Spinning is a huge part of our lake district heritage, here you see me spinning in a 15thC cottage (converted to a chapel) in Hawkshead, which for centuries was the heart of the spinning and weaving markets, a bustling place of industry and merchants, with overhangs on the cottages to display their woven wares. All my yarn is spun by hand, using a spinning wheel (a very modern piece of technology!). I also spin some exotic fibres using a spindle. (and love helping others learn to use spindles!)
Every year I try and buy a fleece (or alpaca blanket) at a fair price from a local farmer, and process it myself at home. Home processing is a complex task, getting out the dirt and brushing the fibres. These yarns have a very rustic feel, but you know it has helped support local people in their livelihoods.
Very occasionally I have crocheted lap blankets available, showcasing some of my favourite hand spun fibres.
Even more occasionally I have a bit of weaving for sale. I focus on practice, not production, how does this speak to me, how does it feel in my hands, where is my thinking and praying going as I sit and create. I weave in a variety of ways, most commonly rigid heddle (small, sits on your knee) and floor loom.
The cross body motion and pauses for choosing colour or inclusions creates a soothing rhythm for reflecting, and in my case the floor loom is away from the hustle and bustle, providing gentle space that soothes.
This is of course a long way from the noise and chaos of industrialised mills, or the urgency of hand production for a family reliant on small scale production. It's a privilege to be able to pause, to spin, to reflect, without need for useful output.