There are many ways to make a gradient or ombre yarn; by blending fibres, by dyeing the fibre in a gradient or dyeing the spun yarn. This month Rebecca of Chemknits has published a tutorial for a fascinating and very effective way to make a long and even gradient by 'breaking' food dye with a machine-knitted blank.
Using a gradient yarn takes a little forward planning to make sure that you use the entire gradient, or the part of the gradient you like.
Gradient yarn is a theme that runs through this month's issue; tips, tutorials and finished projects for inspiration.
Edinburgh Yarn Festival appears to have been a great experience for all concerned, I've picked out accounts from a vendor, a visitor and a volunteer.
Read on for all this plus news, reviews, a feast of free patterns, finished projects and fibrey photos.
This is the free, edited issue for April 2017. Scroll to the bottom to find out how to receive a longer version of HSN a couple of weeks earlier.
Photo right: handa396's shawl using Hilltop Cloud fibre. Cover photo 'Red White Green and Black Woven' copyright creativecommonsstockphotos used under Creative Commons Zero (CC0) public domain licence.
Kristin crossed the Atlantic to visit EYF, so it's no surprise that she has included shots of the city and Scotland generally in her video montage.
The first few minutes of this episode of her video blog (after the introduction) feature video clips of her trip which will certainly whet your appetite for the next EYF if you've not been before.
The video also includes a review of Kate Davies' Book of Haps which Kristin bought while in Edinborough.
I'm grateful to everyone who has posted photographs and blogged about EYF, though it was harder to find the spinning.
Ruth gives us the volunteer's point of view, including some behind-the-scenes and this picture of the lovely Spin City Louise.
Look out for the hilarious photograph of Sockmatician Nathan Taylor.
https://creatingruth.wordpress.com...yarn-edinburgh-yarn-festival...
Aileen Clarke spent most of the time in her booth, but did find time to have a look around and do some shopping.
She says something that I've read a few times, "I only just scratched the surface... there was so much going on"
http://aileenclarkecrafts.blogspot.co.uk...edinburgh-yarn-festival...
Rachel spun the yarn that made this pullover during last year's Spinzilla. She was unsure about whether to overdye the attractive grey but took the plunge and used black walnut.
She met a problem while knitting; hardened left-over lanolin spoiled her knitting experience, but following advice from others, she completed the knitting and then soaked using Power Scour.
She says that the stitches are visibly more even after this treatment.
The pattern is Fireside Pullover. It's designed to be flattering, which Rachel agrees with.
Ros Wilson's visit to the historic Worstead guild left members speechless (not for long) but someone fortunately had the presence of mind to take some pictures, which I'm linking to here.
https://worsteadweavers.org.uk...left-stunned-and-speechless
Aaargh. What's the point of a forward-thinking law that bans dodgy chemicals, when the large companies simply ship the fibre to another country to have the same treatment done? It gives the goods a larger carbon footprint because of the transport, and the pollution is only moved somewhere else.
Australian ultrafine merino is the fibre in question, it's used in hi-tec high-performance undergarments.
Rebecca of Needle & Spindle decided to see whether she could make a much more ethical alternative for her Spinning Certificate's end-of-course project.
There's a lot of information in this inspirational post, but not the finished project itself, which is in her part two, I'll link to that next month.
I start to feel a little guilty if I have too many projects started. I love this photograph because it shows that there's someone with more fibres on the go than me, because of the varied fibres involved and because the colours in this picture look so amazing together.
Tracy has realised that she has all four major fibre types on her spindles (I think those would be linen, cotton, wool, silk)
http://www.einesaite.com/blog/einesaite/2017/4/6/spinning-all-the-things
When Araignee visits the Maryland Wool Festival each year, she buys some fibre, begins to spin it and then wears the finished shawl at the show the following year.
This year's pattern is A Hap for Harriet by Kate Davies.
The yarn is from Spunky Eclectic and has given an interesting vertical variegation.
This is truly a case of crafting for its own sake, because in this post she mentions that she never wears each shawl again.
http://araigneestangledweb.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/with-weeks-to-spare.html
Bentheimer Landschaf is an old, endangered German / Dutch breed. nemo ignorat bought some fleece from this breed and others last year.
This an interesting look at fleece from a dual-coated old breed. For comparison, there are pictures of yarn spun directly from the fleece, from carded fleece and from combed fleece. Also combing using mini-combs, a look at the separation of the guard-hairs and a comparison of yarn spun from (mostly) undercoat and yarn spun from the hair(!)
March was the month for Daffodil dyeing on the Plant Dyes For All Seasons calendar.
Fran's own crop was diminished by slugs but she found a plentiful supply.
In this post she also looks at achieving and keeping a strong colour and the effect of alkali on the colour.
http://wooltribulations.blogspot.co.uk...daffodils-to-dye-with-and.html
Thanks to Ashley of Woolful for sharing this Australian heritage video.
It was made in 1924 and shows the fleece's journey through a commercial mill. Commercialisation was slow in Australia and until the late 19th century was largely home-based.
