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Hand Spinning News

I'm not the person you should turn to for fashion advice, but I read that this autumn's scarf style is for solid, restrained colours with cables and so there are plenty of patterns and inspiration along those lines this month.

This month's harvest of spinning stories includes several on the topic of home-grown dye plants along with a boy scout song about woad.

The amazing news is that team HSN UK for Spinzilla 2015 now exists and registration has been more successful than I dared hope. Spinner registration started on September 1 and the team filled in a couple of days.

Something I didn't do but now wish I had is the Tour of British Fleece. Collecting the british fleece breeds sounds as much fun as spinning them as the cyclists pass through the related area.

This is the free edited version of Hand Spinning News for September 2015. Scroll to the bottom for details of how to subscribe to the full version

Photo right: aspenmoonarts's spinning and matching table decoration. Cover photo, gefärbte Wolle - dyed wool by saharadesertfox

Contents

In the news

Carbon nanofibres made from CO2 in the air

Carbon nanofibres made from CO2 in the air

A very tentative link, this one, because although the applications are varied, there's no suggestion anywhere that these fibres can be spun into yarn.

But the idea really appeals to me. Taking carbon from the air and making it into fibre sounds perfect.

The new process is said to be low-energy and scalable, but some have said that it's unlikely to make a difference to climate change.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33998697


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Tour of British Fleece

Tour of British Fleece

Tour of British Fleece

The Ravelry group for this event is an awesome resource - there's a thread for each day, giving information about relevant breeds.

There's also an official website for the event (link below).

http://tourofbritishfleece.weebly.com/overview.html

Preparation

Preparation

This post from Hazel is a great introduction to the event, she gives a table of the fleeces she planned to spin on each day

http://blog.hazelpurls.co.uk/2015/09/02/preparation/


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From the Blogosphere

Spinning in cowgirl boots

Ned Ludd and the Luddites

Loyal readers will know about my love for Jenn and her 'spinning in cowgirl boots' videos.

This time Jenn speaks on the very appropriate subject of Ned Ludd. Factual or fictional character? Technophobes or labour-rights fighters? You decide.

http://rovingcrafters.com/2015/08/10/spinning-in-cowgirl-boots-ned-ludd-and-the-luddites/#comment-3010

Girls, spinning

Girls, spinning

The story behind this vintage picture isn't as happy as the girls appear to be at first glance, but Annie hopes that they found solace in their spinning and knitting and crochet.

http://www.anniecholewa.com/2015/08/girls-spinning.html

Celeb scarf and cowl trends

Celeb scarf and cowl trends

I'm not a follower of fashion or celebrity but now it seems the fashion is following me.

Lion Brand says that this autumn, celebrities are wearing solid, neutral colours, with stitch patterns and cables to add interest.

Maybe it's a case of if you wear the same style long enough, it'll eventually come into fashion.

http://blog.lionbrand.com/2015/09/05/4-celebrity-scarf-cowl-trends-to-try-this-fall

at Haworth Scouring

at Haworth Scouring

Kate Davies is producing her own yarn range for hand knitting, using Scottish wool.

This fascinating post (linked below and from the picture) has many pictures (and a very short video) of her visit to Haworth Scouring where she saw wool being scoured and turned into combed top on a massive scale.

Just as fascinating is her visit to the dye factory which is here.

http://katedaviesdesigns.com/2015/08/31/at-haworth-scouring/

Paddock to Ply

Paddock to Ply

Rebecca has recently been thinking and blogging about the miles her yarn has travelled.

She mentions Kate Davies' local yarn project and shares Suzette Sayer's plans for Paddock to Ply, a fibre mill to process fleece for small to medium Australian farmers.

http://needleandspindle.com/?p=3599

Get prepped

Get prepped

This article appears on the Spinzilla website but it'll be of interest to many, not just those taking part in a distance-spinning event.

It contains links to the best of their blog posts from previous years on the subject of preparation; tips for buying and washing fleece, weighing up how much fibre you need, fibre preparation, fast and easy wools to spin.

http://www.spinzilla.org/get-prepped/

Chris the hermit

Chris the hermit

A while ago we followed the fortunes of Horace, a hermit sheep that was eventually 'rescued' and shorn (and became Horietta when he was discovered to be a she).

Sheep can 'go hermit' by hiding to avoid shearing.

