Drop spindle spinning (Ōtautahi)

Learn the traditional craft of hand spinning using a simple drop spindle.

Canterbury WEA Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Ōtautahi, New Zealand

$98.00 per person

2h – 4h

Saturday 24 May: 10am-12pm
Sunday 31 August: 10am-2pm

Spinning thread with a drop spindle is an ancient craft that has been practised throughout the world for thousands of years. Here you’ll learn the key techniques to start hand spinning beautifully soft yarn to add another dimension of depth to your knitting, crochet, or weaving projects. You’ll be given local wool to learn and there’ll also be an opportunity to purchase a drop spindle to take home with you to continue your spinning journey.

Please note:

All materials and tools will be provided.
This workshop is for adults.

Cancellation

Bookings are non-refundable. If for any reason (this includes illness, travel delays, and injuries) you need to cancel your workshop, you will receive a refund minus a $30 administration fee. This is provided you contact us at least 14 full days before your booking.

Please see our Cancellation Policy for more details.

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We are grateful to be able to offer this workshop because of support from Creative New Zealand.

Mirabel Oliver

A longtime lover of many craft practices, Mirabel also studied sculpture at the University of Canterbury. She loves the domesticity associated with working with wool and its incredible uses, seeing it an important feature of family life. Mirabel was given a spinning wheel by her mother-in-law and was taught to spin by Annie Mackenzie. This year Mirabel is teaching drop spindle spinning, darning, felt bowl making, and a new patchwork workshop, along with running our mending club.

Annie Mackenzie

A weaver and spinner, Annie is also a gardener and occasional dyer. After studying sculpture at the University of Canterbury, she learnt her craft through the New Zealand Woolcrafts Society of Spinners and Weavers Guilds. She celebrates the beauty of wool from fleece to yarn to cloth. Annie is based on Te Tai o Poutini, the West Coast and will teach drop spindle spinning, as well as her new rag rug workshop in 2025.