Hand Spinning News
With Valentine's day, snowdrops and pancakes, this must be the most romantic time of the year (pancakes, I love you ♥)
There's a lot of experimentation among the collection of items this month. Two spinners have made swatches from different types of handspun yarn and compared them. Another inspects socks after a couple of years of wear to see how the opposing-ply yarn is holding up.
There seems to be more woolly festivals than ever. Bradford have recently revived an ancient gathering which is in tribute to a bishop who was martyred using wool combs. Our listing of woolly events is more comprehensive than ever.
Read on for all of this and the rest of this month's cunning curated collection of inspirational information and entertainment for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers. This is the free issue for February 2019.
Find out how to receive a longer, ad-free version of HSN earlier in the month.
Photo right: Chantimanou's 1 to 5 project. The cover photo is Yak holdup by Roger Beaven
Contents
- Recent events
St Blaise Wool Festival, Norfolk Makers Festival
- From Blogland
The Vegetable Lamb, happy haps, hemp, red onion skins
- Video
Purl is a new Pixar hero
- Tips and tutorials
the best yarn for knitting cables, un-shrinking a felted wool sweater, basics - fiber type and staple length
- Yvonne
A cartoon
- Reviews
Yarn ball holder, The Intentional Spinner
- Gallery
Showing off some of the best spinning images I've seen this month
- Free patterns
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn
- Not so free patterns
More project ideas which will work well with handspun yarn
- Events
More 2019 show dates have been announced
- And finally...
Believe it or not...
Recent events
comment on any of this
From the Blogosphere
CraftyJAKS: January 2019 - Herdwick
Rachel says that she loves fibre clubs because they push you outside of your spinning comfort zone.
She received this batt which is Herdwick, sari silk and wool nepps. Click through to read a little about Herdwick fleece and to see the yarn that Rachel spun from the challenging batt.
welfordpurls.com/2019/01/31/craftyjaks-january-2019-herdwick
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
If someone told you that wool could grow on plants, and you know that wool grows on sheep, it's natural to assume that the plant produced a lamb, right?
The spread of information in the middle ages was often by word of mouth, leading to some odd ideas. The sketch is from an 1887 history of the cotton trade which is available today in fascimile form.
www.interweave.com/article/weaving/the-vegetable-lamb-of-tartary
How to knit handspun socks in any language
Devin Helmen likes to use a tightly-plied 2-ply yarn for socks, with plenty of twist in the singles.
The sock pattern in this article was adapted from one that his great aunt used. It appeared in a recent Spin-Off magazine. There are more spinning tips and details about the pattern in this article on the Interweave spinning blog.
www.interweave.com/article/spinning/knit-handspun-socks-language
Procedurally generated inkle patterns for your inspiration and amusement
If you're stuck for inkle inspiration, try Rebecca Green's Procedurally Generated Inkle Patterns.
Every time you visit or refresh the page, you see a different pattern with a list of the colours and warping pattern.
Spinner/weaver Annie MacHale grabbed a couple of patterns and made them.
aspinnerweaver.blogspot.com/2019/01/procedurally-generated-inkle-patterns.html
The happy handspun hap
A hap is a garment to wrap yourself warmly. It may be triangular, square, rectangluar. You may knit one for a newborn.
This piece by Anne Merrow contains comments from Kate Davies, Kate Larson and three tips for choosing the right yarn for your handspun hap.
www.interweave.com/article/spinning/the-happy-handspun-hap
Carding wool for yarn
This tweedy yarn is Down breed wool with a little yak and silk. Joanne decided to try carding the wool but combed it first to remove vegetable matter. She also dyed the wool before carding and spinning.
This post contains lots of pictures of the process with her notes.
joanne-threadhead.blogspot.com/2019/01/carding-wool-for-yarn.html
Lice and the history of textiles
Sensitive readers may want to skip over this story but if you can cope with talk about hair and body lice, here are some interesting textile facts.
The oldest known items of clothing are around 36,000 years old but this doesn't give us a clue about how long we've been wearing clothes because textiles don't generally survive such a length of time.
Our close companion, the body louse, indicates that we have probably been making and wearing clothes for several times longer than that. The details are in Christina Garton's article.
www.interweave.com/article/weaving/lice-and-the-history-of-textiles
comment on any of this
Video
Tips and tutorials
Learning to spin? Avoid these 5 mistakes
It's easy to be drawn into buying a small and delicate spindle and oh-so-soft fibre when you're learning.
