Dulux reveals sage green as Colour of the Year 2027
Dulux have called their choice for next year's colour "a versatile green" and "a calm, uplifting shade". I can't disagree.
Hand Spinning News
October is not only the spookiest month of the year, it's also the woolliest since it's now officially Wool Month.
I knew that if I waited long enough, my walls would become fashionable again. Dulux have revealed that Soulful Sage is its colour of the year. If it's not to your taste, don't worry, there will be more colours of the year announced in due course.
The word thrum may mean slightly different things to knitters, weavers and spinners but either way we're talking about what might be seen as waste; small bits of fibre, yarn or woven fabric. Using up such scraps of precious fibre or yarn has come up a couple of times this month. Jaya talks about garneting, or opening up fibres to turn yarn back into fibre and then adding that to rolags to make a tweedy yarn. Pamela has made beautiful yarn by randomly running oddments of fibre through her carder. Nancy ties warp ends together and uses the result for weaving.
If you'd like an email notification of when the free issue goes live each month, I now have a page at patreon.com/handspinningnews where you can become a member for free.
If you would like to receive a longer version in your inbox, earlier than the free edition appears and support the endeavour at the same time, find the options here.
So without further ado, read on for all of this and more news, views and reviews for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers. This is the free round-up for October 2026.
Cover photo: Illustration, Rumplestiltskin, Walter Crane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Contents
- In the media
- Handspun stories
- Recent, current and forthcoming events
- Tips and tutorials
- Video and audio
- Technology
- Gallery
Some of the best spinning images I've seen this month - Free Pattern and project suggestions
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn - More Patterns and projects
More project ideas which will work well with handspun yarn - But is is art...?
- UK Events
Remaining events for your 2026 calendar
In the media
300-year-old shipwreck wood gets a fashion makeover
We saw this story back in in June. This more recent article talks about a second dress made from wood which was part of a shipwreck.
The first is on display as part of the "Tomorrow's Wardrobe" exhibition at the Oulu Art Museum, Finland, and the second will be shown at Aalto University's "Designs for a Cooler Planet" exhibition, also Finland.
www.dogonews.com...300-year-old-shipwreck-wood-gets-a-fashion-makeover
Handspun stories
Ten fibre art tools made from bones
This is a real eye-opener, I wouldn't have thought that bone tools were very common, but Jillian Eve shows and tells ten tools that she owns and in some cases uses regularly.
Towards the end of the video she has a top tip for people like herself who have a favourite spindle whorl and want to use it for a spin that involves multiple spindles.
Maybe the ideal pattern for bone spinning tools is the Good Bones jumper pattern featured last issue!
Spinner's alphabet: what begins with P?
Amelia has covered more than half of the alphabet before reaching one of the most important spinning terms. Ply gives yarn balance and strength. No wonder it's also the title of a magazine.
I'm very happy to see mention of an issue that I've experienced, which is that checking for balance while plying leads to underplied yarn if your singles have had a chance to relax. I wasn't aware of the hot water trick but I will try it. Allowing a fresh single to ply back on itself and keeping that as a reference when plying is another great tip.
This month we also have her 'Q' here and her 'R' here.
The Bayeux tapestry is really an embroidered comic strip
Despite its name, the Bayeux Tapestry is embroidered in crewel (worsted wool yarn) on linen.
Like many other works, it tells a story in pictures, as we sometimes do today (IKEA flat pack instructions).
Harriet Earle likens them to cartoons, telling stories when literacy was low.
theconversation.com...bayeux-tapestry-is-really-an-embroidered-comic-strip...
Medieval monks helped spark England's wool economy, new research reveals
A new study helps us to understand changing farming practices throughout the medieval period. In particular how monks helped the growth of sheep farming and wool production.
See also later this issue, the growth of sheep pox due to more intensive farming.
le.ac.uk/news/2026/september/monks-medieval-wool-industry-sheep
What is crimp?
Crimp is the shape of the wool fibre and can vary from wavy or curly, dense or loose, two or three dimensional.
This Spin Off article examines three examples, some rule-breakers, and talks about how we can use this information as spinners.
Reusing thrums for eco-friendly palettes
Jaya doesn't like to throw anything out and set herself the challenge of using bags of leftovers to add colour in a yarn that was to form the warp for a fleece-to-shawl attempt.
spinoffmagazine.com...reusing-thrums-for-eco-friendly-palettes
Living and spinning with giant angora rabbits
Angora rabbits produce a surprising amount of fibre. It's slippery, which may make it a little challenging to spin if you're used to wool but rewards you with a soft yarn.
Aleatha has written about keeping these rabbits, grooming them, collecting and spinning their fibre.
