Introduction to drop spinning with wool

Event information

About the workshop

Come and learn the ancient craft of drop spinning with wool. A drop spindle is a tool with its origins in prehistory, while wool has been an important textile fabric for thousands of years. Starting with basic principles and demonstration, participants will become familiar with the materials and tools and learn to create their own yarn, set up and personalise their own spindle, and spend most of the morning session spinning their own yarn with help from each other and the instructor.

Following a light lunch, participants will learn a simple technique to ply yarn and explore various small crafts that can be done with a small amount of yarn, including card weaving and needle looping.

Expert, personalised instruction in the art of handspinning, plying, and working with handspun yarn. Heritage breed fleece to work with during the session and to take home. A wooden, handmade spindle for participants to personalise during the session, and take home with them.

About the tutor

Nicole DeRushie has been handspinning for 20 years. She is the author of the internationally best-selling book on prehistoric clothing, Bog Fashion. She works for museums in Oxford, but can otherwise be found touring, talking, teaching and demonstrating ancient textile traditions.