All in a spin reviews

23 Apr 18'

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

"I did this day as a follow on to the beginners day. It was full of new information with lots of samples of different types of fibres and yarns. More preparation techniques and spinning practice too. A fabulous day - highly recommended."

23 Apr 18'

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

"I came as a complete beginner and went home with a plied spun yarn! We learnt so much in the day with lots of practical exercises to do. Lots to practice and think about. Highly recommended."

10 Apr 18'

DVC reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"This was a fascinating course which gives you a greater understanding into what goes into every stage of turning fleece into a balanced two ply yarn. The two taught days are informative and enjoyable. Dunja is a great teacher - warm, knowledgeable, patient and passionate about her craft. She is also very available when you are doing the ‘homework’ section of the course. Yes, there is homework and you are obliged to do it. Answering all the questions, washing your fleece, preparing it and producing the samples does take a bit of time, but it is so worth it. By the end of the process, you really do feel that you have a thorough understanding of everything involved and you will be absurdly proud of your own swatch of washed, spun, plied and crocheted (or kitted or woven) material. Dunja’s working farm is in a breathtakingly beautiful location and the converted barn in which you are taught is attractive, well lit and warm."

5 Apr 18'

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

"Great day and so nice to be able to take something home at the end of the day that I had produced. I have now finished all the tassels on my scarf and I am looking forward to wearing it. The course is a very good introduction to weaving and by the time you leave at the end of the day you feel confident in the skills you have learnt."

2 Apr 18'

Elaine Perry reviewed: Hand spinning Advanced Level 3 accredited course at All in a Spin

"An excellent course which is really challenging me to develop both my knowledge and understanding of a range of spinning fibres as well as different spinning and plying techniques. Dunja is such a knowledgeable tutor who really intervenes well to help us as a group to improve, even though we are all at different ability levels. I always come away feeling that I've worked hard but have practised to improve an aspect of spinning and learned something new about spinning. I appreciate her calm, patient and supportive approach."

26 Mar 18'

Petra Hilgers reviewed: Hand spinning Advanced Level 3 accredited course at All in a Spin

"Being half-way through the course I'm amazed at how much I've already learned thanks to Dunja's very methodical, easy to follow and clearly structured course: I've been spinning for four years and have mostly shied away from anything that seemed too 'technical' thinking that I've not got enough time, patience, skill or understanding for it - but felt increasingly aware of the need to understand spinning better in order to have more control over and fun with the process and the results. And the course is proving to be there perfect choice for this: I've already mastered new skills I wasn't even sure I'd even manage to pick up (such as spindle spinning, and spinning true woollen, true worsted and many styles in between) and I'm learning fascinating aspects of the history of spinning, about different fibres and their preparations and uses, and about the huge range of choices for spinners to create the design they want. A hugely rewarding, inspiring and empowering course."

25 Mar 18'

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

"I really enjoyed my time at Dunja's studio learning to weave. I was a complete beginner but under Dunja's patient and expert tuition I came home with a beautiful scarf which I'm really pleased with. A great way to spend the day learning something new in lovely surroundings. Thank you Dunja."

25 Mar 18'

Nerys Osbourn reviewed: Hand spinning Advanced Level 3 accredited course at All in a Spin

"Having experienced several of Dunja's day courses I had no hesitation in enrolling for this one. I'm one of 6 on the course and we're just about half way through, with most of theory now behind us. The course has been quite intense so far but Dunja's calm, patient teaching style prevents it from becoming overwhelming. There is so much to learn but the comprehensive written material and course structure breaks it down into manageable chunks. From now until the end it's mostly practical spinning and design so there's still a lot to look forward to. Outside of the taught workshop days, Dunja is available by phone or email if we need help. She never seems to mind answering an endless stream of questions and her patience seems limitless. She is generous with her time, her beautiful studio and her equipment. I've certainly learned a huge amount over the last 3 months and hopefully will have a certificate at the end of the course. Hand spinning is an ancient craft and an enjoyable, relaxing way to spend your time. Anyone who would like to learn but has no previous experience Dunja also runs a Level 1 Certificated Spinning Course and several non certificated day courses as well. I have no hesitation in recommending the course to anyone interested in learning this skill. I doubt it can be bettered anywhere in the country."

11 Mar 18'

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

"I am a relative novice in relation to weaving, my previous experience consists of an enjoyable two hour workshop in Suffolk where the loom was set up on arrival and I just shuttled a bobbin back and forth, and being about 6 years old and wrapping string around cardboard before wiggling bits of long grass through the threads... . I enjoy most crafts and having recently moved to Wales felt it was time to put my toe in the weaving water. A quick search online brought me to All in a Spin, and after a couple of emails between myself and Dunja I found myself in the company of 5 other would be weavers at her delightful, warm and welcoming studio. (I believe that the classes are generally no more than 5 but my friend hopped into the car at the last minute wanting to share the adventure...). The class started promptly at 10.00 and Dunja's clear explanation, patience and step by step approach took us from warping the loom to weaving and then finishing in 6.5 hours. We all managed to make a scarf and there was choice as to pattern and colour, which gave the class a personalised feel. Dunja was there every step of the way to help overcome any missthreads and tangles or just to advise and explain. Hot drinks and biscuits were provided, (an introduction to McVities thins), and the lunch break allowed us as a group to chat and share experiences. (There was a microwave if anyone was wondering). All in all a wonderful day and, with the clear printed step by step guide that Dunja provides, I feel that if I were to invest in a rigid heddle loom I would probably be able to get weaving. Oh, and I came away with a lovely checked scarf! Thank you Dunja, I'll be back....."