The versatile and inexpensive dog comb
This brings back very happy memories. My first experience of spinning involved a dog-comb and I still rate it highly as a cheap, easy and effective way to prepare raw locks.
spinoffmagazine.com/a-versatile-and-inexpensive-fiber-tool-the-dog-comb
Yes! I didn't rememer!
Have you put some fibre away, sure that you'd remember what it is?
And then come across it later without a clue.
This happened to ewespecial. This mystery jar of fibre may well have been hand-dyed. It spun 'like a dream'. There are pictures.
She remembered the 'burn test' and used that to identify it easily. She includes the chart, which you may like to print off.
Colour chronicle
Sarah has blogged about her recent natural dyeing exploits and has cleverly provided tutorials in the form of cartoons.
As usual, there's a lot of detail tucked away in the footnotes.
Free fleece ? Yes please !
This blog post sees Sue skirt, wash, comb and spin a Zwartbles fleece, a breed that she hasn't worked with before.
travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com...free-fleece-yes-please.html
Recent, current and forthcoming events
Shetland Wool Week
This year's event took place between 27 Sept and 3 Oct
The Shetland Times reported the countdown to the event.
The dates for SWW 2027 have been announced - Saturday 25 September to Sunday 3 October 2027. More information about that and many excellent photos captured by official photographer Alexa are on this page. My main link goes to the BBC report.
October is Wool Month
October is officially Wool Month. British Wool and The Campaign for Wool are posting daily on their socials. Look out for the #SheepOfTheWeek.
Yarn Gathering 2026
This time Kath presents not only a vendor's perspective but a co-organiser's perspective on a wool show.
She includes plenty of pictures of the other stalls which include knitting, crochet, weaving (including iron age!), embroidery, handspun and hand dyed yarn and fibre, fleece, felted sheep and 2D landscapes. It looks like a highly interesting show.
The same blog post includes pictures taken on the same weekend at Ewe & Ply's craft fair.
Tips and tutorials
A batt from bits and pieces
As a result of her work activities, Pamela ends up with odds and ends of various braids of fibre. Instead of trying to reunite them with their original braids, she runs them through her carder as they come.
There's a video on this page which shows this process in action and the surprisingly attractive result.
Get mobile!
Devin enjoys spinning so much that they often spin when out and about. Here are some tips.
This article was originally published in 2019 but has been recently updated.
Small notions every rigid-heddle weaver needs
Certain small items can make a big difference to your weaving experience, says Christina. She recommends five notions for any weaver to have on hand.
New shades - Appledore fibre tops
John Arbon Textiles have added no less than 18 new shades to their Appedore range to make a total of 31 colours. Some have been discontinued and are now discounted.
The base is a blend, three breeds of locally sourced wool.
Hat-crown decreases explained
A hat is a tube of fabric, open at one end and closed at the other. There are many ways to construct them.
If knitting bottom-up, you'll probably need to shape the crown and there are options for doing that. Roxanne explains some of them.
What's the difference between whipstitch and double overcast?
If, like me, you enjoy making pin-loom squares but never really have a good plan for joining them, Christina has the lowdown.
There are many stitches that you can use, but here she covers two of the most popular; whipstitch and double overcast.
Oh the drama
Hunter's point here isn't so much about gauge as the way this yarn changed when the swatch was washed. This is a particularly dramatic change for the better and means that the unwashed swatch isn't a good guide to how the finished garment will look or feel.
Products and Reviews
The Bandweaver's Project Book and Heather Torgenrud interview
Heather Torgunrud has written a new book recently, The Bandweaver's Project Book. This is her third book on the subject and Kelly has recently reviewed one of the earlier ones. In this post she compares all three books and interviews Heather.
This also includes a book giveaway which has now closed. Unfortunately I didn't spot that in time to post the details on the Patreon page.
kellycasanovaweavinglessons.com...heather-torgenrud-interview-and-new-book...
Shetland Shades: Stories In Wool By Gudrun Johnson
Shetland Shades: Stories in Wool is a new hardcover book containing 12 patterns; 8 vests, 2 hats and 2 scarves.
It's a homage to Gudrun Johnston's Shetland roots and the rich knitting traditions of these breathtaking islands.
Gudrun is giving a virtual talk about Shetland, its legendary knitting, and her book on October 23.
www.moderndailyknitting.com...shetland-shades-stories-in-wool
Electric carder with auto clean
This electric carder has a trick up its sleeve that really has to be seen. (It's shown in the first few seconds of the video on this page).
This page also contains lots of details about Baruch's thoughts and design considerations.
Colour In The Kitchen by Suzy Brown
Suzy has announced her new book which is laid out as a workbook with information, step-by-step instructions and hands-on exercises. In it she shares her seven top favourite methods for adding colour to fibre.
Is this the ultimate tool for fibre artists?