This shot shows a frame containing dozens of flyers.
Natural dyes are all around us, in mushrooms, leaves, insects, roots and wood. "You just need to know the magic recipes to coax them out" says Anne Merrow in this article on the Interweave site.
She goes on to spill five secrets from Natural dye experts Elizabeth McTear and Dagmar Klos.
http://www.interweave.com/article/spinning/five-secrets-natural-dye/
Cute lamb pictures don't come very much cuter than this. Thanks to zwartblesireland for sharing.
Although this is a story of what's ultimately a mill-spun yarn, Croft 29 is a real croft with a small flock of sheep.
This is a very interesting read. The photographs are amazing and if you're like me they'll make you yearn to be there, although I'm sure the lifestyle is much tougher than it appears here!
More about the yarn: Louise's review of Croft 29 yarn features in episode 81 of the KnitBritish podcast.
This gorgeous finished project isn't made in hand spun yarn, but Tanis has used a very special yarn, 100% merino, with a gradient handpainted by an indie dyer.
The reason I'm including this project (other than the excellent pun in the title) is because she's used the gradient perfectly. It is something that takes care, and Tanis gives some advice in her blog post.
There is unfortunately no pattern for me to link to, but I suggest typing 'slouchy hat' into Ravelry's pattern search for loads of free and paid options, knitting and crochet.
http://www.tanisfiberarts.com...perfect-slouchy-grey-dient-hat
This is a story of motivation. April is taking part in the #The100DayProject as #100HandspunDays, which is more about the process than the finished product.
At the same time, she attended a spinning class with Maggie Casey. April writes about the different fibre samples and techniques that she's been trying.
http://www.withwool.com/blog/2017/4/11/100handspun-days-and-homework
Rebecca created this amazing gradient by 'breaking' food dye. The method is fascinating and very effective.
Follow the link for a video showing the technique and lots of pictures of the dyeing, balling and finished hat.
http://www.chemknits.com/2017/03/a-long-broken-violet-gradient.html
I'm not the biggest fan of the medium of video but I love chantimanou's posts. Despite the fact that I barely understand the language.
Her tips are good and her enthusiasm and spirit are infectious.
Her web pages and videos inspired me to begin using an app to improve my schoolgirl German. But Google Translate does a pretty good job of translating her web pages, and after a little digging I've discovered how to switch on autotranslate for her videos; first switch on captions to see subtitles in German, then click the cog for settings and find your way through to autotranslate and then English. It's far from perfect but her demonstrations are usually pretty self-explanatory.
Here she demonstrates two ways to ply a larger number of singles. The second method using a ball-winder is particularly intriguing.
http://chantimanou.de/2-faeden-mit-der-handspindel-verzwirnen/
A long colour gradient across a finished project is a very effective thing, and there are many ways to achieve the gradient.
Anne Merrow writes about four ways to maintain a smooth colour progression from a dyed braid of fibre.
http://www.interweave.com/article/spinning/spin-gradient-yarn/
"We don't spin because it's fast; we spin because it feels good" says Sarah Swett. Whether you spin specifically for tapestry weaving, or use up small ends, the small loom has become a very popular way to create something decorative with your yarn.
Anne Merrow presents three tips from Sarah which will help if you're thinking of trying a small tapestry loom.
http://www.interweave.com/article/spinning/weaving-tapestry-with-handspun/
If you're an outdoors person, or if you'd like to introduce a young or not-so-young person to the craft, then this short video reposted by British Fibre Art magazine is a good demonstration of a very easy way to begin making yarn using a small wire spindle that you can carry around in your pocket.
This is the 'mystery object' from an old photograph which appeared in February's HSN.
Readers got in touch and some posted on the HSN group discussion board. Most agree that it's a hand-cranked cotton gin / ginny, and thanks to keekee1 who posted some links which show very similar devices.
Team HSN's Zoe suggests that a modern pasta-maker will do the same job!
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/hand-spinning-news/3588172/1-25#4
If you like Yvonne, click the image to find her page, you can use next and previous to explore more cartoons, and join the mailing list for a regular digest email.
Sponsored story
Ruth of The Wheel Ewe will be hosting The Wheel Ewe and Majacraft Retreat 2017 which will run from 8 - 10 October at the Edinburgh Capital Hotel.
Owen and Glynis Poad, Majacraft's owners and directors will be taking some sessions and offering their expertise throughout the retreat. The list of tutors also includes Sarah Howard, Elizabeth Kendrik, Jane Deane, Janet Renouf-Miller and Dj Stefek.
The retreat is open to all spinners, but Majacraft owners may especially benefit.
More information and the booking form are available at the link below, or call / text Ruth on 07900 633067
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Sometimes just a picture is enough
I love the way that handa396 has divided this gradient using a single colour. All of the fibre is Hilltop Cloud.
The pattern appears to be Boneyard, a free pattern from the great Stephen West
She's made a 'ginormous' shawl in order to use the entire gradient.
