There's a luxury fibre theme this month, some of it stemming from a competition for spinners and knitters called Cashmere on Ice devised by Long Thread Media and Wild Fibers to help raise awareness of the threat to nomadic herders from melting glaciers.
Felicia advocates spinning from the fold for luxury blends that contain both long and short fibres. Christina has tips for weaving with luxury yarns and Jill Graham charity shops are an affordable treasure trove of cashmere yarn.
If you want to dye your luxury yarn, sources of beautiful colour may be closer at hand than you realise. Jean talks about the magical colours that grow in your garden and Theresa has written a book about using the invasive species that grow near her.
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Without further ado, read on for more news, views and reviews for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers. This is the free round-up for July 2025.
Cover photo by K Adams on Unsplash
The Bayeux Tapestry, thought to have been made in Kent, will be displayed on loan at the British Museum next year while the Bayeux Museum is being renovated. In return, artefacts including treasures from Sutton Hoo will be loaned to Normandy museums.
Back in May we saw that the San Diego County Spinners had set a new US record time of 7 hours and 12 minutes for their 2025 International Back to Back Challenge.
Congratulations to Cotswold Wool Gatherers from the UK who took second place with their time of 10 hours 18 minutes and Koorooman Sapphire Ewes who came in third with 11 hours 42.
The full 2025 results have now been listed on the event's Facebook page.
The Tarkhan Dress is said to be the oldest surviving example of a cut, fitted and tailored garment. It was excavated in 1913 (cast aside by earlier tomb-robbers). The sleeves and bodice have knife-pleat decoration. Some is missing, so the original length is unknown.
On 12 July a giant ball of yarn will be rolled around the streets of Bradford as part of the City of Culture celebrations.
Over 2500 members of the community worked on a plaited rope more than a kilometre long which was then made into the giant yarn ball.
The project, called A Good Yarn, was conceived by artist Luke Jerram.
Cashmere on Ice is a competition that aims to showcase the magic that can happen when fibre artists and exquisite natural fibres from the mountains of the world come together. It's being held to raise awareness of the cost of melting glaciers on fine natural fibres.
The competition is open for submissions until 1 September 2025.
Categories include Best Wearable and Best Art or Decor, along with Best of Ladakh, an item comprising at least 50% cashmere sourced from the Ladakh region of the High Himalayas.
More details are here and the gallery of submissions is at my main link below.
Josefin has written a creative essay about the experimental flax patch that she has nurtured since 2014.
While visiting Wales, Sue spotted a shop called Ewe Felty Thing and was delighted to discover the shelves supporting a private collection of vintage wheels and has shared several pictures.
travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com...this-shop-ewe-felty.html
Jean has made this super selection of colours using things that were growing in her garden. They include rhubarb root, walnut bark and mullein.
This teazle brush appears in a list of especially well-made objects from an exhibition by Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd
Such tools are sometimes mistaken for carders but they're used to raise the nap in woven fabric.
Pearson and Lloyd call it a 'stunning object'. "Its function reveals a deep relationship between culture, craft and resourcefulness".
Yes, Lisa Cohen has knitted this sweater for a lifesize fibreglass cow. It's part of a 'cow parade' in her area.
She had to take a lot of measurements and figure out the pattern. "It's not like you can go to Ravelry and search for a sweater for a life-size cow", she said.
Not commonly found in nature, Indigo is an enticing colour for textiles.
Leslie has written this introduction and history, and suggests some further reading.
Learn about the history of spinning frolics, and join or start one near you.
This is a long but delightfully-written story of a broken drum carder drive belt. Sarah finds a workaround in the form of a pair of hand combs, researches and orders a new one which doesn't fit when it arrives, and eventually has success improvising one herself.
We have already seen some blog posts about Spanish Peahen's Tickled Pink spin but in this post she reviews that project along with some lessons learned.
Kevr102 has souped up this circular knitting machine so that it runs fast enough to knit a hat in six minutes. It still needs babysitting to keep tension and sort out dropped stitches but it's a fun project. There's a short video to see it in action.
Some favourite posts from the starting line
The Tour de France riders took off on 5 July and spinners all over the world began their Tour de Fleece. I particularly enjoyed the blog posts that showed wheels and spindles along with the fibre ready for spinning. I've gathered some together here in a list.
https://travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com/2025/06/its-nearly-that-time-of-year-again-tour.html
https://araigneestangledweb.blogspot.com/2025/07/le-grand-depart.html
https://ewespecial.blogspot.com/2025/06/its-that-time-again.html
https://ewespecial.blogspot.com/2025/07/and-were-off.html
https://spinoffmagazine.com/whats-on-my-wheel-tour-de-fleece-2025
Jill Graham has written this comprehensive guide to discovering cashmere garments in charity shops, deconstructing and optionally re-plying and dyeing the yarn.
She advocates some treatments that would "make the faint of heart keel over".
Spinning from the fold requires no tools, just your finger, and it can help to keep fibres evenly distributed if you're using a blend of long and short fibres.
