Flyers, Bobbins and Whorls The design and fittings of a spinning wheel have a significant influence on the types of yarn it can produce most easily. This is one reason why many hand spinners own more than one wheel. The working unit on most modern spinning wheels consists of the flyer (the ‘U’-shaped piece), the bobbin […]
Category Archives: Spinning
05
Mar
Mar
All you need to know about Silk Fibres Silk fibres are prized for their luxurious handle, strength and luminous sheen. These silk fibres are available in a variety of forms, each produced at different stages of the silk production process. Silk can be dyed to vibrant shades using Acid dyes, and the reflective qualities of […]
21
Oct
Oct
Britain’s native sheep breeds produce an extraordinary variety of wools — from the shimmering longwools of Yorkshire to the soft, springy fleeces of the South Downs. When prepared as tops, each fibre type reveals its true personality. This guide explores how each British wool top spins, what the finished yarn is like, and includes the […]
03
Sep
Sep
Understanding the Parts of a Spinning Wheel: A Beginner’s Guide Spinning wheels have been around for centuries, transforming fibre into a yarn for knitting or weaving into a cloth. Whether you’re a fibre artist, a hobbyist, or simply fascinated by traditional crafts, understanding the parts of a spinning wheel can deepen your appreciation of its […]
19
Feb
Feb
Hand spindles are an economical alternative to a spinning wheel and can create a passion for spinning in their own right. With a small amount of practice, the twisting of the fibre can create a beautiful, hand-spun yarn. As the spindle is so portable you can practice your hand spinning very easily whenever you have […]
19
Jun
Jun
Prepared Wool Fibres Wool fibres that have been washed and carded into a roving are commonly known as Wool Tops. The fibres are prepared so that the wool tops are consistent in their staple length (the length of the individual “hairs”) and count. The Micron (mic) Count or Bradford count (see more about the classification […]
17
Jun
Jun
Susan Litton shows us how to prepare a silk hanky ready for spinning. A silk hanky is produced from a silk cocoon and is made up of one continuous gossamer thread. The sericin (the glue that keeps the cocoon together)Â is removed from the cocoon by simmering it for 30 – 45 minutes in a solution […]
08
Jun
Jun
Karen Malledent sent us this great photo. ‘Thought you might like a photo of my daughter wearing one of my creations using your merino and blue faced Leicester (the one I dyed yellow using your acid dyes). I call this the ‘Pineapple Hat’!’ Karen has hand spun dye wool tops, and hand dyed and spun […]
03
Jun
Jun
It is possible to knit from any continuous length, whether it be deliciously soft wool yarn or a ball of common household string. Knitting directly from the silk Mawata Cap, which we sell to you as a fibre, can work equally well. Mawata Caps are created by pulling out the cocoons over a former creating […]
01
Jun
Jun
The Fibrecrafts range of these rich hair fibres which include Alpaca, Camel Down, Cashmere, Mohair and Yak Down. They can be used for spinning soft, fluffy yarns and in feltmaking. The fibres do not felt easily as the scales along the fibre are much further apart than the scales on wool, but felting can be […]