Cartmel Handspun Spinning School reviews

Stacey Croft reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go on the fleece to fibre weekend course. Learnt so much, and Elaine was very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions we had. It was all done very carefully and we kept socially distant given the current pandemic but Elaine still managed to be welcoming. Covered picking fleeces, prepping them, drum carding, drop spindles and of course spinning and plying, and skein wash. It's really inspired me to carry on practicing so will be getting my own wheel soon."

Gill Waite reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thank you Elaine for a great course. I really enjoyed the day and found your wealth of knowledge and patience a great comfort. During these difficult times I felt very secure in the precautions and way you structured the course. The friendly attitude of the small group in the the gorgeous setting of your workshop made it very special. The pace of the course was good and I look forward to practicing."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Gill. I was a pleasure to meet you and I am so happy you enjoyed your course. Happy spinning."

Linda Nussbaum-Richman reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"The small group made it easy to learn & get personal attention when needed. Elaine was a wonderful teacher, warm, friendly, very professional. Her expertise was obvious, she was so knowledgeable and passed on a great deal of very useful information. Our group of 3 attended during the Covid restrictions, and our safety and well-being were carefully thought out, with all guidelines strictly followed. The length of the day was just right. I feel I learnt a lot, I achieved what I wanted and now, I must practice, practice, practice! The venue was gorgeous, what a lovely, peaceful place to hold a course! I will definitely book another course, when I’m more practiced at spinning! Thank you Elaine, for your help, wisdom and patience! Regards, Linda."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Linda. I am so pleased you found the course useful and enjoyable. Happy spinning!"

Sue Smith reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thank you Elaine, I had a thoroughly enjoyable, informative and hands on weekend. I even managed to bring home a skein of spun wool. I really wish I lived a bit closer and could take some other courses. I will be heading home to make a start on the fleece I have in my garage and need to sort out my spinning wheel and then I can use all my new knowledge. Thank you so much."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Sue . I'm so glad you enjoyed your course. It was fun to work with you."

Sue Boyes reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"What a wonderful weekend I have had! Elaine is a wonderful teacher and the course is so informative, I can’t quite believe how much I achieved in two days! I can highly recommend this course, I have come home with such enthusiasm to get started on my wheel. Although COVID 19 is ever present, Elaine had all measures in place to keep us safe. Thank you Elaine and one day soon I will show you my knitted masterpieces!!"

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Sue. It was a privilege to work with you and I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here. Looking forward to seeing the 'creation'."

Andrea Hobbs reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Hi Elaine I just wanted to say such a huge thank you for a great day yesterday. So informative and full of ‘oh I get it’ moments for me! I loved that the way you explained things made such sense to my brain - and I really enjoyed our chats in between too. It’s always nice to meet a fellow crafter of beautiful yarns and things, as well as a crafter of peacefulness! I was onto my wheel this morning and cleaned things up as you suggested and gave it some tlc. It’s looking more cheerful and less grungy! I’ve got more spinning and fleece sorting planned for this afternoon and over the next few days. And I have some raw fleece soaking in rainwater outside...so I think we can conclude that you worked your magic and my confidence and enthusiasm is restored. I can’t thank you enough and hope to see you again for more learning at some point when I’m ready for more! Very best Andrea"

SALLY COOPER reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Time flew by! What a lovely day! Elaine was fantastic in bringing together the benefit of her experience with a number of technical terms and with providing a lots of "hand on" time for us beginners. The group was small (three of us) and I think we were all on the course because the cost had been a present from a friend or from family. It was certainly one of the best presents I've ever had! Being the person I am, I've already moved on to buying books recommended on the day and I don't think it's going to be long before I buy a spinning wheel and a "crown top" and see what happens. If I can't get the hang of it - it'll be back to Elaine for guidance."

Gwen Nicholas reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I have had a brilliant day today learning the basics of hand spinning. Elaine was very patient and knowledgeable as well as extremely enthusiastic about all aspects of wool. Lunch was very pleasant and relaxed and a time to chat and get to know each other a little better. It was great to be able to take away the wool we had spun and to feel that this would be the start of a new craft journey. I would recommend this course wholeheartedly."

Sandra Robinson reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Really enjoyed the course, always wanted to do this. Elaine was really helpful, knowledgeable and easy to learn from - she explained everything really well, so I understood what to do. Not sure at this time if I would get a spinning wheel but really enjoyed the hand spinning - so might give that a go first."

Laura Hinchey reviewed: Fleece Preparation for Spinners & Felters

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day, thank you! I’ve learnt everything I need to be able to prepare a full fleece from raw to something I can spin with. Elaine is so full of knowledge and is more than happy to share everything she knows!"

Janet Pugh reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"This was a fact-filled course with lots of hands-on time. Starting with learning a bit about different sheep breeds in relation to the type of yarn they produce through to skeining and washing the finished two-plied yarn we went through cleaning the raw fleece to carding, spinning on a drop spindle and on a wheel. There is so much to learn with lots of unfamiliar and seemingly humorously-named tools and processes. Lunch was wholesome and very tasty. Constructive feedback: I would have liked to have been able to take some written material away. Maybe a summary of what was covered, or even just a glossary of common the terms used. Thanks, Elaine."

