28 May 18'
"After finding out, while on a trip to Norway, about one needle knitting called naalbinding I decided to give it a go and once started I began to imagine what it would be like to make a scarf or hat right from the sheep. With this in mind I was talked into joining one of Diane's spinning courses by my partner Carol.
Some weeks later we found ourselves at Blaze farm wondering what we had let ourselves into. Diane immediately introduced herself and her Dad George who helps her with the course. His knowledge ranges from the sheep in the fields to the gansy on the back and this includes practical and theoretical knowledge of the gear needed with all its many technicalities. Anyway without ado Diane immediately ordered coffee for everyone, took orders for lunch and made everybody feel at home and welcome and then we were set to work.
As a retired seaman who spent much time working with ropes, cordage and canvas I knew that there were strong links to working with and producing wool and other yarns. I always loved the practical side of work and still engage with rope work by making mats and other decorative things from natural fibres to keep my hand in. I have worked in some historic sailing ship refits and once sailed in a replica viking ship which was traditionally rigged.
What followed over the next five hours of the course was like being back on board ship doing what I really enjoyed alongside enthusiastic people who felt the same. The talk used to be of finer points and attention to detail and was always with an attitude of helping each other.
In exactly the same way Diane and her Dad George are dedicated to spinning and it's preservation and both of them revel in their craft. It is their attitude and enthusiasm which is so impressive and that's what is so valuable and important to those just starting out in learning such a wonderful process.
This course has something for everyone and is highly recommended.
Thank you both"
