As Christmas rapidly approaches, the pattern suggestions I've been seeing have been getting smaller and faster-to-make.So the pattern suggestions in this month's issue include some of those 'last minute gift' projects.
If you need to buy a last-minute gift then there are numerous lists of things to buy for knitters/crocheters among the articles this month as well as one 'what not to buy'.
I'm sending out the free issue much earlier than usual this month, so that if you see anything you fancy buying or making before the big day, you still have a fighting chance!
Not all wool is super-soft, and wool from primitive or meat breeds has its place. Erika Zambello tries wool from 'hair sheep' and Devin Helmen finds the benefits of spinning fleece from breeds that are considered 'meat breeds'. New uses for lower-grade wool are being found.
Read on for this month's rich round-up of news, views and reviews for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers.
This free issue for December 2022 is brought to you in association with Audible. I'm a member and enjoy listening while I spin and knit. The new Audible gives you unlimited listening to thousands of titles.
Find out how to receive a longer, ad-free* version of Hand Spinning News earlier in the month.
Cover photo: Jack of All Trades Sheep Ornament, Nancy Ellison / Schacht.
Fay and Abigail Johnson painted eleven of their flock with poppies for Remembrance Day.
The sheep also took part in the village's church parade.
www.harboroughmail.co.uk...wearing-their-poppies-with-pride-3913329
A team at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester have discovered that wool rope could replace plastic rope in seaweed farms.
Seaweed farms can act as a vast carbon sink so It's being suggested that this can help with the climate crisis.
The team found that the seaweed attracted other marine creatures, creating its own ecosystem.
Wool breaks down with time, which plastic doesn't.
Kate Drury of RAU said, "if we can lift the price of the lower grades of wool, the price of other grades will go up".
Ueli Ramseier of Switzerland started breeding silkworms in his bathroom before expanding into his garage. He now has 12,000 silkworms.
It is not just a business idea, he wanted to reduce the carbon footprint of silk imports from China.
fashion designer Rafael Kouto won the Swiss Design Award in 2019, designed using sustainable Swiss silk.
See also: project to revive silk production in Kashmir.
www.dw.com/en/spinning-a-yarn-silkworms-in-sustainable-fashion/a-63966652
Virginia Postrel's Thanksgiving-related article contains some fascinating textile facts.
It's only relatively recently that Americans could forget about where textiles come from. The Mayflower's sails probably contained nearly a million yards of yarn, which would have taken about two years of manual work to spin. Add to that the laborious process of harvesting and preparing the plant fibres and weaving on looms powered entirely by the weavers' muscles.
Colonists had to take a good store of clothes and bedding and pre-industrial revolution, cloth was precious. In 18th-century England, "spinners never stand still for want of work; they always have it if they please; but weavers sometimes are idle for want of yarn".
www.printmag.com...thanksgiving-dont-take-your-tablecloth-for-granted
Knit Knack has reviewed three different preparations of alpaca fibre from a specialist farm. She has bought raw locks, rolags (blended, hand-dyed with natural dyes) and mill-prepped top.
theknitknack.wordpress.com...spinning-spotlight-stone-spindle-farm-does-alpaca
I'm pleased to see that long-standing friend of HSN, Sand and Sky Creations, has been active on her blog again.
Here she answers a question that she is frequently asked.
sandandskycreations.com/2022/11/14/how-to-spin-for-a-sweater
Wild wishes are the stuff of panto, but some of the wishes listed here seem relatively modest to me.
Ten members of the Sweetgeorgia team answer the question "what's on your anything-goes wish list item of your dreams?"
What's on yours?
If you don't buy the actual products mentioned (and let's face it, this is an exercise in affiliate marketing) then there are still some good ideas here.
www.womansday.com/home/crafts-projects/g41802511/gifts-for-knitters
Here are more ideas for gifts to buy (or ideas that you could share if you fancy receiving any of these things).
This is an interesting twist, how about gifts for the outdoorsy type?
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/gift-for-outdoorsy-knitters
Kerry Bogert says '"don't buy me yarn" and when you read her reasons, you'll probably agree with them.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/buy-a-knitter-yarn-original
This picture makes my heart glad. These are the twelve pairs of handspun socks that Thread Head has made in 2022.
As well as plain socks, she tried some different patterns and some of her own modifications.
The details are on her Ravelry project page, which she links to from this blog post.
joanne-threadhead.blogspot.com/2022/11/year-of-handspun-socks.html
It's interesting to read about how Knit/Wit achieved such a consistent colour throughout these skeins of yarn, despite spinning three different club fibres in this one yarn.
