At this most colourful time of the year here in the Northern hemisphere, Annamarie Hatcher suggests some ways to work Spring colour into your yarn and if it's raining, Catherine provides a tablet-weaving project to brighten the greyest of days.
It's a shame when skills and knowledge once needed for survival go into decline. But heartwarming that there are people striving to keep these things alive, such as Mr. Faisal Raza Bokda who is working to preserve the cultural heritage of his nomadic community which includes the Bakarwal sheep and goats and the related carding and spinning.
We have examples of felt going back 2,000 years. Through felted wool art, Tahir Zaman hopes to highlight endangered practices that are no longer part of a pastoral lifestyle.
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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 May 2026.
Cover photo: World's largest wooden Charkha by Janak Bhatta, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tarndwarncoort aka Tarndie, the organisers of the International Back to Back Challenge, held an open day on 21 March where folks could watch two teams competing; Pascoe Vale Spinners & Weavers Group and The Pink Team - Sisters in Stitches.
Both teams completed their jumpers on the day but I've yet to find times.
The COA Spinsters raised $1500 for a cancer care charity with their Back to Back Challenge on 18 April. They finished in a respectable 13 hours, 40 minutes, 44s.
I'm linking to the college's facebook group where they've posted some footage from the day.
British Wool has launched a new Scottish Wool logo and certification scheme to help buyers identify wool that has been entirely grown in Scotland.
This should help to protect Scottish farmers as demand for wool increases and the value increases.
See also this report from STV News
The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War will be on show at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire during May.
Kate became interested in this small 18th-century notebook while researching at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
It's a receipt book which records various family matters. This one contains 80 hand-drawn weave drafts. The owner was probably involved in the home-working weaving system of the time.
She has set about translating and weaving the designs on her own loom. she has currently finished around a quarter and this page has photographs of her sampler so far.
Carol has finished her reproduction George Washington sprang lace sash and taken it to George Washington's Mount Vernon, where she gave a workshop for the interpreters about sprang lace and this project.
These pictures feature George Washington, who turned up in person, and a practical experiment to test the truth of the suggestion that these sashes could have been used as a stretcher to transport a wounded person from the battlefield.
In this instalment of Meet the Sheep, shepherdess Robin Lynde writes about the Jacob, a popular breed with handspinners.
spinoffmagazine.com...robin-lynde-in-black-and-white-and-lilac
This month in Amelia's Spinner's Alphabet we reach F and G.
My main link is F, this one will take you to G.
askthebellwether.blogspot.com...alphabet-what-begins-with-f.html
This is the story of an attempt to revive a traditional lifestyle and craft.
spinoffmagazine.com/bakarwal-crafts-bringing-back-bakarwal-wool
I love the way that this project combines such diverse interests; computer programming, algorithmic art and needlework.
I don't think that you need to know anything about programming to appreciate this, just that the patterns are based on simple rules, sometimes with a random element.
Margaret Low takes her Turtlestitch embroidery machine to schools and lets the kids experiment with different rules.
Do you really need multiple spindles for a single spin? Is wheel spinning really more productive?
deborah sets out to bust some myths.
Durham Weaver attended the Northern Bowl Gathering which includes workshops in many interesting skills.
She took part in a cordage workshop and learned how to make cord from various unexpected plants including dandelion and sweet corn.
She mentions two interesting-looking books about 'wild textiles'.
You may know The Green Mountain Spinnery from their blog, social media posts or patterns.
They were founded in 1981 and are one of the few certified organic wool mills in the United States. They produce yarns for themselves and other people.
Jillian visited last year for a tour and brings us this behind-the-scenes look at the small-scale spinning mill.
This is a beautifully-presented walkaround of this year's Wonderwool Wales, its 20th anniversary. It's an hour long, so make sure that you're sitting comfortably. If you've never been to a show like this then it's an eye-opener, and if like me, you've been before but didn't make it this time, you'll feel as if you were there.