Linking to the Cashmere on Ice competition, Christina has some tips for weaving with luxury yarns.
https://littlelooms.com/5-tips-for-using-cashmere-silk-and-other-luxury-yarns/
Here are three good reasons for rewinding your singles onto storage bobbins before plying.
See also, this guide to choosing storage bobbins and a winder.
Christina used to use tablets on her inkle loom because making string heddles seemed difficult. When she tried it, she realised how easy it was and now she presents her own step-by-step instructions.
There are several tips in one here from Donita Westman, all about intentional practice.
If you like knitting socks as much as I do then you'll be familiar with the ladder problem.
My own favourite remedy is to work an extra stitch after finishing each needle, thus rotating the stitches around the needles by one every round.
I'm happy to see that tip is included in this list of no less than seven tips from Kate Atherley.
Susan's five reasons for twisting a fringe contain quite a few tips.
Although this is an advertorial for the MDK Field Guide No. 16, it contains an introduction and some tips and is for you if you're curious about this technique.
If you tried and didn't get on with a spindle, it may just be that you didn't find the right one for you.
Krista Ann has these suggestions for compact, reliable, and downright clever knitting tools.
This is probably relevant to North American readers since it deals with invasive species found there. If you're elsewhere, you may still be able to find some of the plants. Either way, it's interesting to read about how Theresa discovered the colour in these plants and began using them to dye sock yarn.
Suzy has designed and made these laser-cut hand-painted top-whorl spindles. As with her dragon plying tool, they're available in 'blind boxes' so you'll receive a surprise when you open the box.
By coincidence, Hunter has released a book called Posy, which explains how to make these beautiful flowers using coffee filters and dye.
As an alternative to buying the book, you can become a member of her Patreon (a month's subscription costs less than the book) and even free members have access to her videos about the paper posies.
Louët have announced a new 8-shaft loom in two colours with matching bench and floor stand.
They have been taking pre-orders and hoped to be distributing in Mid-July, when you may be reading this.
Durham Weaver says that weaving without any tools is easier than you might think and in this short video she demonstrates.
The accompanying blog post with more information is here.
Felicia has made this unboxing and video review.
It is reported that BMW are replacing carbon fibre parts on their cars with a more eco-friendly flax-based alternative.
As I write this, Wimbledon is in full swing and it's probably not a coincidence that this article popped up which tells of the history of the game and specifically the construction of the balls.
Today's lawn tennis balls are covered with felt, but in 'real tennis', an earlier form of the game, a a heavy woven woollen cloth, traditionally Melton cloth is used.
The article contains a contemporary account of a 16th-century smuggler found to have such wool-wrapped tennis balls on his person.
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Log cabin knitting involves starting with a square, picking up and adding to what you've already done.
Julia loves the potential of starting out without knowing where it will go.
In this case she made herself a full-length dress from black mohair.
This is an altar cloth that Joy has woven for her church. she talks about the symbolism that she included and encourages you to think similarly with your projects.
Joy Hogg's daughter has been making framed knitted pieces like this one, based on Petoskey stones which are found where they live by Lake Michigan.
It follows Joy's comments about her altar cloth and also relates to her comments about meaning and symbolism in your work.
New Zealand-based LyZadie Design Studio have designed a series of tables made from reclaimed kauri and rimu wood that are inspired by traditional Māori weaving practices.
Thread Head has finished this scarf using handspun and hand dyed merino / tencel. The pattern is Feldmark by Martina Behm. Joanne comments that it's a perfect pattern for handspun.
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
This garment combines a cardy with a shawl and there are many ways to wear it. In addition you can make the 'collar' much longer for wrapping around the body.
The suggested yarn is baby alpaca in DK weight for the body and lace weight for the collar.
I've been looking forward to this pattern becoming available to the public since it was the subject of Sock Madness earlier in the year.
It's an adventure pattern, meaning that at each crossroads you can choose (or throw a die for) the chart that you'll use for the next part of the sock.
There are two sizes, medium and large. As the name suggests, it's designed for knit and purl stitches but as many adventurers have done, you could use the charts for stranded colourwork.
Sarabeth hopes that this pattern will help you to chase after the unattainable, or curl up with a good book once it's finished.
I think a white handspun yarn would add texture to the sea spray.
It has plenty of interest. Besides the colourwork, there is some cabling that spells out SOS in morse code. It uses 1300-2670 yards of fingering (14 wpi) yarn.
Pictured is quiteayarnblog's recently-finished Melville
If you love unusual constructions then Belle will be up your street. It's made as a rectangle, but not in the way that you'd normally expect.
Crafty Yarnster has finished hers and deserves recognition for her posing in her new jumper. She chose to make hers in a heavier yarn weight for a less sheer fabric.
The pattern suggests fingering weight yarn on 5.5mm needles.
Kath says that this pattern is "easier to make than it looks!"
Yarn requirement is given as 'single skein'. The pattern now claims to work with 100g of any weight of yarn.
