemp, which is to be expected perhaps from a Hill breed. The resulting yarn was surprisingly soft, lofty and bouncy which from the initial description of the wool I admit I was not expecting. So I have to say that if you have not yet tried this wool I would urge you to give it a go. I know that I shall certainly be using it again soon. Uses
Fun Fact
The Lonk is so closely tied to its region that it’s often described as part of the cultural landscape of the Pennines. Their presence helped shape both the ecology and textile traditions of northern England.
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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. So I am delighted to introduce this month's spinner, Sammy whose story really proves that practice makes perfect. You can see Sammy's fabulous work in her photos.
My name is Sammy and I live on the north east coast of England. I've been in an on and off relationship with spinning for years! I briefly dabbled with spinning during my Textile Crafts degree at Huddersfield University, first on a drop spindle and then on an Ashford Traditional wheel that I picked up secondhand. I tried to persevere with a DIY shoebox lazy Kate and commercially prepared fibre, but without any formal instruction, carders or niddy noddy, I was frustrated with my slow progress and sold the wheel on to another novice spinner and concentrated on knitting instead. Approximately 10 years later, I happened across a bargain listing for an Ashford Traditional wheel just like I had all those years before, but this time with the accessories! The wheel was purchased and I picked up where I left off, however other interests like quilting took preference and the wheel sat gathering dust for months at a time. Fast forward to the start of this year, another 4 years later, following redundancy from my job as an industrial sewing machinist, I decided it was now or never and made an effort to spin every day. I also joined my local spinners, weavers and dyers guild which has been a great source of encouragement and information. I'm really pleased to say that since practicing regularly, my spinning has come on leaps and bounds, and I finally feel confident at my wheel! Now that I've got the basics, I feel particularly interested in spinning art yarn and I was really happy with how this core spun (pictured) came out after wet finishing. I was also keen to experiment with making a self striping yarn using chain plying to make definite colour changes and achieved what I set out to do! My next spin will be this beautiful blue and pink blend I carded, perhaps it's time to try some coils or beehives. I post regularly about my spinning on TikTok and Instagram: auspicious.stitch and would love to see you all there ♥️
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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.
September Saturday 6th – Beginner Spinning The perfect place to learn or refresh your spinning skills. Friday 12th – Beginner Spinning Sunday 14th – Refine Your Hand Spinning Take your skills up a notch with improved drafting and control to spin the yarns you really need. Friday19th – Spin to Keep the Colours Vibrant A must if you want to say goodbye to muddy colours and learn how to preserve bold, beautiful blends or even tone down those 'loud' colours. Sunday 21st – Spin True Worsted Yarns Master the smooth, strong worsted technique for durable, lustrous yarns. Friday 26th – Perfect Your Carding Techniques From batts to rolags, refine your fibre prep for consistent results.
October Saturday 4th – Flax Spinning – FULLY BOOKED NEXT DATE 16th November— 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
Booking & Info You’ll find full details and booking links on the Workshops page of my website with more dates until the end of the year also available. And remember — if you don’t see the workshop you want, just get in touch. I’m always happy to consider new dates or tailor sessions to suit your interests.
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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 on the day.
Here are the upcoming dates:
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 it for this edition — thank you for taking a little time to spin through it with me. I hope it’s given you a smile, some ideas to tuck away for your next project, and a gentle nudge to keep exploring the joy of making yarn by hand. As ever, I’d love to hear from you — your thoughts, questions, or even just a quick note to let me know what’s currently on your wheel. Your stories and enthusiasm keep The Spinning Barn alive and buzzing with creativity. Until next time, may your bobbins be full and your spinning bring you calm and delight.
Warm woolly wishes, Theresa |
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