Felicia has long been using the Caydo M1 Pro ball winder. Here she reviews the company's latest offering, the A1 Pro Max.
One Skein Knitting by Ksenia Naidyon
Greta has reviewed this new book which contains 18 patterns suitable for smaller quantities of yarn in a range of yarn weights.
sweetgeorgiayarns.com...one-skein-knitting-by-ksenia-naidyon
A tape loom
A guild member brought one of these very small and portable looms to a meeting and Durham Weaver decided there and then to buy one.
This is the link for the product, which is currently broken on Durham Weaver's page.
durhamweaver64.blogspot.com...a-tape-loom-different-way-of-weaving.html
Video and audio
Becoming a fairytale princess
This is part two in a series in which Nelferch restores a beautiful vintage wheel.
This involved turning some new parts. Previously she'd attempted to turn wood using a home-made 'drill lathe' which didn't work for her, so she bought a lathe and learned to use it. The girl is incredible.
She's also new to spinning on a wheel but ends up with some singles that she shouldn't be ashamed of.
Places to visit
Field to Fashion at Museum of Making, Derby
Field to Fashion has already featured in previous issues, but I've recently been along myself and blogged about it.
The exhibition runs at Derby Silk Mill until January.
blog.handspinner.co.uk...field-to-fashion-at-museum-of-making.html
Technology
3D knitted textile to increase strawberry yields
Researchers have developed a 3D knitted textile cover called Plant Armor that keeps insects out without killing them and helps to retain moisture, while allowing sunlight, rain and air to reach the crop.
In tests, it more than tripled Strawberry yields.
I find it interesting that the natural material of wool was chosen and 3D knitting was the production method.
www.yarnsandfibers.com...textile-to-increase-strawberry-yields
Medieval parchments reveal sheep pox evolution tied to Eurasian wool trade
Ancient parchments such as the 1,000-year-old York Gospels and other documents from Britain and Europe has revealed sheep pox DNA which may have infected the original owner of the skin.
Samples were collected by rubbing the surface with an eraser. Mutations in the sheep pox DNA help to track the history of the disease.
The oldest sheep pox DNA was found in a sheep tooth from the Bronze Age, dated to 1700 BC.
Sheep were more important at the time for food and wool and intensive farming allows the disease to spread.
Ultra-black wool turns saltwater into drinking water
Black wool is being used in solar evaporators to desalinate and purify water. Black wool absorbs more light and therefore solar energy.
One very interesting part of this process is the way that the wool is made ultra-black. This article links to one from last year which describes how the darkest fabric is made.
www.anthropocenemagazine.org...saltwater-into-drinking-water
Programmable spinning weaves entire integrated circuits into a single fibre
There have been various breakthroughs in creating electronic components such as sensors, batteries and lights in the form of yarn that can be incorporated into garments. Separately these are of limited use.
In the same way that the integrated circuit, invented just before 1960, combined various existing components onto a single chip, Chinese researchers have been working on combining these yarns with individual functions into a yarn that functions as a complete circuit and can still form part of a garment and be durable and washable.
ReSKU 2.0 fabric by Camira
This fabric, called ReSKU 2.0 shows that recycled material can be beautiful.
It's made from waste wool and poly from Camira's own manufacturing, plus flax which is low-carbon and grows with little water.
Harvard University transforms waste wool into cladding
A group at Harvard have created these exterior wall tiles which use waste wool to make cladding for buildings. They have a low-density back panel that acts as insulation and a denser outer panel with durability and weather resistance.
They recognised wool's fire-resistant and antibacterial properties and also wanted to make use of a material that would otherwise be discarded.
"By transforming waste wool into durable exterior cladding, biogenic carbon captured through grass, sheep, and wool can be retained in the built environment, while the same material improves the performance and extends the useful life of existing buildings", said the group's founder.
Plant Life
I don't know whether to categorise this as technology or art. The Plant Life exhibition includes exhibits which explore ideas of plants returning to dominance over non-renewable resources.
It includes board made from hemp, bio-plastic that turns pink in the sun, furniture covered with avocado-dyed fabric scraps, silk dyed black using a tree resin and a wildfire jacket made from fireproof mycelium leather.
Gallery
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Light box
Sarah has given "form to light" with this little basket.
It's made from milkweed cordage and has a very open weave.
She used a technique that she has previously written up in a patten that she has been selling for a long time. Usually the intention is for a much denser warp-faced weave.
Luminous cocoons
Sarah isn't sure what to call these shades. She's made them from paper yarn, leaves, fibres and scraps of fabric.
She says that the wrapping can be awkward, but the result is beautiful. There's a very satisfying video on this page showing Sarah carefully releasing one from its balloon.
G'day boomerang
helbel spun merino on her Turkish spindle for this shawl.
The pattern is G'day Boomerang by Susan Ashcroft.