Spin Off's Erika Zambello has experimented with some rare breeds that are not known for their wool; Barbados Blackbelly, St. Croix and Wiltshire Horn.
These breeds contain a lot of hair. You can try to laboriously remove it but Erika says that "it provided an interesting contrasting color and texture". She also says that it gives a glimpse into the past.
spinoffmagazine.com/spinning-fiber-from-hair-sheep-adding-texture-with-rare-breeds
The University of Nevada, Reno is offering a new line of Nevada Wolf Pack wool products made from its own Rafter 7 sheep.
Rafter 7 has been developed from Merino sheep by the college's breeding programme.
Hats, scarves, blankets, sweaters, hoodies and more will be available on campus
www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2022/wool-products-in-bookstore-
Spin Off's Devin Helmen writes about spinning fleece from breeds that are considered 'meat breeds'. There are some advantages.
spinoffmagazine.com/suffolk-tunis-dorset-a-spinner-s-ode-to-meat-sheep
If you've only used carders for preparation, wool combs may seem like a big step, says Anne Merrow. But once you try them you'll be hooked.
Besides her five good reasons, there's a quick 'how to' guide here.
spinoffmagazine.com/five-good-reasons-to-buy-and-use-mini-wool-combs
If you're new to using a wheel, or if Santa may be bringing you one, here's a handy checklist of some of the more common spinning wheel problems
When little needs saying except 'beautiful colour'
This colour of this batt is called Creamsicle and is by ArtByAna. threadbender says that it's lovely to spin.
wovenglow is spinning these singles from her own blended rolags.
This merino top from Paradise Fibers has stellina fibres for shimmer and sparkle. The colour is called Worth Melting For.
sagestutsman's pictures include the singles and finished 3-ply yarn.
The simple animated gif within this article may be one of the best demonstrations of chain-plying or navajo plying that I've seen.
www.craftmehappy.com/2022/11/chain-plying-at-wheel-versus-making.html
Even if you're aware of these two concepts, this is a good read and includes suggestions about how these can improve your designs.
yarnworker.com/two-powerhouse-design-tools-fibonacci-and-the-golden-mean
When preparing a raw fleece, picking is a stage that can be skipped. But Josefin lists a number of advantages that make this, for her, a step that she doesn't want to omit.
Spoiler: yes you can. Kate Curry advocates it as a way to save space and also keep your precious yarn or fibre free of bugs, pests and moisture.
www.darngoodyarn.com/blogs/darn-good-blog/can-you-vacuum-pack-yarn
Susan wove some fabric that she thought might become a shawl. The fabric turned out to be too stiff, so it became two cushions.
Here is here step-by-step guide for cutting and sewing handwoven fabric for cushions, incorporating tips.
The standard bind-off may not be stretchy enough for sock cuffs or sweater necks, even if you bind off loosely.
The Italian sewn bind-off is more stretchy and follows the pattern of ribbing or brioche.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/how-to-italian-bind-off-ribbing-brioche
With a bit of knowledge and preparation, you can steek without fear, says Kyle Kunnecke
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/beginners-guide-to-steeking
If your crochet circle curls or ruffles when it should be flat, then Dana Bincer has the answer.
if you knit socks I daresay that you've learned this already, but in case not, here's a tutorial from Daniel Graham
If you'd like to take the lumps out of your shoulder seams by using shaping rather than a stepped bind-off, then Sandi has the instructions you need.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/convert-stepped-bind-off-to-short-rows
If, like me, you're familiar with clasped weft but not clasped warp, then this is for you.
Robin Lynde explains that the technique is made for direct-warping with a rigid-heddle loom.
This is Stephen West's Briochevron Wrap and if you like it the pattern is here.
it has many colour changes and if you're using feltable yarn then Jen says that the spliced join can't be beaten. But if your yarn doesn't felt easily or you don't like that join, then she recommends the clasped weft join, and has a video tutorial.
www.actechniques.co.uk/blog/2022/12/7/joining-in-yarns-the-easiest-way
Felecia Davis is experimenting with structures constructed from knitted wool filled with growing mycelium.
"We're trying to make an all-fiber building", she says.
Although the Washington Post uses a paywall, I was able to read the article.
www.washingtonpost.com/magazine...felecia-davis-textiles-pennsylvania-state-university
Zinc oxide and titanium nanoparticles added to cotton fabric and stabilised with ultrasonic curing technology can give the fabric antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The processed fabric can be used in clothing and medical applications. The treatment is good for 20 washes and is harmless to humans.
asumetech.com/russian-scientists-have-created-antibacterial-cotton-wool/
New Zealand-based lipstick brand Karen Murrell has launched a collection that is made using keratin pigments derived from strong wool.
