Hand Spinning News
That much-loved seasonal tradition is officially here. The leaves are falling, weather is cooling and nights are getting longer. Of course I'm talking about Socktober.
There's a focus on socks this month, Kate looks at some different dyed blends that may make good socks, and the patterns that she might use. Tips include a stretchy cast-on for cuffs, grafting toes and how to customise a pattern to better fit your feet.
It's also Wool Week, which is now a month-long celebration of wool led by British Wool and the Campaign for Wool. As I write this, it's also Shetland Wool Week, which sees hundreds of visitors to the islands enjoying exhibitions, classes and events.
So 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 October 2024.
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Cover photo: Kate Larson's sock fibre roundup for Spin Off.
Contents
In the media
Knitted hat in mudlarking exhibition
Recent mudlarking finds include a woollen tudor hat, said to be inspired by velvet hats worn by the wealthier at the time.
London Museum Docklands will host the exhibition "London's lost treasures" from April.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce9z9lerm90o
Handspun stories
Natural dyeing: hardy hibiscus (with copper mordant)
Leigh has been continuing her natural dyeing journey using local resources. These are hibiscus flowers, note the link to her previous blog post about copper mordant which is an interesting read.
leighsfiberjournal.blogspot.com..hardy-hibiscus-with.html
Sock fibre roundup: fibres and patterns
Kate takes a look at various braids of fibre which may be suitable for spinning for socks. She pairs each with a sock pattern that's suitable for handpsun yarn. I've listed the patterns in the Pattern Suggestions section.
spinoffmagazine.com/sock-fiber-roundup...
Jethro Cardigan
This big pile o' handspun granny squares will become a Jethro cardigan and I can't wait to see the result.
Jethro is perfect for using up handspun leftovers, although you'll also need a main colour, which Rebecca is currently spinning - a beautiful creamy wool and alpaca mix.
osbornfiber.com...september-2024-round-up-oh-yeah
Clapotisfest
It has been twenty years since the Clapotis pattern was released and became a big hit. The Internet as we know it today was in its infancy and the pattern had a big impact on knitty.com. It has gone on to gain almost 24,000 projects on Ravelry.
Knitty editor Amy has decided to celebrate with a competition called Clapotisfest.
63 indie dyers from all over the world have knit a Clapotis in their favourite yarn and colourway. They're featured on this page about Clapotisfest. Amy's editorial is here and the 2024 update of the pattern is here.
knitty.com/ISSUEdf24/clapotisfest.php
Stitching together
Tracy is using a decorative stitch to join thin strips of backstrap-woven handspun fabric. This technique can be seen in textiles from around the world.
www.einesaite.com...stitching-together
The nuances of different wools: sheep breed classifications
If you're interested in starting a project from scratch, ie washing and processing a fleece, then you'll want to be aware of the properties of the different breeds.
Rachel dives deep into the widely-varying properties under some broad classifications.
sweetgeorgiayarns.com...sheep-breed-classifications
Understanding the ceremonial dhoti
Chitra talks about dhotis with reference to a family heirloom which belonged to her great-grandfather and is still in pristine condition.
spinoffmagazine.com/ceremonial-dhoti
Human hair spins into yarn in studio sanne visser's installation
This installation at the London Design Festival invited visitors to see the potential of an otherwise waste product, human hair.
Applications include rope and cord as well as clothing. Visitors could see the whole process from haircut through spinning to finished products.
www.designboom.com...human-hair-yarn-studio...
Recent and current events
Yarn Gathering 2024, the Daniel Owen Centre in Mold
This small show was hosted by Kath Andrews and Yarn O'Clock on 15 September. On her blog, Kath has a short 'walkaround' video. I'll be sure to list the show next year if it happens again.
kathandrewsdesigns.com...as-if-by-magic
C'est magnifique
Kath has also written about this year's Yarndale from a vendor's point of view, although her pictures are limited to her own stand before and the transformation of the building as the vendors set up their stalls.
kathandrewsdesigns.com...cest-magnifique
Tips and tutorials
Grafting genius, part two
Kate has a follow-up to last month's tutorial. There are many ways to remember the order of the stitches. None work for me and I have to look it up each time.
