Cartmel Handspun Spinning School reviews

27 Feb 18'

Mary Le Breuilly reviewed: Hand Spinning Essentials for Beginners Week-end Residential (half board)

"This four day course is designed to get you up and spinning, and I must say that in my case it achieved just that. I had never spun before but I came home with my own yarn, admittedly a bit wonky, but lovingly spun under the watchful eye of Elaine. As a tutor, Elaine is extremely knowledgeable, very patty and willing to adapt the course to suit the aims of the participants. The small number of students meant you had plenty of individual help and support. As a bonus, the cottage was lovely, beautifully furnished and well equipped. I have returned home feeling capable of spinning on my own and even of preparing my own fleece from scratch."

17 Nov 17'

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

"What a great way to spend a weekend! Having never done any spinning or crafting before, with Elaines help I managed to produce something resembling "proper" wool by the end of the two day course. I learned so much and am planning to use my own fleeces once Santa delivers a spinning wheel. Elaine was lovely and I had a great time. Would definitely recommend especially for beginners like me. Thank you."

16 Nov 17'

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

"Last weekend I enjoyed a really interesting course learning about the fleece and ending up spinning and coming out with uneven but non the less plied yarn. Elaine was very knowledgeable and explain everything well. This course was bought for me as b birthday present by my children and they choose so well. I would recommend this weekend as you will have fun and learn a lot"

16 Nov 17'

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

"A full and active week-end learning hands-on all the time. We did quite literally travel from the fleece to the finished fibre and all stations in between. Lots to absorb. Challenging but very satisfying."

10 Oct 17'

Helen Dixon reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the two day course. I now have three skeins of slightly uneven wool and have bought a spinning wheel so I can practice. The course was a great introduction which gave information from getting a fleece, cleaning it. preparing it and spinning. The fact I could already treadle was a help but the two days was time to get started. Lunch was very nice too. Highly recommend this course if you want to make a start at spinning."

11 Sep 17'

Jeanette reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Having never spun any wool I was really nervous about attending this course in case I couldn't do it and was out of my depth. Elaine very quickly made me feel relaxed and at ease. She was a great teacher, so calm and nothing was too much trouble. I was really please to come away with my home spun wool. A really enjoyable day."

10 Sep 17'

Julie reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Fantastic day with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutor. Elaine was patient and encouraging through every aspect of the spinning process. The small number in the group (3) meant that close supervision and assistance came in a timely manner and kept everyone spinning throughout the day! With no previous knowledge of spinning I came away with my own, handspun wool. Great day."

29 May 17'

Lesley Webster reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Brilliant day! Elaine is so knowledgeable, patient and kind. I have learnt so much and have gained in confidence. The course exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be returning for further tuition in due course. Highly recommended."

27 May 17'

Susan reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A useful one-to-one couple of hours learning to use a drop spindle for a re-enactment group."

19 Apr 17'

Dianne reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I really enjoyed my day with Elaine. There were only three of us which meant we all got lots of attention. The day seemed to fly by and I came home with my own skein of wool. I now feel confident spinning and look forward to enjoying it alongside my other crafts."

12 Apr 17'

Jenny Taylor reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"What an education! I never knew there was so much to learn about wool and spinning. So much packed into the course. I learnt how to spin using a spindle and spinning wheel. Elaine is patient, encouraging and an excellent teacher. Thanks Elaine you are very talented and I am totally hooked - can't want to get my own wheel. Loved the home made vegetable soup!"

12 Apr 17'

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

"Thoroughly enjoyed my course with Elaine having packed in an enormous amount in just two days. I have learnt how to choose a fleece and turn it into usable fibre and all aspects in between - coming home with my own skeins of hand spun wool. I can now use a drop spindle and a spinning wheel with confidence. Great company, lovely lunches. Thanks"

12 Apr 17'

Jane H reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Enjoyable day. Everything provided. Ticked every box."

