Sourcing & Spinning British Yarn
If you are interested in learning a little more about sheep breeds and exactly how your yarn is made then no doubt you will love this chat between John, Andrew, Aaron and Laura. Between the four of them, they’ve been working in the industry for many many moons and are fonts of knowledge.
Here at JAT, our production concept is simple – a return to old style manufacturing, sourcing raw fibre (locally wherever possible) and converting it in the UK into high quality, luxury yarns and fibre tops. To help bring this to life we work closely with Andrew Bowman of Wooltops. He is our Wool agent and sources many of the beautiful fibres we make into tops and yarns at our Mill. We also work closely alongside the brilliant folks over at our local Wool Board depot. Aaron is one of South Molton’s head graders, with years of experience sorting fleeces.
And, of course, John and Laura are both Mill Folks, so have plenty of experience with the yarn side of things! The four of them will talk you through the processes involved in making a yarn, from selecting a fibre blend all the way through to finishing. We will have time for a Q&A session at the end, so you’ll be able to pick their brains if you fancy.
If you click the link below then you will be taken to our booking system on Eventbrite to complete your booking. You’re also more then welcome to give us a bell (+44 (0)1769 579861) and book over the phone if you would prefer. Thanks!
Location: The Courtroom, South Molton Town Hall, EX36 3AB
Time: 2:30 pm – 3.30 pm (45 mins + Q&A)
Date: Sunday 18th June, 2023
Price: £5.00
For more information about our Mill Open Weekend celebrations please visit our website.
We are so looking forward to throwing our doors open and inviting you inside for our MOW celebrations!
– The Mill Folk x
Tutor Bio:
Andrew: Wooltops, set up by Andrew’s grandfather, has an established supply chain that is 100% committed to focusing on the traceability of its wool products. Sourcing from the UK whenever possible, the Falkland Islands, and from selected farms around the world, Andrew gets to know the farmers he works with and their sheep farming techniques that produce (Mulesing-free) premium wool. Andrew works closely with spinning mills that share his ethos and enthusiasm (this is where we come in) so the passion shines through. Wooltops and John Arbon Textiles together, specialise in taking wool from the farm right through to the highest quality spun yarn.
John & Laura: You probably know John Arbon already, as the founder, and one of the previous owners of John Arbon Textiles, alongside his wife Juliet. Last year they passed the baton to Sonja and Helena, but we’ve still managed to persuade him to drop by for our Open Weekend and give us his pearls of wisdom. Laura has been with us for a good few years now, and there is very little she can’t turn her hand to!
Aaron: Our local BWMB grading station is based in South Molton. All of the wool in the West Country flows through its doors! Aaron is one of the depots head graders, with years of experience sorting fleeces.