Another Boneyard, a single colour this time, dokisi1 says that the simplicity "allows to really show off yarn and beauty of Gotland."
This gradient has been achieved in the dyeing. The fabulously strong colour was obtained from lichen.
Puffintoad's 'sheep to shawl' project was made from local Wensleydale.
myeldamato quite rightly feels a sense of accomplishment after dyeing, spinning and knitting this shawl.
I gather that this stunning shawl was made as part of a mystery shawl knit-a-long. gumblossomyarns has used her own naturally-dyed yarns in a variety of beautiful colours.
During the conversation, gumblossomyarns makes some interesting comments about choosing shades for a project.
Explore her pictures for more photographs of the shawl. The hashtag #snowmeltkal shows the same shawl made in hundreds of different colour combinations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSjtwWchTYk/?taken-by=gumblossomyarns
This month's sexy spindle shot is judiuni's trindle, on which she's spinning some 100% silk.
Within the conversation, judiuni explains her method, she splits the silk hanky into thin layers, pulls each layer into a ring, drafting it to the right thickness, and then uses her spindle to add twist without drafting further. (she gives a link to a knitty article.)
This is a fabulous shearing-in-progress shot. I love the expression on the sheep's face and the interestingly unusual view of a hoof.
There are many more 'before, during and after' pictures on the page which are the result of Elysa's visit to her friend Kristin's farm.
http://222handspun.com/blog/14250414/august-moon-farm-visit-shearing
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
The swallowtail elements reminded the pattern author of the sharp teeth of Lewis Carroll's creature.
Here's a chance to get creative. The pattern doesn't give row-by-row instructions but allows you to decided on the size of the shawl and number and placement of the swallowtails. Use any weight yarn.
The particular colours chosen here hurt my eyes a little but I can see the potential for a more harmonious combination.
The concept of a single garment that can be worn as a ponchette or skirt appeals to me too.
The pattern appears in the current issue of Knitty.
Although Crafternoon Treats hasn't made her shawl in handspun yarn, I was inspired by her review of the pattern. She's used four colours, the requirement for the last colour looks quite modest.
Others have made the shawl in colour gradients and solid colours and all work well.
This pattern comes recommended by Team HSN's own woollyelly who says that hers is "cosy and soft and lovely". It's a very popular pattern that has been made many times using handspun yarn.
The integral cowl can be worn like a loose cowl or a hood. The pattern has short sleeves but I notice that some have chosen to knit three-quarter or long sleeves.
https://www.loveknitting.com/idlewood-knitting-pattern-by-cecily-glowik-macdonald
Last month Jenn had finished a cardigan from yarn she spun during Spinzilla 2016 using a special blend from John Arbon. But she was being coy about the finished project. Presumably because she was waiting for the perfect Norfolk day for this photo shoot with her model.
The pattern is designed for handspun. The garment shown in the pattern is made from Arbon's Spinfresh plied with a natural grey for a shifting blue/grey reminiscent of the shallow North Sea.
My powers of resistance are weak when it comes to a long jacket.
This is flattering with its V neck and figure-hugging shape.
There are many examples and I'm torn between dark natural, light natural or a solid colour.
The pattern rather intriguingly calls for two thinner yarns held together while knitting - a 100% wool and a blend. I guess this is to reduce stretch as one of the yarns contains nylon with an alternative containing silk.
http://www.marveng-puckett.com..helka-knitted-by-kate-klocker
Thank you to Yarnspider Sarah who is making one right now.
This could be a great first colourwork project, or ideal for that situation where you have a small amount of fibre from a specific sheep, white or coloured. The main colour could be a commercial yarn.
http://www.annkingstone.com/shop/patterns/jumpers-cardigans/tups
Saturday 3 June 2017, Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills
10 & 11 June, 10am - 4pm, Village Hall, The Street, Dilham, Norfolk NR28 9PT
The Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers of historic Worstead have asked me to list their family fun day (note the slightly different spelling of Worstead village and the worsted yarn; I'm assured that the names are historically linked.)
Fri 23 and Sat 24 June June 2017, Cockermouth, Cumbria
Woolfest was founded to provide a showcase and a celebration of the best of wool and wool crafts.
The event is all about creativity and design with beautiful quality, amazing colours and skilled craftsmanship.
29 / 30 July 2017, Redbourne Community College, Flitwick Road, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NU
The seventh Fibre East, giving those in the Eastern, Midlands and Southern Regions an opportunity to join in an event which aims to encourage and promote British wool and natural fibres.
The college now provides an indoor venue.
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July, Thirsk Rural Business Centre, Blakey Lane, Thirsk
Supporting the Campaign for Wool.
Exciting treasures to discover; wool from fleece to finished items and other items you will need to spin, weave, knit, crochet, hand dye, cross stitch, embroider or make felt.
23 and 24 September 2017, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
For you if you love yarn and are passionate about all things woolly. It aims to celebrate the beauty and diversity of wool, cotton, linen and silk fibres in all their forms
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Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
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