By an interesting coincidence, two stories this month relate to our mortality. If this is a subject that might cause distress then you may want to skip over those or consider whether you want to read on. But in both cases I think the tone is a positive one.
Kay has been thinking about the Swedish death cleaning practice and applying it to her stash. Miles has also been preparing for the inevitable and decided to spin, weave, and dye their own shroud.
The subject of stashbusting comes up in other stories this month. cliketyclack's version of Penguono by Stephen West uses handspun scraps along with commercial yarn. Engineering Knits tries Garneting using her drum carder. RedAndFiery has used handspun that languished in her stash for ten years.
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 July 2026.
Cover photo by Soraya García on Unsplash
Sheep, Actually is "a film about wool and a sheep named Cow".
This page contains trailers for the film and a list of screenings, which include the Museum of Making, Derby (mentioned elsewhere in this issue) and Farnham Maltings. The latter is a special one because the auditorium will be dimly lit so that you can knit, crochet or indulge in any other reasonably mess-free craft if you wish.
This 8-foot fleece was shorn from a Lincoln Longwool sheep, resident at a therapy centre near Spilsby.
The shearer said that it was the largest fleece he'd seen and that the sheep "definitely felt better" afterwards.
A luxury fibre spinning workshop seems like a great way to get hands-on with a wide range of fibres.
Highland Heffalump attended one at her guild and was able to prepare and spin camel, angora, alpaca, mohair, silk cocoons, hankies and top. She was still plying her singles at home as she wrote this post.
She gives a little bit more detail, including her feelings about some of the fibres in this later post.
Amelia continues her alphabet with J and K. What can you think of that begins with those letters?
Here is J. K is below.
Kay doesn't find the Swedish death cleaning concept morbid at all and it has had her thinking about decluttering, particularly her yarn stash.
A conversation with a friend prompted Miles to start thinking about funeral plans. The friend showed them her shroud, and Miles decided to spin, weave and dye their own.
The work is still in progress but it's as much a learning experience as practical preparation. The dye plants are home-grown, the ties will be tablet-woven, both new skills.
SPINNOTTS used to jump at any chance to spin at local events and in public but disbanded some years ago.
Amid suggestions of reforming, they held a reunion which Sue calls a great success.
She spent the next day spinning in public again at Green's Windmill and has blogged about both days.
travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com...a-busy-spinning-weekend-including-great.html
The polypay breed was created in the America in the '60s. It was an attempt to mix multiple breeds for a sheep with all-round characteristics. The name means 'many returns on investment'.
The wool is not the finest but Michelle of Bare Naked Wools calls it "naturally delicious to work with" in this 'Breed of the month' blog post.
It's fascinating that the V&A allows you to 'order' up to five items from their online catalogue to study at their study centre.
Jeni did just that and found an unanticipated link between two of her items - Cousin Bess.
I'm trying to travel less but over the last few months a couple of exhibitions have caught my eye. Over one weekend I was able to visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) for Rise by L R Vandy and Time's Scythe by Nicola Turner. And then the Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society's Summer exhibition in Norwich.
blog.handspinner.co.uk...current-exhibitions-of-textile-related.html
Tour de Fleece is underway but if you're not already spinning along with the cyclists, there's nothing stopping you from joining in.
In this article, Stefanie gives us an introduction to the Tour de Fleece as well as listing the challenges that excite her.
SweetGeorgia have also provided an introduction to the Tour as well as their Tour de Fleece 2026 limited colourway, Wild Thistle, and an invitation to spin along with SweetGeorgia in their capacity as a low-pressure unofficial team.
Knit/Wit will be spindling for part of TdF while away but has prepared this fibre for a fractal spin on the wheel when she gets back.
She calls this fibre 'precious' and it really is. This was acquired after David's retirement from Southern Cross Fibre as part of his destash. It's absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to see what fractal spinning does to this in the yarn and knitted project.
John Arbon Textiles have published a bunch of pictures from the Mill Open Weekend 2026 which was 6-7 June. The focus is on "what you've made".
As usual, Kath has written from a vendor's perspective. It's an interesting and very positive review of the show.