Some choices can make your journey more difficult. Ann Merrow lists five things that you might want to avoid. She's not being the 'spinning police' though. her final advice is to "just get spinning".
www.interweave.com/article/spinning/learning-to-spin-5-mistakes
Basics - fiber type and staple length
Amy king has begun making a series of five-minute 'back to basics' videos. They'll be very informative if you're just starting out.
On this page are two such videos, one talking about the differences between roving and combed top, the other talking about staple length.
boogieblather.wordpress.com...basics-fiber-type-and-staple-length
Yvonne
The other side
But you'll never know unless you look.
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.
Jigsaw - online
Thank you very much if you've had a go at any of these on your computer or tablet, particularly to the one or two people who've written to tell me that they've enjoyed them.
I've set them up with 35 - 50 pieces- just the right number for a coffee-break challenge and you gradually reveal the cartoon.
www.jigsawplanet.com/shieladixon/Yvonne
Keeping this wheel spinning
Your news here
Are you a teacher, pattern designer, dyer, equipment manufacturer or supplier?
Would you like to reach the readership of thousands of hand spinners and at the same time help to support Hand Spinning News ?
Read more
Reviews
Three reasons to use a yarn ball holder for knitting
The yarn ball holder that Jillian reviews here and on Knitty is by Akerworks. They do appear to ship internationally.
There are a few reasons to use one, which Jillian lists. She says that initially she wasn't convinced by the hype but after using it for a couple of months she doesn't want to knit without one.
www.jillianmoreno.com...3-reasons-i-use-a-yarn-ball-holder-for-knitting
comment on any of this
Gallery
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Calculations
This is a beautiful finished project made from raw fleece. If you're interested in the details, Josefin's post is full of numbers, which I found strangely compelling.
waltin.se/josefinwaltinspinner/calculations
Unconquerable Sole
"Finally! First handspun socks", says swatchophile. She spun the BFL/silk as a fine, overtwisted single, 2-plied and then knit with that held double.
I like all the detail that swatchophile has written with her seven pictures of these magnificent socks.
www.instagram.com/p/Bsuoy_6FtWT/
Wear your dog
Dogfibres has made this hat from dog fibres as a charitable donation.
She says that "it is soft and will get softer as it is worn"
www.instagram.com/p/BtPkGRMnYtM
comment on any of this
Free patterns
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
comment on any of this
Not-so-free patterns
Inversion
These five Woolly Wormhead patterns are available separately or as a collection.
They're knit sideways and are reversible.
www.woollywormhead.com/inversion
The Shift by Andrea Mowry
This is the second month in a row that I've bookmarked a finished handspun project using this pattern, so it seems appropriate to recommend the pattern here.
The one pictured here is annettewv's. She is unsure about all of the yarn used, but it does include a skein of her handspun.
The pattern is The Shift by Andrea Mowry, the main link goes to the pattern page on Ravelry, where it has a low difficulty rating and a high star rating. It looks like a triangular shawl but is actually a cowl that you throw on in a moment.
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-shift
comment on any of this
And finally...
Yarn Zoetrope for Valentine's Day
This is a zoetrope made from yarn made by filmmaker Sam Tilson and yarn artist London Kaye.
It features a volcano dripping hearts down to milk cartons, which squirt from their straws into the cups below.
A zoetrope traditionally had a rotating drum containing frames of an animation.
There is a link below the video to a collection of 'behind the scenes' photos, which are well worth a look. It involves lots of 3d-printed parts, which are covered with crocheted fabric.
With thanks to GW of Geekologie for sharing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxp3eub06o
comment on any of this
2019 events
Unravel
Friday 22 - Sunday 24 February 2019, Farnham Maltings, Hampshire
In its 11th year, the event will host a marketplace of over 70 quality exhibitors selling yarn & fibre accessories and feature a programme of bookable workshops, talks & demonstrations led by UK & International experts.
craft.farnhammaltings.com/portfolio/unravel-festival-knitting
Cornwoolly
Heartlands, 17th March 2019
The popular fibre and textile show is returning to Heartlands on 17th March. With over 40 exhibitors, Cornwoolly brings together suppliers of virtually everything you need for your project, including a vast array of wool in all its states, and showcasing some of the best textile artists working in the South West today.
http://www.cornwoolly.co.uk
Edinburgh Yarn Festival
21 - 23 March 2019, Edinburgh Corn Exchange
(Classes and Fringe events 20 - 24 March)
A celebration of all things related to yarn, wool, knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving and felting. A fantastic market place with around 100 selected vendors, great workshops and a host of other attractions
www.edinyarnfest.com
Spring into Wool
13 - 14 April 2019, Grammar School, Leeds
The perfect event for all lovers of knitting, crochet, feltmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and all things woolly!
www.springintowool.co.uk
Wonderwool Wales
27 - 28 April 2019, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells
the 13th Annual Wonderwool Wales Festival. It's your chance to enjoy a fantastic range of Welsh and British artisan products and an opportunity to meet the wonderful people who made them. A great family day out with hands-on woolschool workshops and events showcasing the best in Welsh and British wool and natural fibres.