The wool fibres produce a high-performance range of particles, powders and pigments.
This could be the kiss of life for farmers who farm sheep that produce coarse wool. The New Uses for Strong Wool programme was established to revitalise New Zealand's wool industry.
sgvoice.energyvoice.com...new-zealand-lipstick-made-with-wool-pigment
Sometimes just a picture is enough
we first featured this pattern in October's issue. Ann has made hers much larger because she wanted more of a wrap than a garment. This design can be worn as a scarf, or buttoned up and worn like a cardigan.
Despite being "a long, straight swath of stockinette", she felt bereft when she'd finished.
I'm shamelessly sneaking one of my own projects in here.
A month or two ago I suggested one of Vivienne's bottle cosy designs and set about making one myself from handspun yarn.
It protects your bottle if you carry it in a rucksack or bag. It's fun to knit, "like knitting the interesting bit of a sock, without having to shape toes, and heels, and of course, there is no Second Sock Syndrome!" says Vivienne.
blog.handspinner.co.uk/2022/12/finished-handspun-project-mango-and.html
Britta calls this pattern "something like Nightshift". She says that it's very warm.
This is a real Nightshift, made from Rambouillet braids dyed by DnD Fibers.
Amelia and her friend had a "mini two person KAL" earlier in the year.
lilacsandpurls was worried about this project being too colourful because she didn't manage the colour shifting during plying, but it looks subtle and beautiful.
Sheila of Black Dog Ranch loves this slouchy that she has made from fleece from her own sheep.
arbortwist used a single 1200-yard skein of gradient 2-ply laceweight to make this modified Find Your Fade.
This is another Andrea Mowry pattern, Birds of a Feather.
oksanateicholz used her handspun yarn, fibre from Spunky Eclectic and mohair from Knitting For Olive.
rajeckt says that "there is something completely magical about finishing a sweater with yarn I spun myself" and she's not wrong.
The pattern is Navelli by Caitlin Hunter, fibre from Three Waters Farm and FellView Fibres.
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Schacht have published Nancy Ellison's ornamental sheep pattern as a free pdf.
As the name suggests, it's a combined spinning / weaving pattern and may introduce you to some new techniques.
You can spin a bulky yarn by spindle or wheel. You can 'tube weave' the legs using an inkle loom, weave the body on a small frame and knit the head or use a Zoom Loom square.
This is a super-quick knit.
It's knitted on 9mm needles and you'll need "Super Bulky / Super Chunky" but the pattern says that gauge isn't important.
The 'pattern' for these cute gnomes is in the form of a TikTok video, but looks very easy to follow and remember.
If you like Anna's tiny Mochimochi designs, you'll be pleased to hear that this delightful yule log character is free with any other purchase over $5 from her shop.
You'll have to be a quicker knitter than me to make any of these before Christmas but Sweetgeorgia does promise that they are all quick and easy.
The Hush sweater's cabled yoke is inspired by nature and adds some chunkiness to this Tin Can Knits pattern. It's available as a single pattern pdf or a "Classic cable knits" ebook.
This crochet pattern is available with UK and US terms. It uses the overlay mosaic crochet technique. Specialised stitches are explained in the pattern.
It uses DK-weight yarn in two colours on a 4mm hook. The design works well with solid colours as well as self-striping yarns with longer lengths, but short colour changes should be avoided.
I'm linking to Sue's blog, where there are several examples and comments from the test knitters. Unfortunately the free link has now expired, but there's a link to her Etsy shop with a reasonable purchase price.
https://soozjewels.blogspot.com/2022/11/braided-little-squares-scarf-today-is.html
These woven-looking baskets can be used as planters or to store things.
"Once you learn how to crochet a spiral, it's a simple and engaging technique", says Dana Bincer.
I'm linking to Dana's article which contains two more patterns and the steps you need to create a spiral.
The Great Cross of St Brynach (the Nevern Cross) dates back to the tenth or eleventh century. It is decorated with many Celtic knot designs. The designs inspired this blanket.
This pattern is modular, featuring six panels (3 designs and three reversed) and instructions for joining and garter stitch border.
This delightful character is Halina, a pattern by Monika.
My picture is from Dances With Wools, who says little about the pattern or her rendition of it except that she finds Monika's patterns whimsical and cute.
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1300079953/amigurumi-doll-english-pattern-halina
welshhettie's Karibou is handspun and handknitted from locally-sourced fibre. A year-round Christmas jumper.
"Tassels really are the perfect way to hang ornaments on a tree or tuck them under the ribbon on a present", says Hunter.
