'On The Bobbin' A Monthly Newsletter The Spinning Barn Newsletter 007 December 2025
- The Spinning Barn
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
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Hello and a warm welcome to Issue 7 of our Newsletter On The Bobbin!
As the year draws to a close and the studio settles into that cosy winter rhythm, I’m excited to share this final newsletter of 2025 with you. December always feels like a natural moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the quiet joys of making—whether that’s spinning by the fire, planning next year’s projects, or simply enjoying a mug of something warm while fibre rests on the wheel. This month, I’m sharing what’s been happening in the studio, what’s coming up for the New Year, and a few seasonal snippets to inspire your spinning over the festive period. Thank you for being part of this wonderful community—your enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity make The Spinning Barn a truly special place. Let’s finish the year with woolly warmth and spinspiration. If you are new to the newsletter I hope you will enjoy it and use it as 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 get into this last newsletter of 2025 and spin something fun together. Theresa x What's Happening at The Spinning Barn
It really does not seem possible that I am writing to you all for the last time in 2025 but it gives me the opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has contributed to The Spinning Barn in whatever way you have. That might have been attending workshops, using my online support, visiting on Social Group mornings or sharing stories and pictures of your spinning progress. I hope you know how much every single interaction means to me.
On reflection it has been a busy year with the introduction of new workshops along with the ever so popular sessions for new spinners. It has been a real treat for me to teach so many lovely people to spin and to watch that creativity grow.
So what else have we been up to? Our Social Group members had a fabulous jolly up to Edinburgh on the train to visit the Woolly Good Gathering which was a fabulous showcase of particularly small scale yarn producers and lots of stunning fibres all ready to get our hands on!
I have very much enjoyed getting out and about to teach at Guilds in Lavenham, Worstead and Sussex and had good fun giving a talk at a fabulous group of ladies in Denver, Cambridgeshire (not Colorado!).
Of course my travels did take me to the Faroe Islands where I taught at a retreat for a week. I can't believe that I have not yet written my blog all about that experience but I promise to do so very soon before I go back again in March 2026!
I have spent quite a lot of time working on articles for PLY magazine with the first one coming out in the spring so do make sure your subscription is up to date. That article is all about the direction in which one should spin the fibre and it was an exciting experiment to work on so I do hope you enjoy it. I am currently working on another article this time about silk for the sericulture edition in 2026 which is going to be fascinating.
I was also delighted to support two new small producers by stocking their products here at The Barn and in my online shop. The first was the most delightful hand made soap by a small family called Naturally Woodland. This was a fabulous find for me as I do like to promote the rare breeds of sheep and with the Whiteface Woodland being critically endangered this was the perfect opportunity to do my bit. And I must say it has been going down a storm too, so thank you for every purchase which helps to save this breed of sheep.
The second producer I discovered was Yarn Food which is a husband and wife team who have created the most gorgeous, and very effective no-rinse wool wash. One has the gentle scent of lavender with a touch of lanolin to revitalise your knitted items and the other is non scented without lanolin but is equally as fabulous relying on the aloe vera to work its magic.
I do have some ideas for new workshops for 2026 but I would also love to hear from you if there is a workshop you would particularly like me to create. The subject of spinning is so vast and each of us takes a different perspective so your ideas are always welcomed.
So once again, thank you for being part of our very special community and I shall look forward to doing it all again in 2026!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Theresa x
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Yarn Food Wool Wash £7.50 Buy Now |
Sheep Milk Soap £6.00 Buy Now |
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Spinspiration: Tip of the Month
Winter Wool Prep: Make Your Fibre Work With the Season
Cold weather is perfect for spinning—but only if your fibre is happy too. Winter air can be dry, chilly, and a little unforgiving, so a bit of thoughtful prep can make your wool easier to draft and your spinning far more enjoyable.
Choose fibres that love winter: Crimpy, springy breeds such as Romney, Corriedale, Shetland, and Bluefaced Leicester hold onto warmth and moisture better than sleek longwools. Their natural bounce helps them draft smoothly, even when the room is cool.
Let your fibre acclimatise: If your stash has been stored somewhere cold, bring it into your warm living space for a few hours before spinning. Wool behaves very differently when it’s chilled—warming it up makes it fluffier, more elastic, and less prone to breakage.
Fight the winter dryness: Fluff, tease, and open up the locks: Winter is a wonderful time to slow down and prep by hand. A gentle pre-draft or a quick tease with your fingers opens up the fibre and gives you a more relaxed, even spin—ideal for those cosy, mindful evenings at the wheel.