11 Apr 17'

Bridget Kauffman reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"My daughter and I attended this class. We had a wonderful time. Elaine is a very attentive instructor and was always aware of the students skills and needs as the class progressed. She shared very helpful information on wool, spinning wheels, preparing wool, what to look for in a raw fleece and spinning. We enjoyed meeting Jacqui and visiting with her. We traveled by train to Grange-Over-Sands and were without transportation to Elaine's class. She arranged transportation for us. If opportunity arises, I would like very much to return and attend the two day spinning course."

6 Apr 17'

Jacqui Boughton reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Shared a great day with Elaine and two ladies from Alaska (!!) learning to spin. Thanks."

6 Mar 17'

Gillian Day reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Just returned home after a very enjoyable two day course learning to spinning. Elaine is a very good teacher and put across her craft in a way that to a novice you can understand. If you wish to learn to spinning I would highly recommend this course. Also great surroundings and delicious lunch"

5 Mar 17'

Connie Sinclair reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Not long home after a great weekend learning to spin on my own spinning wheel. Elaine is a brilliant teacher and explains every detail of all aspects of spinning from choosing your fleece, preparing it and producing your very first skein of wool, mine is presently hanging up drying after being washed before leaving Eller How this afternoon. Highly recommend the two day course for anyone wanting to learn to spin"

5 Mar 17'

Celia Cartwright reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I enjoyed a wonderful two days in a delightfully quiet corner of the Lake District, learning so much about spinning and all that spinning entails. Elaine is a superb teacher who knows her craft well and has the ability to share both her enthusiasm and her skills with those like me who knew nothing. I left with the yarn I had created, the rudiments of the craft and a determination to practise, practise, practice. Oh, and the lunch of home made soup was delicious."

22 Feb 17'

Nicola Roddam reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"What an excellent day, thoroughly enjoyed it! Elaine was an excellent and patient teacher. I have come away with a lot more confidence and knowledge of spinning. I now know what to look for when buying a fleece. Would highly recommend the course to others."

7 Feb 17'

Hjørdis Leigh reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 day spinning course for beginners. I have done some spinning before, but had become rather disheartened as things didn't seem to work out. I am amazed how much I learned on this course and am now definitely getting back to spinning! The course was set up very logically so everything flowed along well and it was very easy to see the logic of the various stages and how they fitted together."

7 Feb 17'

Anita Bailey reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"What a wonderful weekend, Ruth is an excellent teacher, friendly, knowledgeable, patient and above all clear. The course covered everything it promised and more, in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The location is stunning. I came away with so much knowledge, lots of great memories, laughs and met new friends. Ruth shared a lot of tips that will be used for years To come.thank you"

6 Feb 17'

Rhian Brown reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I've just spent a lovely couple of days learning to spin, having never so much as touched a wheel before. Elaine was very patient and supportive and a real expert in her field. The two days were very relaxed and friendly and in lovely surroundings. I learned a lot more than I expected to, from tips on choosing the right fleece through to coaching on improving my technique on the wheel. I'm feeling so inspired that I'm off to buy a wheel at the earliest opportunity!"

6 Feb 17'

Donna Walsh reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Just completed the two day course for beginner - Fleece to Fibre, if you are new to this I would highly recommend this! Elaine is very patient and understanding makes you feel relaxed, has a fantastic way on explaining these in a easy way to understand, also she has an amazing knowledge. I'd only been spinning a couple of weeks my yarn was over twisted and lumpy came away spinning the most amazing yarn. Definitely recommend this is anyone!"

23 Jan 17'

Marion Chenery reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day. After having acquired a Spinning Wheel from an acquaintance I had been struggling to get to grips with the techniques, Elaine was the epitome of patience and as a result I now have a much better feel for what I was doing wrong. I left feeling uplifted and ready to spin! My wheel needs a little maintenance though before I can start (part of the learning along with many other tips and asides) absolutely brilliant, I am looking forward to attending another of Elaine's courses at a later date . Thank You very much"

14 Dec 16'

Susan O reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I was really pleased to have attended Elaine's 'Learn to Spin' Course. She was really keen to share her skill with others and was very patient in explaining techniques. I had a really good day and came away feeling very enthusiastic about continuing to learn the art of spinning. I hope to be attending another of her courses as I get more expert with my wheel!!! Sue O"