I emailed Julia to see if she would be happy to teach a complete novice how to spin! Luckily for me she was up to the challenge!
She was very patient and was able to teach me how to process raw fibre and prepare it for spinning and then spent time teaching me how to spin and how to sort out any mistakes. It was such fun and incredibly therapeutic. I'm now able to spin different types of fibre and troubleshoot my problems as they arise. I highly recommend anyone who's looking to take up spinning to speak with Freddie's!
"I can't believe they're still at the wheel after an hour - they can't focus on an activity for more than ten minutes."
"Handling wool fulfils my sensory needs"
"The only time she sits and concentrates is when she's here."
We did the wet felting experience which wasn't only a lovely, calming sensory based activity but also a brilliant opportunity to support social communication development. The addition of the animals was the perfect introduction to the environment and activity and supported us to feel settled in to the session. Julia had a wonderful way with the child she was working with and managed to gently encourage them to open up without being at all overbearing or putting on too much pressure. So much was gained from the session, from both a carer and client point of view and I am sure we will be back in the future!
'Ode to Mary'
I really enjoyed the whole experience of meeting the animals I was wet felting with. The environment was calm and cosy. I would definitely come again on a rainy day and spend the afternoon felting!
"This feels like a safe space"
Tavistock Youth Cafe run a well-being session for young people with low mental health. discovering Freddie's Fibre Friends was fantastic for us.
Julia is a wonderful teacher, she has patience, understanding and is skilled in her craft.
The young people enjoyed the weekly visits to see the sheep and alpacas, they called them all by name and got to feed them before learning to felt using the sheep's wool.
The young people had a lot of fun which is so beneficial to their mental health, It is a brilliant place in a stunning setting!
Vicki Lloyd-Walsh
Tavistock Youth Cafe Manager
"This is the best day of my life!"