Finishing off warps with loom waste
This patch on Nancy's denim jacket is woven from loom waste or thrums. She ties them together to make balls of yarn and weaves with them.
Cat and silk
This picture shows the cat hair and tussah silk that were blended to make the yarn in the picture. Jean has also knitted a test swatch.
Artist Spotlight: Deborah Bagley
Deborah works with pin-loom squares to make some amazing projects. There are several pictured on this page along with an interview with the artist.
Out of the Deep
This piece won a blue ribbon at the Big E fair, Springfield, Massachusetts.
It's the first in a series by The Broiderie Stitch called Dangerous Creatures.
You may remember her Moon Rabbit sculpture from 2022.
Transforming crochet top into a light-up dress
Unfortunately the video is mostly about crocheting the dress, it's not a tutorial about adding the LEDs. Towards the end she says "I'll also be adding lights". Maybe that part is to come in another video and if so, I'll include it in a future HSN but in the meantime, if you know about strings of LEDs, treat this as inspiration.
Free patterns and projects
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Thyatira by Rebecca Osborn
This pattern is specifically designed for the texture and colour possibilties of combo-spun handspun yarn.
I'd encourage you to look at the page because there are some very different-looking versions of this jumper. Combo-spinning allows you to select colours and still be surprised by the result.
The page includes instructions for spinning as well as the knitting pattern. it also contains yarn suggestions if you want to buy yarn and go straight to the knitting.
Fall Sunrise Hat by Mirella Moments
This warm hat is shown here in a very cheerful colour. It's knit in the round using "medium weight yarn" (adjust needle size to get gauge).
Pattern and project suggestions
Baltic Storm Sweater by Villasilmu
I'm wowed by this pattern and I believe it would be even more awesome with a textured handspun yarn used for the waves and clouds.
Herringweave Cardigan/Pullover by Anne Hanson
This is a unisex jumper or cardigan with variations.
It's seamed, has six sizes and is said to be a portable and quick knit.
The stitch pattern gives a herringbone twill effect along with cables.
Nevern Throw by Kath Andrews
In this blog post, Kath comments on this pattern which is by far her most successful. She shows off some pictures of one that someone has just finished.
I didn't find a handspun example but I feel that the rustic, organic forms would be perfect in hand-crafted yarn.
But is it art...?
Woo Jin Joo
I find Woo Jin Joo's work surreal, a little bit unsettling but delightful.
She uses viscose thread, wadding, old textiles and other found objects.
Her first solo exhibition, Bodily Inbetweenness, was in London last month.
Nicola Turner, I Tear Secrets From Your Yielding Flesh
Nicola Turner's Times Scythe is still at Yorkshire Sculpture Park until November 1.
A new work has appeared at Annely Juda Fine Art, 16 Hanover Square. As with Time's Scythe, tendrils adorn the outside of the building and smaller works are on display within.
www.annelyjudafineart.co.uk/exhibitions/405-nicola-turner...
Joana Schneider
Joana Schneider transforms old fishing ropes and nets by winding them with coloured yarn and building them into objects.
My thumbnail is from a permanent installation of her work at the ARTIS aquarium in Amsterdam.
Tales in Thread: Ragna Breivik
The complete Åsmund Frægdagjeva series by textile artist Ragna Breivik is on display at Bryggens Museum, Bergen, offering an opportunity to experience these works in atmospheric medieval surroundings.
The tapestries were woven over a period of more than 25 years and are based on the medieval ballad of Åsmund Frægdagjeva, who rescues Princess Ermelin from the trolls of Trollebotn.
UK Events
2026
Festival of Flora and Fauna, AGWSD
1-29 October 2026, Rose Paterson Gallery, Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal TF11 8LE
11am-4pm daily.
The National Exhibition of the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers includes juried entries and an open section showcasing the creativity of guild members from across the country. Free entry.
Yorkshire Yarn Fest
14 - 15 November 2026, Sandburn Hall, York YO60 7RB
More details to follow
Knit + Stitch Show Northern Ireland
12-15 November 2026, The Eikon Exhibition Centre
Meet up with like-minded crafters, discuss ideas, learn new skills, find inspiration and shop for your annual craft supplies, including wool, fabric and beyond from big brands and specialist suppliers.
Christmas Wool Show
14 - 15 November, National Conference Centre, Birmingham
80 amazing exhibitors from all over the country in a fabulous venue. Free parking, café, free demonstrations from local guilds, charity magazine stall, yarn winding service and plenty of room to sit and chat.
Knit + Stitch, Harrogate (previously The Knitting and Stitching Show)
19 - 22 November 2026, 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.
Support Hand Spinning News
I'm Shiela Dixon, I've been doing this for around seventeen years in order to promote and encourage spinning and related crafts.
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