Thanks to rexd of Men Who Knit who has collected a few links on the subject of a new hermit merino, Chris, who may not have been shorn for six years.

Chris has now been relieved of a record-breaking 89 lb fleece.

http://menwhoknit.com/node/14029

Taking it easy

Taking it easy

Drum carders certainly do put some fun into carding a fleece, but Araignee points out that they can also be used to blend commercial dyed fibre just like this.

http://araigneestangledweb.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/taking-it-easy.html

Bleu...

Bleu...

These amazing colours were achieved using a packet of indigo seeds and a "let's see what happens" experiment.

Congratulations to Leigh, amazing and inspirational.

http://www.wrenhouseyarns.com/2015/09/bleu.html

Japanese indigo plant extraction vat

Japanese indigo plant extraction vat

Also in home-grown Japanese Indigo news, Fran discovers that the results can be variable.

Here are pictures of her process, in this case with silk, shibori dyed.

http://wooltribulations.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/tie-dyeing-wet-and-dry-silk-in-japanese.html

Somerset Day

Somerset Day

I've had to read this post again and again because I can hardly believe that this fabric is partly paper.

Mayumi Kaneko uses Japanese paper yarn in her work, sometimes weaving fabric which she then folds origami-style.

Paper yarn is commercially-available (I'm not clear about whether she makes her own) And it seems that it's a finer version of the paper, tee-shirt and plastic yarn that people have experimented with.

The woven cloth pictured here is featured in this article, do explore her blog for some beautiful work and the link below will take you to Mayumi Kaneko's article about Japanese paper yarn.

Thanks to ewespecial for sharing.

http://bottega-yu.net/p_yarn.html

Weave all the things..

Weave all the things..

Saori means freedom and creativity. Leigh has used reclaimed yarn, handspun and hand-dyed yarn and other oddments in this woven fabric. the result is really pretty and she feels reflects Summer.

http://www.wrenhouseyarns.com/2015/08/weave-all-things.html

Very doggy

Very doggy

I recently had the pleasure of spinning some samoyed dog fur. It was clean and didn't smell, it was soft and, although short, spun like wool.

This delightful Pathé newsreel shows that this is nothing new, spinners and knitters at the Canine Defence League were using dog brushings to make socks and mittens in 1940 for the war effort.

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/very-doggy

Online spinning events

Spinzilla 2015 October 5 - 11

Spinzilla 2015 October 5 - 11

As already announced, Hand Spinning News is one of the official sponsors for Spinzilla 2015.

I'm pleased to be able to support the event. I like the cause (providing craft materials for kids, particularly spinning stuff) and I like the event which involves spinning as much as you can in a week.

I spun 'rogue' last year (here is all the yarn I spun) because there wasn't a specific UK team. I would like to put that right this year.

I'm delighted and proud to say that "Team HSN UK". It's the first and only UK team.

The team filled up in just a couple of days. If you are interested in taking part, then you're still able to register with one of the other teams, or spin 'rogue'.

http://www.spinzilla.org


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Tips and tutorials

Drum-carding fleece

Drum-carding fleece

A drum carder isn't a magic tool, says Freyalyn. "it takes careful washing of fleece and considerate handling of the carder and wool to get anything nice at the end."

Here is an informative post with some useful tips.

http://freyalyn.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/drum-carding-fleece.html

Drafting through a button

Drafting through a button

While discussing drafting methods, Sarah aka Babylonglegs suggested using a button like a diz to help with speed and consistency.

She's made this video to demonstrate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6yFNunx7LA

Minimum number of stitches for various circular needle sizes

Minimum number of stitches for various circular needle sizes

Avoid the stretch! This chart has been shared so much that it's difficult to know who to credit for making it. (If it was you - thank you.)

A very useful resource to bookmark or save.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/182958803586065066/

Tantalized By Beautiful Cables?

Tantalized By Beautiful Cables?

If, like me, you like a solid or semi-solid yarn, or you fancy following the autumn celebrity fashion then a good stitch pattern will do the work of showing off your yarn.

Here are some cable tutorials

http://blog.lionbrand.com/2015/08/30/tantalized-by-beautiful-cables-now-you-can-learn-to-knit-them

The importance of grip and slip

The importance of grip and slip

This question does come up from time to time and thanks to Hazel for making some important points.