Kate suggests a different approach, which is to understand how the stitch works and to 'read' the fabric to know what comes next.
www.moderndailyknitting.comg...grafting-genius-part-2...
German twisted cast-on
This cast-on is very similar to my favourite cast-on, the long-tail cast-on.
As this short video says, it's a little more 'acrobatic' than the long-tail, which can make it more fun. It's said to be super-stretchy and suitable for sock cuffs and hats.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtAvOwtLtuU
Is plain weave possible on this threading?
Janet busts a myth that you can weave plain weave on any threading by lifting first odd and then even shafts.
What you need to determine is whether a shed is possible that raises every other thread. She has a simple technique to answer this question.
handweavingacademy.com/is-plain-weave-possible-on-this-threading
Products and Reviews
New range of wheels and accessories from Jan Louët
It is around a year since Lojan found premises and set up their business. The new company was formed by Jan Louët and his daughter. Jan no longer owns Louët. The relationship is explained here.
They now have distributors around the world, a range of wheels, accessories and an inkle loom.
lojan.nl/spin-off-lojan-spinning-wheels
Video and audio
Technology
Bioinspired yarn can harvest water
This story tells of a yarn that has been developed for water collection in dry areas. It's inspired by water-collecting creatures such as desert beetles.
phys.org...bioinspired-yarn-harvest-fog.html
Gallery
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Love at first sight - love in a mist
Peony had some "boring" yarn that she dunked in dye. The result was more contrasty than the semi-solid that she'd hoped for, but she loved the result and used it in a jumper. She has since made this hat and mitts with the leftovers for an amazing-looking combo.
peony67.blogspot.com...love-at-first-site-love-in-mist.html
So big
Sometimes you can lose track of the length of your weaving. Araignee has woven this sock yarn scarf. She suspected that it was very long because she kept running out of weft yarn.
It turns out that it's "Dr Who long" (Tom Baker will always be 'my' Doctor). Pictures on this page show the scarf drying after wet-finishing.
araigneestangledweb.blogspot.com...friday-finishes...
Illuminations
This is the second spin from Susan this month, she certainly has an eye for colour.
This fibre is merino/silk from Fellview Fibres. The colours are inspired by illuminated manuscripts in books such as the Book of Kells. It looks soft and beautiful but it was a nuisance to spin because the silk and wool want to remain separate. Worth the trouble I think.
weeverwoman.blogspot.com...illuminations.html
Free patterns and projects
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Lavande Papillon by Wardah Mhd
This crochet pattern appeared in Expression Fiber Arts' Free Pattern Friday. At the time of writing it's still free (in exchange for some details at checkout) but I'm not sure for how long.
This uses 1460 - 1480 yards of Light Fingering / 3 ply weight yarn. It's one for the advanced crocheter.
www.expressionfiberarts.com/products/lavande-papillon.html
Peerie Plaid by Sharon Barnes
In some ways this pattern is simpler than it looks. It's a slip-stitch pattern, making the colourwork easy since you only use one colour at a time. It uses two colours but as you can see from the pictures it can look more complex if you use a semi-solid or variegated yarn for the contrast colour. The pattern is easier to memorise than it might seem.
It's a fine knit though and will require fingering-weight yarn on 2.25mm needles. The author suggests a tightly-twisted yarn. The effect is great.
knitty.com...PATTpeerie/PATTpeerie.php
Pattern and project suggestions
Nest cowl by tincanknits
This is a cosy and great-looking cowl that allows you to choose from three weights of yarn (DK, worsted/aran, and chunky) and three sizes.
The authors claim that reversible cables are even easier than regular cables, but if you need it they provide a tutorial.
blog.tincanknits.com/2024/09/12/nest-cowl
Summershine Sweater by Anne Hanson
Despite the name, this jumper is designed for autumn. It has long sleeves but is fairly lightweight.
