Latest reviews

9 Nov 17'

Peter Pearse reviewed: Oval Steam-bent Shaker boxes Evening Class in London

"I have been learning woodwork skills from Tom Trimmins for about 5 years, and keep coming back for more! He has taught me (and many others) how to use hand- and power-tools (and how to use them properly and safely), about the properties of many different woods and about how to disguise my many mistakes. I have made: many boxes, a stool, a medicine cabinet, a table and a rocking chair, among other things. Tom is a good, amusing and relaxed teacher, as well as being a great woodworker."

9 Nov 17'

Debs Steele reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A fabulous course in a tranquil rural setting. Jo is an inspirational and knowledgable teacher who generously shares her expert knowledge with her students in her beautiful barn home. Jo significantly limits the number of students on her courses, to enable her to give each one personal attention. I had a fun, productive and very enjoyable day in a good-natured and relaxed atmosphere. I learnt a huge amount about candles, melts and hanging wax Christmas decorations, which I shall put to good use to make gifts for friends and family. A delicious home-made soup for lunch - the break allowing time for our candles to set. The finishing touches with the wrapping of our products to take home, really was the icing on the cake. A wonderful experience. Highly recommended."

9 Nov 17'

Joanne fellows reviewed: Beginning Your Beekeeping - Two Day Beginners Course

"Great course a must for beginners. We were well looked after by manual farm and no question too small for the trainers. Brilliant course a must"

9 Nov 17'

DVC reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Having already attended Dunja’s Beginners’ Spinning course and two of her weaving courses, we know Dunja as a brilliant, patient teacher. She is also expert at her craft. In this course, you learn about different types of fibres and practice spinning them. Different fibres behave entirely differently and much entertainment was had in the first few minutes of trying a different fibre, as our tiny class of three got to grips with the different drafting length. By the afternoon we were confidently handling different fibres. Then we learned to prepare more unusual fibres, such as using combs to prepare longer wool. After lunch, we begun the blending section, where we blended different fibres together on a drum carder. This was so much fun. Blending different colours and fibres, including different types of silk (try the recycled Sari silks in jewel colours) and wools, gave unexpected, serendipitous results. Spinning theses carded fibres was a voyage of discovery. My partner and I are both hooked. We are now the proud owners of two second-hand spinning wheels and are finding new sources of fibre wherever we look. We have yet to approach the local alpaca farm, but I definitely have my eye on the dog. Have fun!"

9 Nov 17'

DVC reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Having undertaken Beginners’ Weaving and Intermediate Weaving, my partner and I already knew what a fantastic teacher Dunja at All in a Spin is. I am not surprised that she has won awards. Her gorgeous studio was toasty warm with its wood burner, but the initial stage of the course involved going outside, meeting some of Dunja’s sheep and being introduced to a fleece in its whole, unwashed glory. You are encouraged to touch the fleece and understand which sections of the fleece will make good yarn and which sections will cause problems and why that is the case (remember, rubbish in, rubbish out). Then you take some fresh fleece sections to wash and dry, which turns out to be a surprisingly simple. Using dry pure Clun fleece from Dunja’s own sheep you learn to prepare rolags (or carded rolls of fleece) for spinning. Then, the moment you’ve been waiting for, you spin ... or not. If you are like my partner, the technique clicks right alway and you are producing an even yarn in minutes. If you are not a natural and find it tricky, it will take longer, but with Dunja’s expertise and careful observation of what you are up to, you will definitely get the hang of it by the afternoon. Spinning is a wonderful feeling. Like any craft, there is that sense of quiet joy at producing something with your hands, but with spinning there is an almost euphoric high in seeing fluffy clouds of woolly stuff turn into smooth, even yarn at your fingertips at a ridiculously high speed (aka the slowest setting at which the wheel can turn). It seems like magic. By the way, my tip for learning to spin is treat it like learning to ride a bike - it is easier if you keep that wheel going once you get your balance. Don’t stop! In fact, you won’t want to stop once you’ve started. If you are thinking about trying this course, go for it. You will love it."

9 Nov 17'

DVC reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"My partner and I took the Beginners’ Weaving course at All in a Spin with Dunja Roberts because we wanted to learn something completely different. We had an amazing time. Dunja is a careful, patient instructor and both of us felt we learned a huge amount during the day. The other people on the course were lovely and the studio is gorgeous. By that weekend we had decided that we had to get our own rigid heddle looms. Two months on and we have already woven 14 scarves between us, most of which are to be sold for charity. Whilst the device is simple, a rigid heddle loom can produce remarkably complex and beautiful designs and with Dunja’s guidance, you simply can’t go wrong. We booked in for Weavers’ Intermediates shortly after collecting our looms."

9 Nov 17'

Jean an,d Keith hadley reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Really fun and informative day. Look forward to seeing the end results."