I think her conclusion does reinforce the case for using the monofilament-type brake band. I once had a problem with jerkiness on a Majacraft wheel which may have been down to the braided type of brake band they use.

I'd also add that for a double-drive wheel, a little bit of 'slip' is important, which is why the grippy polycord type of drive band is recommended for single-drive wheels only.

http://blog.hazelpurls.co.uk/2015/09/02/the-importance-of-grip-and-slip/

spinning lots of yarn FAST

spinning lots of yarn FAST

Spinzilla is about spinning as much as you can in a week. Whether you are taking part or not, this post on the Spinzilla blog tour will be of interest.

jazzturtle discusses spinning styles and gives her three top tips for spinning lots of yarn fast.

http://jazzturtle.com/2015/09/09/yarn-for-the-sake-of-yarn-spinzilla-blogtour/


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Products

Flax, Flax, Everywhere

Flax, Flax, Everywhere

These bright woven bands are made from hand spun wool and flax. In this article Kate notes the popularity of flax this year and recommends some resources if your interest is as piqued as hers - Norman Kennedy's video, Spinning Plant Fibre kit, and the free eBook, A Guide to Spinning Flax.

http://www.spinningdaily.com/blogs/connection/archive/2015/09/04/flax-flax-everywhere.aspx


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Keeping this wheel spinning

Your news here

Your news here

Are you a teacher, pattern designer, dyer, equipment manufacturer or supplier?

Would you like to reach the growing readership of thousands of hand spinners and at the same time help to support Hand Spinning News ?

Read more

Gallery

Sometimes just a picture is enough

My yarn matches my decorations

My yarn matches my decorations

Here is the first of two otherwise unrelated spindle shots using autumn leaves to compliment an autumnal yarn. This one by aspenmoonarts.

https://instagram.com/p/7eIJpBKyPX/

Golden hour

Golden hour

The second is some green and golden yarn and a picture taken during golden hour against some matching golden leaves. nightlyknitter.

https://instagram.com/p/7bZ7iKl7b-/

Chalcedony

Chalcedony

Once again Rahardjo supplies our sexy spindle shot this month.

She plans to make a 3-ply fingering weight yarn.

http://rahardjoknits.tumblr.com/post/125142318088/wip-spirit-trails-fiberworks-chalcedony-by

Drop spinning, fluff to sock

Drop spinning, fluff to sock

When Mirian first tried drop spinning, she thought that she couldn't use a drop spindle, but later tried a different spindle and "found it to be perfect".

On a recent trip to Scotland she knitted in the car and spun when not. Here are a selection of pictures showing the process from fibre to finished sock.

https://miriamwardtextiles.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/drop-spinning-fluff-to-sock/

Handspun lion mittens

Handspun lion mittens

Since I saw this project in progress I've been watching out for the finished mitts.

Sandandskycreations says that Natalia Moreva's designs are "very handspun yarn friendly".

http://sandandskycreations.com/blog/2015/09/05/fo-handspun-lion-mittens/

Peacock feather

Peacock feather

This tantalising teaser from jazzturtle shows a technique she'll be including in a forthcoming video.

https://instagram.com/p/7aym-MvPSa/

Poufy cable in handspun

Poufy cable in handspun

This is an interesting cable; a braid cable or plaited stitch, in some beautiful colours.

knittertraceyalice says that this could be a wrap or cowl depending on how far her yarn goes.

https://instagram.com/p/7Egzh3pFT4/

Asymmetry

Asymmetry

Rachel devised this pattern as she went along, she calls it "my own stream of asymmetrical consciousness".

It's very warm on account of the blend of alpaca and merino. Navajo / chain plied and knit on 5mm needles.

http://welfordpurls.com/2015/08/31/asymmetry/

Ocean waves

Ocean waves

There's a little green in this fibre / yarn which doesn't show in this particular picture.

Click the link for all pictures from fibre to spindle to shawl.

Pattern is Shaelyn by Leila Raabe

https://instagram.com/explore/tags/oceanwavesprogress/

slow-socks

Slow Socks

Congratulations are in order to for these spindle-spun socks which have been in progress for a number of years.

Click through for pictures of the fibre, the finished socks and a close-up of the beautiful IST spindle

http://needleandspindle.com/?p=3616

Ball Is life

Ball Is life

This is a pretty spindle and pretty fibre (and it's fun to see a picture of the photographer taking the picture).