The pattern also has a short-sleeve and sleeveless options. It comes with 12 sizes. It's made in sport-weight (14 wpi) yarn.
www.barenakedwools.com/products/summershine-sweater
Scourie and Scourie Compagne by Woolly Wormhead
Scourie is the name of a hat / cowl combo from Woolly Wormhead and collaborator Tom Paterson. I'm linking to the cowl where there's a link to the hat in the first sentence.
It's knit sideways in cosy garter stitch with a short-row motif. The pattern includes clear instructions.
woollywormhead.com...scourie-compagne-knitting-pattern
Handspun Lida Rose Socks by Anne Podlesak
These socks are probably more suitable for treadling or general indoor wear because of the stitch pattern which may abrade in boots.
As listed by Kate in the Spin Off Sock Fiber Roundup. The pattern is available in the Winter 2016 Spin Off and in an e-book with four other patterns.
spinoffmagazine.com...185723496
Eyelet Socks by Carol Huebscher Rhoades
This is the next pattern in Kate's round-up. She suggests that this pattern would be suitable for a 3-ply yarn with a little bit of marling. The lacy motif around the leg is eye-catching.
The pattern is available in an e-book with five other lace patterns suitable for spinners.
spinoffmagazine.com...64002350
Socks Fit for a Spinner by Sandi Rosner
The pattern page for these socks gives the details of three spinners' choices of fibre and yarn construction. Two chose a wool/silk mix, the other 100% wool. One went for 2-ply, the other two 3-ply.
This is the next in Kate's sock fibre/pattern roundup, another that's available in the fall 2024 Spin-Off.
This pattern encourages playing with colour. The heel allows the colour changes to flow.
shop.longthreadmedia.com...spin-off-fall-2024
Jethro by Tanis Lavallee
Tanis has had a hit this year with her Jethro granny-square cardigan with some crafters using handspun leftovers.
There are six sizes that use 925 - 2150 yards of approx DK weight.
Sleeves are stockinette, button band and border are knit rib.
Rebecca calls this a "hugely approachable cardigan pattern for the crochet-curious sweater knitter".
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jethro-2
But is it art...?
Christopher Bellamy : biodesign meets Pacific Islander craft
This swimsuit and other objects contain bioluminescent algae.
The series of works combine traditional knowledge from artisans in the Pacific Islands with a new bioluminescent material.
www.dezeen.com...biodesign-meets-pacific-islander-craft
UK Events
2024
Spinning a Yarn
'Spinning a Yarn' opens at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury from 14 September to 30 November
An exhibition in the Mapstone Gallery will feature historic collections alongside work by contemporary artists whose work uses wool. The Nicola Turner and Trevor Pitt commissions in the Abbey Barn will close on 2 November.
The project aims to tell the story of wool in Somerset.
swheritage.org.uk/news/spinning-a-yarn
Bakewell Wool Gathering
19 - 20 October 2024 Bakewell Agricultural Centre
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
The Glasgow School of Yarn
18 - 20 October 2024, 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.
www.glasgowschoolofyarn.co.uk
The Big Textile Show
26-27 October 2024 Leicester Racecourse, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL
30+ trade stalls, 30+ courses, food and free parking.
thebigtextileshow.co.uk
Stitch Fest
2 and 3 November 2024, 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.
www.stitchfest.co.uk
Wool-in Garden City Wool Festival
18 - 24 November 2024 Welwyn Garden City
A Pop up wool shop and workshops in Welwyn Garden City's Howard Centre
and a fabulous Wool Show at Oaklands College
www.woolingardencity.co.uk
The Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate
21 - 24 November 2024, 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.
www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/harrogate
 
All that remains is for me to thank everyone who blogs, writes articles or posts pictures on the subject of spinning, knitting, crochet or weaving. This newsletter wouldn't exist without them.
Nor would it exist without your support, so thank you for that.
Please share a link to hand-spinning-news.com with anyone who may be interested.
It's always good to hear from readers for any reason and I'd particularly like tip-offs about about any relevant stories, websites or social media accounts that I should be following.
Happy spinning!
Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
shiela@hand-spinning-news.com
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