It begins with a great interview with Chrissie, the organiser. I particularly liked the visit to Janie Crow's stand. The focus is certainly on a search for sparkly yarn and a loom but on the spinning front we do see sheep, a walking wheel and fibre from Adelaide Walker, Barn2Yarn, Auspicious Stitch.
John Arbon have blogged about Wonderwool with the focus on 'what you've made' and there are a lot of wonderful things to see.
The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is one of the biggest in America.
Araignee brings us her report in two parts. My main link is her experience of the day. This one is a separate post about her haul.
araigneestangledweb.blogspot.com...mdsw-2026-pt-1-event.html
I'm sure you have a stash of leftover singles.
Deborah has a suggestion for using them to make one-of-a-kind yarn.
spinoffmagazine.com/inspired-plying-with-leftover-handspun-singles
Amelia talks about twist angle in your yarn and how it affects the properties of the finished yarn. She describes a way to measure it using a tool that you already have in your pocket.
This happens from time to time, no matter how careful you are, and handspun yarn may be a little more susceptible.
The fix is simple when you know how.
littlelooms.com/how-to-fix-a-broken-warp-end-on-a-rigid-heddle-loom
Annamarie Hatcher suggests some ways to work Spring colour into your yarn.
In March we had a few stories relating to combo spinning. With that all fresh in our minds, Rachel has this workshop in which she encourages you to look at your stash and consider the possibilities.
I've become used to wrap-and-turn and still finding the shaping possibilities quite magical but I had no idea that there were so many different ways to work short rows.
Handwoven presents these tips about warping with metallic or other tricky threads in the form of Qs and As.
That's a clickbait headline, but there are some useful tips here.
There's a short video about the salad spinner 'hack' along with a collection of links to useful articles about blocking.
Kate Davies' book Knitting Wester Ross is now out and I've included the pattern featured on its cover in this month's pattern suggestions.
Kate has posted the introduction from the book on her blog and it's a delightful read.
As usual, John Arbon Textiles made a limited-edition blend ahead of Wonderwool. Dau Ddeg means 'twenty' in Welsh, relating to the 20th anniversary of the show. It contains three distinct colours, so offers many possibilities for spinning.
Their blog reports that they sold out in the first five hours, although I think they may be talking about the DK yarn because they still seem to have stock of the fibre tops.
Again as usual, they're selling the special blend by mail order for a limited time. They are planning another run of the DK yarn, which you can pre-order until Monday 11 May.
The fibre tops is available right now, I guess until it sells out.
www.jarbon.com/products/dau-ddeg-fibre-tops-devonia-wonderwool-special
Guzzisue recently visited Hawes in Yorkshire and was able to take photographs of the many interesting textile-related things that she found at The Dales Countryside Museum.
My main link is part one. Part two, in which she found looms, is here and part three which features some stunning stained glass and some antique wheels for sale (elsewhere in Hawes, not the museum), is here.
travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com...finding-fluff-sticks-and.html
This article describes a 'memory material' made from keratin, a protein that as we know makes up wool.
This material can remember and return to a previous shape. The article also describes other materials with different properties and some potential applications for these 'smart fabrics'.
www.imnovation-hub.com..recycled-wool-smart-textile-shape-memory
If your smart textiles need power, then you can weave in this yarn which is a battery. It's activated by the wearer's sweat and has been shown to power LEDs and a pedometer.
Collagen has long been used to make a scaffold for new bone to grow on. Keratin may well be a better material.
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Susan has finished spinning this fibre from Beesy Bee Fibers called Scotland. Appropriately, she finished on 6 April, known as Tartan Day.
The braid looks beautiful but Susan found it difficult to spin because the silk and merino have different staple lengths and didn't want to mingle. She was determined to win this 'grudge match' and has done. She has posted many photos of the finished yarn totalling almost a thousand yards.