My thumbnail is greenfairy's Fiery Dragon Skin Cowl.
These socks have cables making a wave pattern around the leg and the top of the foot.
This is a classy way to keep your cold one cold. You can choose your colours and striping and I'd suggest using handspun scraps to personalise it further.
Nosheen Iqbal uses wood and thread to makes geometric motifs that resemble those of her Pakistani and Islamic heritage.
Leah Higgins' work is inspired by the industrial heritage and social history of the Manchester area. She uses screen printing techniques, dyeing and appliqué on cotton fabrics.
'Wind Knitting Factory' is a wind-powered knitting machine attached to a building.
The knitted tube is transformed into scarves with a label which tells you the time and the date on which the wind made the scarf.
Elodie Blanchard feels that old garments retain stories about their wearer and so her vivid trees, bouquets and masks contain these memories.
26 - 27 July 2025 Redborne School, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2NU
100 of the very best stalls from all over the country, a great range of workshops, a street food area, lots of room to sit and chat, free demonstrations and advice from several local guilds.
Picks up where Fibre East left off.
26 - 27 July 2025 Whithorn Roundhouse, Dumfries & Galloway
A new event to promote and showcase wool and wool-related crafts.
9 - 10 August 2025, Newcastle Racecourse
90 amazing stalls plus a great range of workshops. cafe, demonstrations.
16 August 2025, Hulme Hall, 23 Bolton Rd, Bebington, Wirral
A selection of vendors selling everything from hand dyed yarns and fibres to felting kits and needles
Entry £4 per person, available on the door or online.
30 - 31 August 2025, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire
A festival of woolly goodies. The perfect event for all lovers of knitting, crochet, feltmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and all things woolly!
30 - 31 August 2025 at Perth Concert Hall
The Scottish Yarn Festival is the new name for Perth Festival of Yarn.
The Vendors' Gallery Marketplace is the place to find materials and inspiration for your future crafting projects, the chance to meet and talk with the makers behind your favourite independent brands, to indulge in a little celebrity spotting.
Past tutors and lecturers have included Jeanette Sloan, Françoise Danoy, Andre de Castro, Di Gilpin, and Amy Palko
A fringe programme of social events has included books signings, gala dinners and fashions shows, and Perthshire gin flights
12 - 13 September 2025, Farnham Maltings
unravel... autumn is a celebration of all things yarn making from knitting and crochet to spinning and weaving
At the core of unravel... autumn is the curated marketplace which showcases independent producers, well established makers alongside first-time yarn show exhibitors from around the UK. In addition, on each day of the festival, there is an inspiring programme of bookable workshops.
20 - 21 September 2025, the centre of Llandovery
A weekend celebration of rural crafts, food, entertainment and of course, sheep farming.
27 - 28 September 2025, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
Over 180 makers, craft workers, retailers, and artisans in the picturesque market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire.
27 - 28 September 2025, 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.
28 September - 4 October 2025
Shetland Wool Week is a world renowned celebration of Britain's most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and the rural farming community on these islands.
Includes classes, talks, drop-ins, art. See website for the full events listing.
Saturday 4 October 2025, 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.
Sat 4 - Sun 5 October 2025 The Corn Hall, Cirencester
A two-day celebration of all things wool and yarn, including stalls, talks, demonstrations and workshops
Tickets available online now.
12 October 2025, Tetbury Goods Shed, Gloucestershire
more details tbc
9 - 12 October 2025, Alexandra Palace, London
17 - 19 October 2025, The Trades Hall, Glasgow
Scotland's longest running yarn festival, championing local and innovative makers since 2011.
GSoY has an abundance of beautiful yarns, fibres, and accessories for every crafter.
18 - 19 October 2025 Staffordshire County Showground
Bakewell Wool Gathering has moved to Stafford. More details tbc
1 - 2 November 2025, Newton Abbot Racecourse.
Since 2016, Stitch Fest has moved to bigger venues and is now held under one roof at Newton Abbot Racecourse, showcasing some of the best independent makers, dyers, spinners and designers and a fabulous workshop and demonstration timetable.
8 - 9 November 2025, Sandburn Hall, York YO60 7RB
More details to follow
14-16 November 2025, The Barn, Burn O Bennie, Banchory AB31 5QA
flock Contemporary Craft & Design is back! Come along and shop a curated collection of the best designer/makers working across Scotland - with over 40 vendors taking part.
Entry is free but the website allows you to book a time in advance to guarantee entry.
Exhibitor applications are open.
www.craftscotland.org/community/opportunity/flock-2025-applications-now-open
20 - 23 November 2025, Harrogate Convention Centre
Meet up with like-minded crafters, discuss ideas, learn new skills and shop for your annual craft supplies, including wool, beads and beyond from household name brands and special suppliers alike including Fabric Godmother, Toft and more.
I'm Shiela Dixon, I've been doing this for around sixteen years in order to promote and encourage spinning and related crafts.
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Happy spinning!
Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
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