Spinning

The London Guild has a group for those with a special interest in spinning. This covers a wide range of techniques for spinning animal and plant derived fibres, using spinning wheels, spindles and electric spinners. 

All Guild members with a particular interest in spinning can join the Spinning Interest Group (as well as any other of the special interest groups) as part of the membership package. 

There is a wide range of experience within the group, ranging from complete beginners to those with many years of practical experience. Although we do not run formal courses, our spinners are very happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with new members. 

We meet in person on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 11-3pm at the Barnes Green Social Centre.

In addition, we also meet in person at Burridge Gardens Community Centre Off Danvers Avenue SW11 1AR on Saturday mornings at 11:00 am prior to afternoon meetings of the main Guild when there is meeting room space available.

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Other Spinning groups in and near London

Vauxhall Spinners meet every Saturday morning meet in the Green Room at the Tea House Theatre on Vauxhall Spring Green every Saturday morning from 11am to 1 pm

Other Weavers, Spinner and Dyers Guilds near London might also host spinning sessions for members. See the map of guilds for details.

Learning Resources

The Handweavers Studio offers introductory one-day spinning courses several times each year. 

The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers  organises a summer school every two years and one or more of the courses will be for aspects of spinning.

Katie Weston at Hilltop Cloud runs in person and online courses plus provides useful instructional videos 

Recommended Books and magazines

‘Respect the Spindle’ by Abby Franquemont, Interweave Press 2021, ISBN 978-1596681552

‘The Spinner’s Book of Fleece’ by Beth Smith, Storey Publishing 2014, ISBN 978-1612120393

‘Ashford Book of Spinning’ by Anne Field, Lark Books 1986, ISBN 978-0937274316 

‘The Complete Guide to Spinning Yarn’ by Brenda Gibson, Bloomsbury Publishing 2012 ISBN 978-1408139394

‘The Spinner’s Book of Yarn Designs’ by Sarah Anderson, Storey Publishing 2013, ISBN  978-1603427388

‘The Field Guide to Fleece’ by Deborah Robson, Storey Publishing 2013, ISBN 978-1612121789

The Guild library holds many other good books, often now out of print, that members can browse and borrow. 

The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers – published quarterly by the Association of Guilds. Guild members can subscribe at a discounted rate. 

Spin Off – published four times a year. 

Members of the Spinning Interest Group are always happy to recommend specialist books or resources if you have an interest in a specific technique.

 

Basket of hand spun yarn

Different types of drop spindle