Winter spinning is all about comfort, rhythm, and warmth. With the right preparation, your wool will reward you with beautifully consistent yarn all season long.
I also have a snippet of historical information for you. Have you heard of the Mudag? I asked AI to describe it and here is what it said...
A mudag is a traditional Scottish spinning basket—soft, narrow, and made from coiled straw bound with rushes. Spinners used it to hold wool rolags, keeping fibre tidy, clean, and within easy reach. It was often left in front of the fire to warm the wool and soften the lanolin.
Particularly common in the Highlands and Hebrides, mudags were flexible enough to hang over the arm or waist, making them the perfect companion for long winter spinning sessions. A simple, practical tool, they’re a lovely reminder of Scotland’s rich spinning heritage.
Breed Focus: The Romney
I believe the Romney to be widely recognised by hand spinners so I thought it should take the limelight this month to share with anyone who is not familiar. I think they are one of the cutest looking sheep!
Origins and History
Origin: The Romney sheep, also called Romney Marsh, comes from Kent, England, in the Romney Marsh region.
Development: This breed was developed in the early 19th century to thrive in wet, marshy, and coastal environments. It was bred from local marshland sheep and possibly some imported breeds for hardiness and wool quality.
Primary Purpose: Originally valued for both meat and wool, Romneys are a dual-purpose breed. Today, they’re still prized for long, lustrous wool as well as reliable meat production.
Appearance
Size: Medium to large; rams can weigh 90–110 kg, ewes 70–90 kg.
Face & Legs: White face, white legs, free of wool on the face (clean-faced).
Horns: Usually polled (no horns) in both sexes.
Wool Characteristics
Romney wool is highly regarded among hand spinners for its versatility. Key features:
Staple Length:
Long: typically 12–20 cm (5–8 inches).
The range of staple lengths may lend themselves to either carding or combing so test it out first.
Fineness / Micron:
Medium to coarse: roughly 28–33 microns, depending on the individual and flock.
Not as soft as Merino, but soft enough for scarves, shawls, and garments with some prep (washing, blending).
Crimp:
Moderate crimp, well-defined in high-quality fleeces.
Adds elasticity, making the wool springy and resilient.
Texture & Handle:
Soft but durable, with a slight lustre that gives finished yarn a subtle sheen.
Ideal for socks, outerwear, and rugs due to durability.
Colour:
Mostly white, which is easy to dye in any colour.
Rare coloured variants exist (grey, black), but less common.
Lanolin & Preparation:
Contains a moderate amount of lanolin, making it easy to wash and spin after scouring.
Has good staple integrity, so it’s less prone to breaking during combing or carding.
Spinning Considerations
Ease of Spinning:
Long, strong fibres make Romneys ideal for both beginners and experienced spinners.
Works well with worsted (combed) and woollen (carded) spinning.
Its slight crimp adds elasticity, making plying and balanced yarn easier.
Types of Yarn:
Single ply: strong, slightly springy.
Two or more plies: smooth, lustrous, resilient.
Can create lightweight garments (if carefully blended) or rug/craft yarns.
Blending:
Blends beautifully with finer wool (like Merino) to add strength.
Works well with coarser wools for rustic or sturdy projects.
Dyeing:
Absorbs dye evenly. Whites are perfect for vivid colors, and greys/blacks are great for natural colorwork.
Uses in Hand Spinning
Perfect for beginners practicing long-draw techniques due to long staples.
Excellent for sturdy, wearable yarns (sweaters, socks, outerwear).
Can be spun fine enough for lightweight shawls if carefully prepared and combed.
Its durability and slight lustre make it ideal for textured, plied, or blended yarns.
Summary
Romney wool is a versatile, long-staple, moderately soft wool with enough elasticity and strength to spin a variety of yarns. It’s durable, easy to handle, and blends well with other fibres. For hand spinners, it’s a workhorse fibre—reliable, beautiful, and satisfying to work with.
I hope you give it a go if you haven't already. If you would like to learn more about this breed you can follow the link to their breed society below.
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, Jean Irvin and I am sure you will all love her story and feel inspired to try spinning if you have not already.