These tiny hat ornaments only take an hour or two to knit (according to the author) and are perfect for using yarn scraps.
This pattern is suggested by Gabby Axner as a quick and easy project and last-minute gift.
www.interweave.com/product/vanilla-and-spice-hat-crochet-pattern-download
Emily's background is in graphic design, and her bold, quilted designs "pay homage to women crafters of generations past"
Liam Lee dyes merino wool before felting it and sculpting into hangings and furniture.
businessofhome.com....artist-s-sculpted-wool-designs-bring-the-outside-in
Alexandra Lucas' latest project celebrates crisp packets.
She feels that weaving is a practice that connects humans across history and cultures, as is snacking.
www.creativeboom.com...packets-celebrate-the-simple-pleasure-of-snacking
It's hard to believe that Yumi Okita's vividly embroidered moths and butterflies are not real.
Sunday 15th January 2023 10am-4pm, Marriott Hotel, Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey
Chosen charity since 2017 is Knit for Peace. Workshops range from beginner to intermediate.
50 exhibitors, a selection of crochet, knitting, spinning and other craft workshops at a variety of levels.
The theme for the 2023 Competition is 10!
"As we are celebrating our 10th Show, we would like you to share your interpretation of 10 - creativity is key!"
24 - 26 February 2023, Farnham Maltings, Hampshire
At the core of unravel's three day in-person festival 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.
farnhammaltings.com/artists-and-makers/craft/festivals/unravel
Sat 11 - Sun 19 March 2023, The Forum, Norwich.
A wide variety of crafts including knittings, spinning, weaving, crochet. A strong presence from local guilds.
Demonstrations, have-a-go tables, workshops and exhibitions.
22-23 April 2023, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells
First held in 2006 to promote the market for Welsh wool and add value to product for small wool & fibre producers in Wales, the festival celebrates the green credentials of Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more.
Wonderwool Wales has grown year on year. It covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process.
A list of accommodation and camping in the surrounding area is available on the Wonderwool website.
11 and 12 May 2023, Grand Octagon room, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
50 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.
Friday 16 - Sunday 18 June, 2023, John Arbon Textiles, Hacche Lane Business Park, South Molton
This legendary event returns. Includes mill tour and workshops, talks and even a few other vendors at the beautiful 18th century function rooms in South Molton Town Hall
More details to be announced.
24 and 25 June 2023, J36 Rural Auction Centre
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.
3 June - 9 July, actual events and venues tbc
A celebration of innovation in textiles across Kirklees
2 and 3 September 2023, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire
The perfect event for all lovers of knitting, crochet, feltmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and all things woolly!
9 & 10 September 2023. Dewars Centre, Glover St, Perth PH2 0TH
Scotland's contemporary yarn and fibre festival. Bringing together independent dyers, farmers, knitters, spinners, felters and weavers. In 2018 nominated for the best yarn festival in the UK. Vendors' gallery marketplace, over 80 vendors, keynote event, social events and classes run over the weekend.
Cornwall's Yarn and Fibre Festival - Sunday 17 September 2023, The Pavilion Centre, Royal Cornwall Showground
A new event in Cornwall showcasing the best of hand-dyed, hand-crafted and sustainable yarns, fibres and related products, all in an exciting market-style show with a vibrant festival feel.
23 and 24 September 2023, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
over 180 makers, craft workers, retailers, and artisans in the picturesque market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire.
23 September - 1 October 2023
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.
30 September and 1 Ocober 2023, 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.
October 2023 Bakewell Agricultural Centre (actual date tbc)
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.
5-8 October 2023, Alexandra Palace, London
Last weekend of October 2023, Kendal Town Hall
Kendal Wool Gathering mixes demonstrations, fun activities and displays, all connected to the cloth on which the town's wealth was built.
All things woolly - exhibitions, patterns, demonstrations.
I'm Shiela Dixon, I've been doing this for around ten years in order to promote and encourage the craft of spinning.
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 ad-free* version (approx half the number of stories again) of HSN earlier in the month.
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.
If you enjoy Hand Spinning News, please do share a link to hand-spinning-news.com by email or on social media with anyone who may be interested.
It's always good to hear from readers for any reason (or no reason!)
Happy spinning!
Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
If you're reading this newsletter on the web and would like it delivered to your email inbox for free every month, just fill in your email address in the box somewhere below. If you've reading this in your inbox and would prefer not to receive any more, just use the Mailchimp 'unsubscribe' link at the foot of the email.
A PeacockMedia publication
Hand Spinning News as a free monthly email.
Please share HSN with your friends:
Follow me on Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