Janet Sumner reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Elaine was very welcoming and delivered the extensive information in a relaxed and consise way! I thoroughly enjoyed my time and would highly recommend the course to anyone who is new to spinning. Fantastic course set in beautiful surroundings with a lovely workshop."

Jessica Jackson reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I have just spend a lovely weekend with Elaine in her studio. I am amazed to have gone from having zero experience to producing a yarn that I am really rather proud of! Elaine was incredibly patient and looked after us well over the course of the two days. I can't recommend this course highly enough - especially if you are an absolute beginner or even if you need to brush up on your skills. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience - I can't wait to start practicing myself at home!"

Joanne Penny reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thoroughly enjoyable day. Nice to try spinning, before considering a purchase."

Sarah Preston-Hall reviewed: Fleece Preparation for Spinners & Felters

"Elaine was a superb teacher, full of knowledge and advice on fibre preparation. She made us very welcome in her home and studio, taking us through the whole prep process from skirting to picking and carding to drafting. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and came away with the knowledge and enthusiasm to continue the processes at home. Elaine also let me have a go on her spinning wheel which was a fabulous treat! A very generous and inspiring teacher."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Sarah. So glad you enjoyed your course and got so much out of it."

Sarah reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"What a wonderful weekend of learning, friendship and utter relaxation! I left feeling energised and excited to practise, practise practise. Elaine is a calm and patient teacher with a wealth of knowledge and skill. Would highly recommend the course to anyone wanting to explore this fascinating craft."

Joan reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Spent a wonderful weekend in one of the most beautiful places in the Country; reconnecting with art of spinning. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute - the atmosphere was relaxed & friendly & gosh we certainly learnt a lot about wool & spinning. Really enjoyed the lunches of delicious soup and about learning the art of keeping slugs off runner beans! Thank you I would highly recommend the course what ever your ability."

jo Burton reviewed: Fleece Preparation for Spinners & Felters

"Great course. Elaine is very knowledgeable and generous with her time and home. Super studio. Brilliant to work with our own fleece and meet others with theirs, really adds to the understanding of the wool and how to treat it. Came away fuelled with enthusiasm. Would recommend a course with Elaine."

Caroline Haydock reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Amazing weekend spent with Elaine in the new studio. As a knitter I knew little about the preparation and production of the yarn I buy and use. As the course title suggests Elaine took us from the preparation of a raw fleece through washing, carding and on to spinning in a friendly and informative fashion. There was plenty of time to develop and practise new skills and I came away with a skein of yarn which I was quite proud of - enough to knit a hat. I now want to search out my own wheel and develop the ideas buzzing round my head. Lunch was delicious."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Caroline. So pleased you enjoyed yourself and found the course worthwhile. It was a privilege to teach you . Elaine"

Katharine Francis reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A lovely day spent learning to spin in beautiful surroundings. Elaine explains everything clearly and helps you understand the what and why rather than just the how. Would thoroughly recommend if you are thinking of giving spinning a go."

Helen Janice and Anne reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"We were all novices and had a great couple of days with Elaine teaching us all about spinning from fleece to fibre! Elaine is generous with her knowledge and patience. I feel ready to have a go and have already ordered a spinning wheel and various other bits and bobs - excited to take this further. Teas and coffees and lunch were great. Thank you Elaine (and Chris)"

Meriel Antoniou reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"This was an excellent course for anyone wanting to try their hand at spinning for the first time. Elaine is a wonderful teacher with a huge amount of patience. She shared her knowledge with enthusiasm and welcomed us into her home. We were able to experiment on several different types of wheel and were taught various different methods for each stage of the process. I have certainly got the bug as a result of this course and am already searching for the spinning wheel that will transform my own flock of Ryeland sheeps fleeces into yarn!"

Carolyn reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"This course is brilliant, can’t believe how much I learnt in 2 days. Elaine has a very encouraging and relaxed teaching method, thoroughly recommend this course."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you. It was a pleasure to work with you."

Pauline Johnston reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I've had a great time learning the process of spinning and this course has given me the confidence to start producing my own hand spun yarn in the future. Elaine is a fabulous tutor, her passion for what she does shines through and is inspiring. I also met two lovely, interesting ladies also on the course with me. Elaine brings you into her home, treats you to a tasty lunch and lots of tea,"it's thirsty work!" At the end of day two you leave with your very own yarn and lots of good advice to carry forward."

Pamela Easton reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I have just spent two days with Elaine learning all about spinning. She has so much knowledge and experience which she willingly shared. We learned about selecting a fleece, how to get the fleece ready for carding and then moved onto spinning. At the end of the course I have come home with spun wool that I will be able to knit with. This was a fantastic course and I happily recommend it to you if you want to learn to spin or improve your spinning. Elaine also kindly provided an excellent lunch. Many thanks Elaine for a wonderfully informative, fun, weekend."