Field to Fashion: from sheep to the clothes you wear is an exhibition currently showing at the Museum of Making, Derby Silk Mill until 4 October.
There is a programme of accompanying workshops and talks.
It includes the history of local company John Smedley who have been crafting their knitwear in Derbyshire since 1784, a screening of Sheep, Actually (featured elsewhere in this issue) and groundbreaking work by local students.
Ashleigh-ellan Kavanagh has written a review with photographs here.
HSN supporter Barbara submitted this guest post in which she explains how to create an indestructible yarn using old synthetic pillow stuffing.
If you're ready to take the plunge and tackle a big spin, then Greta has lots of advice.
Andrea has five tips to make spindle spinning even more enjoyable and says "do try this at home".
spinoffmagazine.com/winding-well-5-tips-for-building-your-spindles-cop
The drive band is probably the part of your wheel that wears out the fastest and needs the most frequent attention.
Twined knitting or two-ended knitting is a technique that was lost and rediscovered by analysing a 17th century mitten.
Joan introduces us to this very interesting technique and includes a video by Pamela Schultz.
If you think your weaving doesn't look as neat as everyone else's or just think there may be room for improvement, Kelly has some tips.
kellycasanovaweavinglessons.com...problems-and-how-to-fix-them.html
Do you weave in EPI or EPCM?
Felicia is in Canada, where like here in the UK, both metric and imperial are commonplace. Patterns may contain both sets of measurements but equipment such as reeds may be one system or the other. She offers some advice for converting the numbers.
Garneting is the process of pulling yarn back into spinnable fibres. Engineering Knits found that her drum carder wasn't capable of doing this for most yarns, but she did have some success with a particularly loosely-spun yarn and incorporating other scraps cut up and turned into nepps.
Spin Off published an article about garneting.
This is a link to Jillian Eve's video on the subject, mentioned by Engineering Knits.
This yarn sample book is over 100 years old but contains some surprisingly vivid colours.
Some may have changed with time. 'Victory Red' is decidedly magenta, for example.
We've seen plenty of experimental textiles where the yarn stores or generates power, or senses or lights up.
This project relates to water harvesting. The woven fabric is wearable and can pull a surprising amount of water from the air - up to 1.3 liters of clean water per day.
news.utexas.edu...this-jacket-pulls-drinking-water-from-thin-air
If this plant material makes a good dye, then I'm surprised that it's not already known in our community.
It was hard to discover the colour, which was not included in many of the articles based on this report but the peel of the edible fruit contain betalain pigments which give vibrant red-purple and yellow hue with good colour fastness.
This research also includes the fact that using microwaves removed the need for a mordant.
Researchers in India have cultivated microorganisms that produce natural pigments.
They feel that for eco-friendly dyes, these will be a more attractive option for industry than plants because the microbes are faster-growing.
Sometimes just a picture is enough
This is Sharon's Bright Lights shawl. She feels that she managed to spin the perfect yarn for the project.
She says that the pattern is her 'go to scarf'. It's Night Lights by Andrea Mowry.
sharondoubleknit.blogspot.com...fo-friday-bright-lights-shawl.html
This is a very popular pattern. I think cliketyclack's is very tastefully done and incorporates handspun scraps, although the majority is commercial yarn. It shows how you can use up those scraps.
The pattern is Penguono by Stephen West.
Mandy Troxel created this work, entitled Goats on the Rock, for Orcas Island Artworks where she is 'artist for the month'.
She uses 100% needle-felted wool for her photorealistic paintings.
This combo-spin includes a bewildering array of sheep breeds and other fibres.
Pinsandneedlesuk thinks that it may become a vest or waistcoat and I look forward to seeing the result.
www.ravelry.com/people/Pinsandneedlesuk/handspun/batt-combo-spin
RedAndFiery has used handspun that languished in her stash for ten years but is happy with the result, calling it 'striking'. She can't wait for autumn so that she can wear it.
These are vivid autumn-themed colours, spun by spindle and plied on a wheel.
The pattern is Beamer by Kate Davies Designs.
