Origins:
Growing up surrounded by the rolling hills and rich landscapes of Wiltshire, I developed an insatiable curiosity for the past. As a Historian, I quickly realised how little textile history had survived archaeologically. Fragments of fabric and the occasional spindle told faint tales of those who came before us, but their voices were often lost amid the echoes of more prominent historical accounts.
Through crafting artisanal handspun yarns, I aimed to bridge the gap between the past and the present. Each skein I created became a tribute to the heritage of fibre arts, a unique embodiment of the skills honed by countless generations. My work seeks to celebrate and preserve the techniques that transcended time, allowing today’s crafters a tangible connection to the artistry of yesteryears.
In this journey, I strive not only to share my passion for textile history but also to make the beauty of handspun yarns accessible to all. By encouraging a new appreciation for these fibres and the narratives they carry, I hope to weave together a community that respects our crafting heritage while creating new stories for future generations. Through the act of spinning, we are not merely crafting; we are engaging in a dialogue with history, one thread at a time.
We hope you find Spinning Through Time yarns a joy to create with. We can’t wait to see what you make.
Where to Buy:
You can find Spinning Through Time yarns in two fabulous stores within the UK. We would love you to go along and see our lovely yarns in person, where they can be best appreciated and speak to the lovely knowledgeable people that work there too.
You can find Spinning Through Time yarns in all fibres and types at Wool. in Bath, where stunning location and squishy lovely wools are a match made in heaven. Here you will find both our British Fibre yarns, as well as a few special world-wool yarns, such as super soft merino.
If you are looking for 100% British yarns then look no further than A Wing and A Bear, Durham. Near the university, you will find our very best natural, eco and 100% British yarns here, such as Blue Faced Leicester and Shetland.
If you would like to become a stockist of Spinning Through Time yarns then please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
Wool. Bath
19 Old Orchard Street
Bath, England BA11JU
Open Monday - Saturday
A Wing and A Bear
Studio 5, Fowlers Yard, Back Silver Street, Durham, DH1 3RA
Open Friday and Saturday
Fibre Focus
We only source the highest quality fibres for our yarns, wherever possible sourcing from small flocks and herds right here in the UK. Every month you can learn about a different flock or farm that we source fibre from. We hope you will enjoy learning about some of our wonderful suppliers and the stories behind the beautiful fibres that go into our handspan yarns.
The Craft Firm
Kathryn at The Craft Firm:
We live on a small farm in the Forest of Bowland on the Yorkshire / Lancashire border. We currently have 24 alpacas of differing ages and colours. We do breed them but in very small numbers as we have never sold any of them!
We manage our farmland to encourage wildlife and wildflowers. We have planted several thousand trees and are growing many more.
Our alpacas and how it all started.
It was the huge dark eyes that first got to me. From then on I was hooked, but it was another 10 years and a move to a house with some land before we could buy our first alpacas. We went intending to buy three and came back with eleven! Before long I had accumulated more fleece than I had imagined, but what to do with it all?
My initial plan was to send the fleece to a minimill for processing, but somehow that didn't feel quite right. I was taught to knit and crochet by my two grandmothers at the age of 5 to 6 years old and I loved the idea of handling every stage from feeding the alpacas to making something from their fleece - so I learned to card, spin and dye and I love it all.
Sophia
Sophia is a lovely character. She is gentle and friendly and will happily feed from my hand. She is one of the first to come running over if she sees me, or if I have a feed bucket in my hand.
Spinning Through Time Yarns:
Sophia’s fleece is being spun up as a luxury Special Edition 100% Alpaca Handspun Yarn and the lovely Rupert will also be providing his fleece for a beautiful Chocolate Brown Special Edition yarn.
Artisanal Handspun Yarns
Exquisite artisanal yarns. Each skein is meticulously handspun in Wiltshire, allowing crafters to connect with the rich tapestry of our heritage. Our yarns are not just tools for creation; they are a celebration of the art of handmade craftsmanship, inviting you to indulge in the joy of crafting while honouring traditional techniques. Discover the beauty of our yarns, designed to inspire and enrich your creative pursuits, one stitch at a time.