A lengthy yarn (5)

I believe the answer is:

skein

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'a lengthy yarn' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for skein that I've seen before include "Loose coil of yarn" , "Loosely coiled bundle of wool" , "Group of geese in flight" , "Coiled length of yarn" , "flock in flight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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