9 Nov 17'

Shelima reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"We booked the course as a date activity and because it was something we always wanted to try. The course was value for money as we got to try different techniques as well as using the wheel (which really was the best bit!). Jenny was very welcoming and friendly. The venue was homely and we were lucky with great weather to enjoy the beach and its fab cafe (large portions and good food). I would love to return to have another go when the children are a bit older as i am sure they will enjoy it too."

9 Nov 17'

Judy griffiths reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Dunja's farm on the one day course 'Beginners Hand Spinning'. I am a complete novice and Dunjas clear, precise, tailored tuition was just what I needed. The setting is very relaxed , studio well equipped , directions clear and a very warm welcome . I came away inspired to practice , practice and look forward to continuing in my Spinning development ."

9 Nov 17'

Yana Georgieva reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"An excellent course and a wonderful day! Sarah's kind, knowledgable, supportive and very creative. I was able to work independantly whilst still guided by Sarah. Would definately recommend! Yaba"

9 Nov 17'

George reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Loved the course. Came away feeling that we had learnt a skill to take away and refine. Chris is very engaging. Easy to be around and clearly incredibly passionate about what he does. You only need to look at how he works the wood to see that he is a very proficient artist. You are in capable hands - he is not just some one who practices wood carving as a hobby, he is dedicated and it shows. Very hands on day. What is wonderful is that you start with a round of wood and you personally work it all the way to a usable spoon. It is extremely satisfying to do. Relaxed atmosphere. His mum puts on an unbelievable homemade spread for lunch. It should be noted that tea and drinks and food alone are VERY well provided. It was delightfully unexpected. No pack lunch nonsense ! For the money its a bargain compared with other courses I've been on. Go for it"

8 Nov 17'

Lisa Richardson reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Myself and two friends spent the day with Sally Anne making small stags and a hare. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and we were thrilled with what we had made in just one day, it didn’t seem possible. Sally Anne is an excellent teacher and shared with us lots of knowledge around her crafts. Barley is also a lovely village with 2 pubs and a cafe on the car park so you can combine your course with a nice lunch. I can’t wait to book on to another course and will definitely be recommending to friends."

8 Nov 17'

Cherryl Martin reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I really enjoyed my first try at weaving on a frame loom with Alice. All equipment was supplied including materials. Alice's instructions were clear and she gave individual tuition when required. She has inspired me to do more and I will attend another workshop. It was a wonderful day."

8 Nov 17'

Tom reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Ciaran is an inspirational teacher and is passionate about tools, wood, making beautiful things from wood, and passing on that love! The four day beginners' course was packed with useful tips about how to get the best out of tools and materials, in addition to how to make neat mortice and tenon joints and other basics. The course was great fun and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking to learn the basics properly or to improve the quality of their work."

8 Nov 17'

Rachel reviewed: Half Day Mosaic workshop with Craft My Day

"A very enjoyable 3 hours and was really pleased with my finished mosaic! The selection of tiles to work with was fantastic and the tutor was really helpful and friendly. Nice venue, easy free parking nearby."

8 Nov 17'

Eric & Philippa Roy reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"As beginners to pyrography we found this day to be invaluable in understanding the basics and getting enough hands-on experience for a running start. The course was well planned and carefully prepared to make the best use of the time available. Not only did we have fun, we also came away informed and inspired!"

8 Nov 17'

Ang reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I was a genuine woodwork beginner, Ciaran's background in teaching meant that everyone (with different abilities) on the course was catered for‎. I enjoyed every day, learnt new skills, was inspired and Ciaran shared many tips and gave lots of knowledgeable advice from how to renovate and maintain tools to where to source wood. To sum up the course in one word it would be AWESOME. "

8 Nov 17'

Sue Nash reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Lovely day- Juliegoes at a good pace keeping everybody busy and involved. Learnt lots of new skills, thanks!"

8 Nov 17'

Angela Morley reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Lovely relaxing day. Most enjoyable. Easy to follow instructions with a great final result."

8 Nov 17'

Gill Rowlatt reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What a very enjoyable day. Great tuition and a lovely way to learn about embroidery!"

8 Nov 17'

Ellen Little reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Lovely setting, excellent tuition, you could go with the flow and be creative. The cake made it!"

8 Nov 17'

Amanda simons reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"The day was totally absorbing and extremely relaxing - "creative mindfulness"!"

8 Nov 17'

Lynn kimber reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Really lovely day playing with sewing and colours in beautiful surroundings with tea and cake! A great treat!"

8 Nov 17'

Sophie reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"The whole day was phenomenal from start to finish. The way Chris teaches in such a supportive and fun way put all us beginners at ease and enabled us to really enjoy learning this new skill. A lot of thought clearly goes into the day and the lunch was absolutely delicious. We came as a group with many dietary requirements and all of them were taken care of; we were given a delicious feast! Also, the confidence you come away with from the day means you can continue to carve spoons on your own from a block of wood in the garden-this to me is seriously cool! I really would recommend this course to anyone."

8 Nov 17'

Richard Holmes reviewed: Beginning Your Beekeeping - Two Day Beginners Course

"Really good course. I started with little to no idea, and left feeling confident."