This appropriately-named yarn has a very similar look. teakdecks used fibre from ruthietoothie to make two differently-coloured singles. It's a 2-ply made with ply-on-the-fly.
This is Seaflower Spins' largest tapestry to date.
It depicts a grove of birches in a temperate rainforest. She used handspun shetland and merino yarns.
bsky.app/profile/seaflowerspins.bsky.social/post/3mjcbunsdb226
Sarah has used handspun dogbane to bind a journal as well as to make one of her little baskets.
There are many pictures here, presented in her poetic style.
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Jamie's pattern is a blank canvas for experimentation with colourwork.
SweetGeorgia have written this article aimed at their club members. It has some suggestions and a printable project sheet.
sweetgeorgiayarns.com/secret-stash-club-knitting-spring-mug-cozy/
This pattern teaches you a technique and gives you a useful bag to show for it.
It uses scraps of yarn as well as old clothes, including an old belt or other leather straps.
This band is designed to brighten the greyest of rainy Irish days. The draft is freely available here as text or TDD format.
"It's a soothing weave as all the tablets are turned together in the same direction", says Catherine.
www.tabletweavingintheoryandpractice.co.uk/2026/04/spectrum.html
I love the look of this blanket and it strikes me that you could achieve the same look with naturally-coloured and naturally-dyed yarn.
The pattern is available for free but for a limited undisclosed time, so if you like it, download it sooner rather than later.
Kate designed this skirt in memory of activist Kay Matheson, she has written about the background here.
The pattern is available separately or in her Knitting Wester Ross collection.
It uses 1312 - 2187 yards of fingering-weight yarn.
These socks are very pretty in this spring-like colour.
It has three sizes, top-down with flap and gusset heel.
Crafty Yarnster has recommended this pattern, which she finds adorable. He's small enough to knit with oddments.
These look very effective but despite this, Christina Garton recommends it as a beginner pin-loom pattern.
The pattern is three pounds, or free if you're a LittleLooms magazine subscriber.
shop.longthreadmedia.com...shiver-of-sharks-pattern-download
Rise is a solo exhibition featuring large sculptures using rope as well as smaller sculptures and wall mandalas using shuttles.
LR Vandy's work uses objects associated with labour and transportation, including slavery.
I've already featured Time's Scythe by Nicola Turner which is also on at YSP until September.
Textile Art Redefined has been open at the Saatchi gallery curated by Helen Adams and inspired by her book Fine Art Textiles.
It features 15 textile artists from the UK and beyond.
Pam Connolly is retelling her childhood through original photographs woven onto vintage potholder looms.
Kenny's wall-size works are made from thousands of hand-cut silk strips.
His work was included in Textile Art Redefined at the Saatchi Gallery and will be on show elsewhere.
www.thisiscolossal.com...kenny-nguyen-silk-textiles-paintings
I don't think you could find bolder shapes and colour in tapestry.
The Woven Movement exhibits some of the more rare and iconic of Alexander Calder's Aubusson tapestries.
The show is at Galerie Hadjer during May.
www.artsy.net/show/galerie-hadjer-calder-in-tapestry-woven-movement
This exhibition of felted wool wall hangings draws on changing lifestyles and declining practices (touched on elsewhere in this issue).
About Silk is an exhibition of work by Ai Weiwei in collaboration with Rubelli. it's his first use of silk as a primary medium.
He uses symbolic and provocative images in large-scale works - wall hangings and upholstery.
Jo Morphett's pieces are small but packed with colour and texture.
In this interview she comments that she finds stitching slow and relaxing.
Aya Kawabata's work uses just five thread colours to make many more through patterns.
She says that she thinks of her designs like composing music.
She's one of ten artists featured in Salone Satellite, a satellite show of furniture fair Salone del Mobile.
These embroideries by Adrienna Matzeg result from some late-night walks in Kyoto, Tokyo and Seoul last year, when it was too hot to go out during the day. They capture the Illuminated storefronts and signage of the late-night stores.