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Carousel appears in the latest Knitty magazine. The short-sleeve version in particular looks nice for the middle of the year (outside of heatwaves!) and one of the examples is made from 100% Blueface Leicester DK, the other a cotton/linen blend.
You'll need 976 - 2196 yards depending on size and it'll be a fast knit on 3.5 and 4mm needles. It has twisted-stitch detail.
By coincidence this month I also saw this tutorial about twisted stitches which may be relevant and useful.
If you can pull off these bold mandala earrings, they'll show off your love of crochet and your mood through your choice of colours.
They call for an aran-weight yarn. The pattern is on this ad-heavy page.
This sock pattern has been around for a while. Comments from makers include "Loved this pattern ... Just as fun the second time. Soft and squishy" and "Once I got started on the socks, it was easy sailing!"
They have a knit/purl pattern around the leg and over the foot. A slip-stitch heel gives extra cushioning.
This shawl has the traditional triangular shape but has multiple bee-related stitch patterns. It makes an eye-catching garment.
It needs around 1000 yards of lace-weight yarn.
I can't see a way to buy this pattern as a one-off purchase (however, Google is your friend, I'll say no more).
That said, I love this design. It's made of 1-inch hexagons. I didn't realise that such small pin looms were available.
Susan Maddux folds painted canvas to create sculpture. Sometimes her pleated style verges on origami.
This work contains memories, although they can no longer be accessed.
Polish artist Kuba Swiecicki has used tape from cassettes collected from family and friends as well as his own collection. He had to develop a method of weaving the material since he couldn't use a traditional loom.
Previous works have used VHS videotape.
www.designboom.com...woven-archive-collective-memory-kuba-swiecicki
Anita Bell describes her work as "painting with thread on paper". She also uses natural plant dyes. She's inspired by the changing light at dawn and dusk.
www.textileartist.org/anita-bell-stitching-the-edges-of-light
Woven tapestries in the style of Picasso are on display at at the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center at The Pocantico Center until March next year.
Master weaver Jacqueline de la Baume Dürrbach collaborated with Pablo Picasso.
eu.lohud.com/picture-gallery...woven-wonders-and-sculpture-walk...
Artist India Thompson has turned a traditional craft used for functional object to a humorous and very impractical area.
Besides the replica of her own bathroom, she has made other domestic objects.
It's all designed to make you think about what it means to make a home.
Holly Guertin uses wet and needle felting, crochet and embroidery to create works that bridge 2D and sculpture. They include some lifelike lambs.
She has some work included in the Hand in Hand exhibition at Salisbury, North Carolina.
www.thisiscolossal.com...holly-guertin-wool-felting-textiles-fiber-art
Heather Kerley blends embroidery with mixed media and her work relates to the changing natural world.
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!
5 - 6 September, Newark Showground
An exciting new festival of knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning and woolly fibre crafts with 90 exhibitors, workshops and demos.
This is a new show from the organisers of Spring into Wool (Leeds), Brighton Wool Show, Midlands Wool Festival (Wolverhampton), Summer Wool Festival (Ampthill) and more.
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.
Sun 20 September 2026, Daniel Owen Centre, Mold, Flintshire
Yarn O'clock & Kath Andrews Designs are delighted to be hosting Yarn Gathering once again for its fifth year.
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.
Sat 29 August 2026 Mossley Mill, Antrim and Newtownabbey
This celebration brings the timeless beauty of wool and linen to life through craft, storytelling, and community spirit.
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.
It's made possible by a number of readers who contribute financially. You can join them with a regular contribution (pay what you like, no matter how small) and in return receive a longer version of HSN delivered to your email inbox earlier in the month than the free edition appears.
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.
Alternatively, share a link to the new Patreon page. New readers can become a free member and receive a notification when each free issue is available. It's also an alternative way for people to become paying supporters.
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
A PeacockMedia publication
A word from our sponsor:
New merch coming soon
All issues since January 2015 still exist but due to old and dead links making bad SEO, I had to remove them from public view.
However, Patreon is slowly becoming a new archive. Free members have access to free issues since January '25, and paying members have access to full editions since then.