A list of accommodation and camping in the surrounding area is available on the Wonderwool website.
www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk
Leeds Wool Festival
Saturday 1 June 2019
This popular event includes a market offering a range of goods from local traders, workshops and activities, demonstrations of special techniques, tips from professional speakers, a Q&A with our Knitting Gurus, and children's crafting activities.
www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/armleymills/leeds-wool-festival
Woollinn
14 & 15 June 2019, City North Hotel, 20 minutes north of Dublin Airport
Ireland's Festival of Yarn
woollinn.com
Woolly Worstead
Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 June 2019, Weavers' Workshop, Dilham, Norfolk
Sheep-shearing demos, crochet, knitting, spinning, weaving, felting- demos and "have a go", alpacas and donkeys to feed and pet.
worsteadweavers.org.uk/woolly-weekend-2019
Woolfest
Fri 28 and Sat 29 June 2019, 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.
www.woolfest.co.uk
Yarnfolk Festival of Wool
3 August 2019, Whitehead's town centre from 10am - 5pm
Whitehead in Co. Antrim will once again play host to Yarnfolk Wool Festival for the 3rd year.
www.yarnfolkwoolfestni.com
British Wool Show (formerly British Wool Weekend Show)
Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August 2019, York Auction Centre, Murton Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5GF
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.
www.britishwool.net
Southern Wool Show
Saturday 31 August and 1 September 2019, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire
The perfect event for all lovers of knitting, crochet, feltmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and all things woolly!
www.southernwoolshow.co.uk
Perth Festival Of Yarn
7 and 8 September 2019. Dewars Centre, Glover St, Perth
Bringing together independent dyers, farmers, knitters, spinners, felters and weavers. In 2018 nominated for the best yarn festival in the UK. Vendors' gallery marketplace, over 70 vendors, keynote event, social events and classes run over the weekend.
perthfestivalofyarn.uk
Yarndale
28 and 29 September 2019, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
Stunning exhibitions, skill demonstrations and a full programme of textile workshops create a visual feast and make Yarndale a real must-visit for yarn lovers.
yarndale.co.uk
Shetland Wool Week
28 September - 6 October 2019
A busy week dedicated to celebrating Shetland wool and textile heritage.
Includes classes, talks, drop-ins, art. See website for the full events listing.
shetlandwoolweek.com
West Wales Wool Show
Saturday October 5 2019, Queen's Hall and Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
A celebration of all things woolly. From beautifully hand crafted items, clothing and footwear to knitting wool, fleece and all the equipment needed to make at home. Demonstrations run throughout the day with stall holders sharing their skills and knowledge with visitors plus wool skill workshops such as felting.
westwaleswoolshow.weebly.com
The Wool Event, Masham Sheep Fair
Saturday 5 and 6 Oct, 2019, Masham Town Hall
Craft market and fleece stalls, specialising in British wool to compliment the sheep-related events that fill the square of Masham over the weekend.
www.mashamsheepfair.com
Bakewell Wool Gathering
Bakewell Agricultural Centre Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October 2019
A wool festival dedicated to the best of yarn, knitting, and crochet, in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.
There will be exhibitors, demonstrations of fibre crafts and a fleece stand selling plenty of local fleece.
bakewellwool.co.uk
Our linen stories
Scotland is more usually associated with tartan and tweed, but linen and flax are an important part of its history
This touring exhibition aims to combine stories from the past with new works from contemporary designers.
The towns in Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands that the tour visits have their own stories and this gives the opportunity to include local designers and stories.
https://ourlinenstories.com
A final word of thanks to everyone who blogs, writes articles or posts pictures on the subject of spinning, knitting, crochet or weaving. This newsletter wouldn't exist without people writing interesting and useful things.
If you do keep a blog, or if you read a particularly interesting blog or website and you're not sure whether I already know about it, please write and tell me about it.
It's always good to hear from readers for any reason (or no reason!)
Happy spinning!
Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
shiela@hand-spinning-news.com
If you're reading this newsletter on the web and would like it delivered to your email inbox for free every month, just fill in your email address in the box somewhere below. If you've reading this in your inbox and would prefer not to receive any more, just use the Mailchimp 'unsubscribe' link at the foot of the email.
A PeacockMedia publication
Don't miss out
Hand Spinning News as a free monthly email.
Facebook
Twitter
