
Welcome to The Rabbit & Wheel
of Motrosa Farm
Born from a love of English Angoras, traditional spinning, and handmade craftsmanship, The Rabbit & Wheel offers a unique collection of Angora fiber, roving, handspun yarn, antique spinning wheel parts, and one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods.
Whether you’re a spinner, knitter, fiber enthusiast, collector, or simply appreciate things made with history and heart, we’re glad you found us.
Browse our page for information on Spinning Lessons, Living History Demonstrations, Fiber Sales and more…
Spinning Lesson: Learn to Spin on a Wheel
I became fascinated with spinning wheels ever since the Sleeping Beauty story. Unfortunately, there were not any instructors in my area to teach me to spin. After a lot of searching on the internet, I found a lady that offered weekly lessons but she was four hours from me. I contacted her and begged her to give me a ONE DAY crash course in everything spinning. This taught me two things: 1. The basics of how to spin using a wheel that I could expand upon at home, and 2. That spinning fundamentals could be taught in a short period of time. I left her shop with a book, a bag of fiber and a used-spinning wheel that I purchased from her.
Spinning is like anything else, the more you practice, the better you get. Those first few skeins of yarn I produced were laughable, but I got better!
That said, spinning wheels are expensive investments. I’ve seen many wheels go up for sale because someone has bought one only to either not know how to use it, or didn’t like spinning after they purchased it. That’s why I decided to offer a 4-hour spinning course in a single day so beginners can discover this relaxing pastime and decide if spinning is for them before committing to an expensive piece of equipment.
Sessions are held in Spout Springs, Va in the fellowship hall of my church. Students can either bring their own wheel or borrow one of my Ashford Traditional wheels. Because of the hands-on nature of this class, space is limited to three students per session. This is the perfect activity for mothers and daughters, girlfriends, or be like me – and come alone to learn this fun skill.

CLASS IS SCHEDULED based on your schedule and mine.
Contact me to start the conversation.

The Fundamentals
During the 4-hours, students will learn:
- Preparing fiber to spin
- Drafting
- Types and parts of spinning wheels
- Proper treadling and spin ratios
- And, finally, we will learn to spin on the wheel!
- If time permits, plying and setting the twist will be discussed
The course fee includes instructional handouts, practice fiber and the use of in-class carders and an Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel (like the one pictured on this page). Students can take home their first yarn creations!
The cost per student is $100. Students using their own WORKING wheel (one with no issues and all the parts) or their own fiber receive a discount. Local former students are usually informed of upcoming classes so if they want to sit in with their wheels as a refresher, there is no charge.
If you have a wheel and are unsure if it works, bring it. I’ll try to get it working for you during class while you learn on one of mine.
Historic spinning demonstrations & Fiber arts Programs
Living history events in period dress, historic sites, festivals, schools, museums, fiber fairs and community programs.
Programs can include live spinning wheel demonstrations, as well as educational talks exploring how cotton, flax and wool are transformed from raw fiber to thread, yarn and cloth. Demonstrations are tailored to your event in Central Virginia and surrounding areas.

Fiber & Handspun yarn For Sale
White Merino/Angora Blend Roving 70/30
Natural White Merino Top (24 micron) blended with English Angora Rabbit (colors of white, blue and lilac) for a lovely slightly tinted yarn or it is easily dyable. Professionally milled and available by the ounce or pound.
$ 4.00 per ounce. Shipping is $7 for up to 4 oz. $10 up to 8 oz. PayPal accepted. USPS tracking number will be provided. Use contact form to order.

Grey Merino/Angora Blend Roving 70/30
Soft Grey Merino Top (21 micron) blended with English Angora Rabbit (colors of white, blue and lilac). Small white nibs are in this roving making for a beautiful finished yarn. Professionally milled and available by the ounce or pound.
$ 4.00 per ounce. Shipping is $7 for up to 4 oz. $10 up to 8 oz. PayPal accepted. USPS tracking number will be provided. Use contact form to order.