11 Mar 18'

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

"I am a relative novice in relation to weaving, my previous experience consists of an enjoyable two hour workshop in Suffolk where the loom was set up on arrival and I just shuttled a bobbin back and forth, and being about 6 years old and wrapping string around cardboard before wiggling bits of long grass through the threads..... I enjoy most crafts and having recently moved to Wales felt it was time to put my toe in the weaving water. A quick search online brought me to All in a Spin, and after a couple of emails between myself and Dunja I found myself in the company of 5 other would be weavers at her delightful, warm and welcoming studio. (I believe that the classes are generally no more than 5 but my friend hopped into the car at the last minute wanting to share the adventure...). The class started promptly at 10.00 and Dunja's clear explanation, patience and step by step approach took us from warping the loom to weaving and then finishing in 6.5 hours. We all managed to make a scarf and there was choice as to pattern and colour, which gave the class a personalised feel. Dunja was there every step of the way to help overcome any missthreads and tangles or just to advise and explain. Hot drinks and biscuits were provided, (an introduction to McVities thins), and the lunch break allowed us as a group to chat and share experiences. (There was a microwave if anyone was wondering). All in all a wonderful day and, with the clear printed step by step guide that Dunja provides, I feel that if I were to invest in a rigid heddle loom I would probably be able to get weaving. Oh, and I came away with a lovely checked scarf! Thank you Dunja, I'll be back....."

10 Mar 18'

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

"This is a great day getting to know about weaving on a rigid heddle loom. Dunja is a superb teacher and explains everything clearly so that you pick it up quickly and can come away with a finished article with minor finishing elements. I really enjoyed spending a day with people looking to learn a new yarn craft."

17 Jan 18'

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

"It was a lovely day with Dunja.She has an amazing beautiful place. I booked the beginner weaving course and after this i really got enthusiasm to start weaving as a hobby. She is a great teacher, very calm, always helpful, has endless patience,a lot of knowledge and is always ensure that all students get the support that they need.I can really recommend this workshop. Best of all was, that i went home with my first woven scarf ;)"

11 Jan 18'

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

"I did the one day beginner’s course, had a relaxing yet stimulating day, and came away with lots of enthusiasm and the knowledge to plan, warp up and work on my own projects. Dunja paces the course very well and gives attention and help to each weaver as needed, offering a wealth of knowledge and skill. The course is very hands on, with everyone involved from the start. It was great to be able to take away a finished piece at the end, and my only regret was not signing up to a second day. There’s a peaceful rhythm to the course and to the weaving itself, and the studio and surroundings are beautiful. Thank you for a perfect day, and an excellent introduction to weaving!"

4 Dec 17'

Jane Hanson reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"Dunja is the most fantastic teacher. The weekend course was so engaging, all materials were really well prepared, we wanted for nothing. Dunja was very giving of her time, and every question was answered. All in A Spin is a lovely craft barn environment - a spinner's paradise, complete with log fire. I couldn't recommend this course highly enough - I hope you enjoy!"

4 Dec 17'

Sue Thomas reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"How can two days go so quickly ! I've just spent the weekend with Dunja completing the level 1 course...and it was excellent. You learn so much and its only when you reflect on the two days do you realise quite how much was learnt on the course. Its a very relaxed atmosphere and Dunja is such a professional in the way she delivers the course and so generous with her knowledge. If you are genuinely thinking about booking this course ...I'd definitely recommend it."

29 Nov 17'

Jennifer Lewis reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"As a complete beginner I found this course excellent. Dunja took us through the whole process from understanding the different fleeces, preparing the fleece as well as carding, spinning and plying. Spinning is a challenge but with the good grounding provided and practice I am sure I will soon be spinning a well balanced skein!"

28 Nov 17'

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

"Had a really, really brilliant day learning to spin with Dunja. She's an excellent teacher, really patient, and the day gives a great introduction to spinning from start to finish. The studio is gorgeous, and in an amazing location, i would definitely recommend it!"

12 Nov 17'

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

"Brilliant course! The workshop facilities are excellent and Dunja's teaching is well paced, very informative, clear and friendly. It was a relaxed day with lovely people, fiendly chat and the satisfaction that comes with learning a new skill. As a complete weaving novice I was pleasantly surprised how simple the rigid heddle looms are to set up and get weaving fast and delighted to come away with a useable scarf. We did the improvers weaving course the day after and couldn't wait to get started! Thanks to Dunja being very accomodating we were able to have three days of tution to learn weaving and spinning whilst staying the the fabulous Weaver's Cottage just next to the workshop. The cottage is very well set up, as fabulous views and it was lovely to settle in for an evening in front of the log burner after a very enjoyable days learning."

12 Nov 17'

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

"Thoroughly recommend this course. Dunja makes spinning look so easy! I wasn't a natural but with her excellent tuition and patience I got the hang of it and enjoyed every second. The day is well structured and hands on including all stages of the spinning process from sheep to yarn but also with scope to ask lots of questions. The sense of satisfaction at the end of the day, walking away with your own skein of yarn is amazing, Thoroughly recommend staying in the Weavers Cottage as well - it has been beautifully renovated and the views are truly stunning."

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'

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 ."

27 Oct 17'

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

"We had a delightful day on this excellently structured course. It gave us a clear understanding of the processes required to get from the raw fleece to a balanced skein of wool. Because of the group size you are able to have high quality personalized tuition and the setting is stunning. You come away wanting more!"

23 Oct 17'

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

"A fabulous way to spend a day. As a complete novice to the world of spinning I had a brilliant day at All-in-a-Spin on the beginners hand spinning course. Dunja is a wonderful teacher, extremely knowledgeable and patient. The studio is very well equipped and the setting fantastic. I came away feeling that I had learnt a great deal and inspired to continue my spinning adventures. I would thoroughly recommend this course."