It's not producing as much barber-poling as I'd expect, it'll be interesting to see how the plied yarn looks (if it's to be plied).

http://weekendknitter.com/2015/09/02/ball-is-life/

Storm clouds and lightning

Storm clouds and lightning

Miriam feels that this "lovely fluffy, slubby, sparkly wool" is reminiscent of recent stormy weather.

She acid dyed the fibre, and plied using lurex.

https://miriamwardtextiles.wordpress.com/2015/08/24/storm-clouds-and-lightning/


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Free patterns

A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.

Curved Shoulder Scarf by 
details yarn ideas 19 projects queues 16 comments 4 forum posts 1 flag editing
Beige_alpaca_wool_crescent_scarf__1__small2
© Barb Padwicki
Beige_alpaca_wool_crescent_scarf__2__small2
© Barb Padwicki
Curved Shoulder Scarf by Barb Padwicki

Curved Shoulder Scarf by Barb Padwicki

SherrillLovesWool says that her ideal patterns for handspun are ones that "use less than 200 yards and make something pretty that you can gift to family, friends, or family."

The Curved Shoulder Scarf fits the bill and she's started one in this lovely dark mix.

http://the1764shepherdess.com/2015/07/18/patterns-for-handspun-curved-shoulder-scarf/

In defence of the cosy and a free pattern

In defence of the cosy and a free pattern

Why does the practical cosy need defending? Because the word makes April think of creepy loo roll covers...

But this waffle-rib water-bottle cover is far from creepy. It's designed to soak up condensation and drips and helps to keep the drink cool.

http://www.withwool.com/blog/2015/8/25/in-defense-of-the-cosy-and-a-free-pattern

Hopoholic by Rachel Brown

Hopoholic by Rachel Brown

This cardy is the key pattern from the new KnittySpin.

It's completely seamless, which is a huge plus as far as I'm concerned. It's possible to adjust the length to suit the yarn you have available. The front is shawl-like and can be worn open or fastened with a pin.

It uses worsted / aran weight yarn (10-14 wpi) for a reasonably quick knit.

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf15/KSPATThopoholic.php

empHATic by Jenn

empHATic

Here's an unusual idea, a basic slouchy hat pattern with sittch counts for whatever yarn you happen to have.

Jenn says, "a regular commercial size ball of yarn (in some cases not even a whole ball) will make a hat."

http://rovingcrafters.com/2015/09/03/emphatic-a-free-knit-pattern/


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Not-so-free patterns

Cowl Tweed Men by Jolanda Schneider

Tweed Cowl for Men by Jolanda Schneider

This is an easy and trendy knitting pattern. It uses 437 yards of worsted weight (9wpi) yarn.

There are also matching hat and wristers patterns available.

Thanks to rexd for the tip.

http://www.jollyknits.ch/shop/en/cowls/16-knitting-pattern-cowl-tweed-men.html

Hudson Lace Cowl by Marcy Vandale

Hudson Lace Cowl by Marcy Vandale

And for the ladies... a knitted cowl with a lace pattern which is designed specifically with handspun in mind.

I'm linking to Yarnharlot's blog post in which there are many pictures of the cowl being modelled as well as "the whole project, start to finish, all in order".

So pretty, and interesting that there's no plain white in the cowl, as there is in the dyed braid. No word about how she spun the braid (post about the actual spinning here) but there are pictures of the bobbins - it may have been 'as it came'.

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/2015/09/flipbook/


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Events 2015

Wonderful Wool Day

Wonderful Wool Day

11 October, Memorial Hall in Oswestry, 11am-4pm. £2 entry for adults.

Bring your work-in-progress, what you are proud of, what you would like to put on the Orphan Lamb Table (to include books this time) and a jolly smile!

Also a Back-to-Back attempt.

https://www.facebook.com/wonderfulwoolday/posts/995303220488569

Bakewell Wool Gathering

Bakewell Wool Gathering

Bakewell Agricultural CentreSaturday 17 and Sunday 18 October

This year sees the third year of the Bakewell Wool Gathering, an event for wool lovers in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.

There will be exhibitors, demonstrations of fibre crafts, workshops plus a knitting and crochet help desk to help novice and expert alike.

bakewellwool.co.uk/


Happy spinning and don't be a stranger!

Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator

shiela@hand-spinning-news.com

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