We bought a sheep! A young friend (16) with a small flock of 6 sheep told us she was saving for more sheep so we bought her a sheep with a lamb. That's 'Doris' on the right. Because of this we have become part of their group and help out whenever we can. At shearing time I was given all the fleeces with a challenge to find out what happens to the wool and to come back with a finished product. I found 3 people who wanted a fleece so they had theirs and then we looked at You Tube and learned how to skirt and wash. I tried to find someone who would spin some wool for me but fate had other plans. By a real stroke of luck I told another friend what we were doing and she said she had a spinning wheel and a carding machine that I could borrow! My husband very quickly got the hang of the carding machine. I tried and tried to spin but it always went too fast until my husband got on the floor and turned the wheel slowly for me as I learned to spin. It took a couple of months but I can now spin and ply double knitting. A little lumpy but getting better all the time. Since then we have acquired two wheels of our own. A small unbranded one that my husband has taken apart and put back together. A friend has turned three bobbins for it and it goes well but falls over a lot. (It has a high centre of gravity). I saw a wheel just like the one I've been learning on - a Haldane Orkney - on Facebook Marketplace. It has a broken flyer but by this time I was on Facebook groups and the lovely spinners there pointed me in the right direction and that is away being repaired. Meanwhile I am completely hooked on this wonderful hobby and spin every evening. PS I did manage to make a woolly hat with wool from Doris, our sheep, skirted, washed, carded, spun, plied and knitted by us 😊 and modelled by Big Ted.
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Upcoming Workshops
As we reach the end of another busy, wool-filled year, there’s something wonderfully grounding about looking ahead and planning the first creative moments of the next. A new spinning year is just around the corner — full of fresh projects, new skills to explore, and the simple joy of making with your hands. But before we step into January, there are still a few final opportunities to gather, spin, and finish the year on a creative high. I have a couple of December workshop dates left, perfect for squeezing in one last moment of calm before the festivities begin — or treating yourself to a mindful day surrounded by wool, wheels, and welcoming company. If you’re ready to start 2026 with intention and inspiration, I’ve also got some lovely workshops coming up with spaces available early in the new year. Whether you’re taking your very first step into spinning or building on the skills you’ve already nurtured, there’s a place waiting for you. Curious about what’s ahead? Now’s the perfect time to plan, try something new, and ease into the new year with a peaceful day of making. Want the full overview? You’ll find the complete workshop calendar on the Workshops page of my website — from beginners to improvers, there’s truly something for everyone as we begin a fresh chapter. Hoping for something specific? If there’s a particular workshop or date you’ve been dreaming about for the new year, just let me know. I love hearing your ideas, and I can often add extra dates or tailor sessions to suit. Drop me a message — let’s shape your spinning year together.
December
3rd - Cotton Spinning - If you have been a bit nervous about spinning cotton then come along and unravel the mystery - it's not as tricky as you may think!
7th – Refine Your Hand Spinning Take your skills up a notch with improved drafting and control to spin the yarns you really need.
14th – Basics & Beyond Spinning The perfect place to learn or refresh your spinning skills.
January
10th or 24th - Basics & Beyond Spinning The perfect place to learn or refresh your spinning skills.
11th or 23rd - English Woollen Long draw - learn how to create lofty, elastic yarns for those cosy projects.
13th - Worsted Spinning - learn how to create durable, drapey yarns which give great stitch definition.
17th - Get Creative with Art Yarns Add drama, texture, and flair to your spinning with playful techniques.
18th - Flax Spinning - this very popular and fun workshop will focus on the spinning techniques only, not the preparation - that's another workshop!
27th - Perfect Your Carding Techniques - preparation is key to consistent spinning. This workshop will focus on both hand carding and drum carding for a variety of preparations.
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.
You may also be interested to know that workshop vouchers make the perfect gift for yourself or a crafting friend. You can find details here https://www.thespinningbarn.co.uk/product-page/one-day-hand-spinning-gift-voucher
Social Spinning Group – Come Spin with Us!
December is always a very busy time of year for us all so it was decided at our last meeting that we would not meet again until 31st January 2026.
Everyone is warmly invited to join us for a relaxed, spin filled with woolly chat, laughter, and good company. And to get our new spinning year off to a good start and make it extra special, please bring a small plate of nibbles to share for a lunchtime buffet.
And as a little New Year gift from me, there will be no charge for this session. Just bring your wheel or spindle, needles or hooks, settle in, and enjoy a cheerful, sociable spin to start the year together!
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…As we head into Christmas and look toward a fresh New Year, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you for being part of The Spinning Barn throughout 2025. Your enthusiasm, kindness, and creativity have filled the studio with so much joy — every workshop, every social spin, every message, and every shared moment has meant more than you know. I hope the festive season brings you rest, warmth, and maybe a little time at the wheel with a mug of something cosy by your side. I can’t wait to dive into another year of spinning, learning, laughter, and community with you. Here’s to more woolly adventures in 2026 — let’s do it all over again!
Warm woolly wishes, Theresa x |
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