They're to be shown soon in a solo exhibition called After Hours.
16 - 17 May 2026 Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Exhibitors will be displaying the best of yarn, knitting, and crochet in the gateway to the Peak District. The website contains an exhibitor list and ticket information.
The event's home page contains some charity patterns raising money for Macmillan.
16-17 May 2026 Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ
Celebrating textiles through a series of talks, workshops and a market featuring 50+ textile stalls each day
16 - 17 May 2026, University of the West of England, Stoke Gifford, Bristol
A curated yarn festival, aiming to celebrate diverse makers and designers of high-quality yarn, fibre, garments and accessories
Fri 29 May - Sat 30 May 2026, Galashiels, TD1 3JX and tba
The two-day festival isn't just a yarn festival, it's a celebration of independent textile artists, crafters, dyers and spinners, as well as its local community.
Textile exhibitions, interactive activities, workshops, a brand new Fleece Market and over 30 craft stalls
30-31 May 2026 Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme, Devon
A yarn and fibre show with a twist - it's aimed to educate and connect people with the origin of their yarns, wool fibre and more...you'll find flax, leather, nettle, wood, ceramic and more at the show!
Brought to you by the organisers of Stitch Fest South West.
Sat 6 June 2026 Leeds Industrial Museum
The city's original festival of wool is back with a bang in 2026. Craft stalls, workshops, live demonstrations, a pop-up tea room and loads more.
https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk...woolfest-2026-n8df
6 - 7 June, 2026, The Assembly Rooms, South Molton Town Hall with tour of JAT Mill
A weekend of woolly shenanigans in North Devon.
Tickets for tours, talks and workshops are now available for booking.
13-14 June 2026 Magna, Magna Way, Sheffield S60 1FD
Accessible, inclusive, welcoming.
13-14 June 2026, Dilham, Norfolk, NR28 9PT
Hosted by the historic Worstead Guild.
20 - 21 June 2026, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Cumbria
A gathering of people with a love for wool and yarn, and the associated crafts. The first Cumbrian Wool Gathering is organised by the same team responsible for Bakewell Wool Gathering and Buxton Wool Gathering.
4 - 5 July 2026, Winter Gardens, Weston-super-Mare
A new Summer yarn show by the sea!
Expect a fantastic selection of premium exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and exciting demos all wrapped up in a wonderful seaside atmosphere.
11 - 12 July 2026, Wolverhampton Racecourse
70 top class exhibitors from all over the country in an accessible venue, great food, free parking, workshops, free demos from local guilds, charity magazine stall
25 - 26 July 2026 Redborne School, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2NU
over 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.
1 Aug 2026 Whithorn Roundhouse, Dumfries & Galloway
A new event to promote and showcase wool and wool-related crafts. All proceeds to Stranraer Cancer Drop In Centre.
8 - 9 August 2026, Newcastle Racecourse
90 amazing stalls plus a great range of workshops. cafe, demonstrations.
15 August 2026, 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.
22 - 23 August 2026, 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!
12 - 13 September 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
Fri 11 - Sat 12 September 2026, 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.
26 - 27 September 2026, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
Over 180 makers, craft workers, retailers, and artisans in the picturesque market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire.
26 - 27 September 2026, 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.
27 September - 6 October 2026
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.
2 - 4 October 2026
A cosy weekend festival for crochet lovers, yarn crafters, and wool enthusiasts. Camp or visit for the day.
Saturday 3 October 2026, 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.
10 - 11 October 2026, The Briggait, 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.
17 - 18 October 2026 Staffordshire County Showground
Bakewell Wool Gathering has moved to Stafford.
Over 100 exhibitors showcasing their skills and offering everything you need. Or take part in workshops to learn and improve on your own skills.
Whether you enjoy spinning, felting, weaving, knitting, or crochet, it's an event you won't want to miss.
14 - 15 November 2026, Sandburn Hall, York YO60 7RB
More details to follow
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.
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.
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.
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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