Our cover photo this month is 'Shearing the Rams', an 1890 oil paining by Tom Roberts, which is well worth a proper look. This ties in with a blog post from Whispering Pines Farm in which Jen writes about shearing and rooing their sheep and preparing the fleeces for auction. You may be lucky enough to get a photo and bio of the donor sheep when you buy your fleece.
There are a few stories this month about colour palettes. Sweetgeorgia have run a series about designing a series of colourways for spinning fibre based on winter inspiration. Kate goes into detail about how she chose a multicolour palette for her Tonnach cardigan.
If you're ready to use your spun and dyed yarn, you may be thinking about taking the plunge into the world of weaving. Christina has ten reasons for choosing a rigid heddle loom, the naming of parts and a guide to wet finishing without worry. Engineering Knits has been surprised at the capabilities of a vintage toy. There's even an 8" rigid heddle loom available which may be the perfect travelling companion.
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So without further ado, read on for more news, views and reviews for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers. This is the shorter free round-up for August 2025.
Cover photo: Shearing the Rams, oil paining by Tom Roberts, 1890. Work of art and the photographic reproduction in public domain.
Lanolin hand cream has been around for a long time and the grease also makes a good lubricant for machinery such as wind turbines.
A Welsh firm has been granted money to pursue a project for producing the lubricant from Welsh wool with more environmentally-friendly scouring methods as a side benefit.
Rugby crafters have enjoyed marking the 160th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland with woolly creations including the Mad Hatter's tea party, playing cards, flamingos and rabbits throughout public spaces and shop windows in their town.
Last month's news had mention of the giant ball of wool rolled around Bradford as part of their City of Culture celebrations. Here's a retrospective with pictures and comments from the artist.
This giant knitted map of Ireland has gone viral and now the search is on for a home for the work where it can remain on public view.
Jean has dyed a lovely selection of colours in the last month or so, using various plants and flowers which you can read about in this post and previous ones. She says that it makes her feel like one of Shakespeare's witches!
This is a perennial subject and in this case Christina has updated an article she first wrote in 2014. You should give it a look if you're thinking of trying weaving for the first time. Don't be too quick to dismiss the rigid heddle, it has a number of plus points and is more versatile than you might think.
Araignee says that she's always 'tickled' when fleece comes with a bio and picture of the donor sheep. Here she's using handspun yarn that she spun from a Correidale ewe called Cari. There's a picture of her in this blog post.
araigneestangledweb.blogspot.com...wednesday-wips_02026758673.html
Due to import regulations, live animals of a specific breed can't be imported into the US, but semen can and so a breed similar to the target breed will be 'upgraded'. For example, a Leicester Longwool will be insemated with Teeswater semen, making a 50/50 blend, and so on until the lambs are primarily Teeswater.
Dottie Simmons has written about her memories of the craft fair circuit since 1979 and how she discovered that her own lanolin soap was more in demand and profitable than her handspun yarns and knitwear.
Jillian Moreno has written about ply twist. She compares a number of yarns with different amounts of twist and even different constructions.
Last Winter, SweetGeorgia asked spinning instructors for photos of what inspires them during the winter, and that gave rise to a set of colourways.
I particularly like this one which came from Rachel Smith. The original photograph, turned into a colour palette, is in this article, along with links to the other 'colour collabs'.
The range of fibres is now available at SweetGeorgia.
sweetgeorgiayarns.com/colour-collab-rachel-smith-wesleys-field
Kath has been working on an update for her Elinor Hap Shawl pattern, which she has written about in this blog post. She has also included two timelapse videos which show her building and using her hap stretcher.
Jen gives us a look behind the scenes at how she prepares her Shetland wool for sale, from skirting and sorting to the auction.
The thumbnail shows her rooing, or plucking the wool from the sheep by hand. Shetland sheep have a natural break in the fleece that makes this possible.
whisperingpinesshetlands.blogspot.com...fleece-auction-what-you-need-to.html
Jillian takes a look at silk noil, what it is and what happens when you make yarn from it.
She's preparing to use a commercial silk noil yarn to make a Shakerag top. She says that swatching is very important with this one. It uses two strands of yarn and is made on larger needles for a sheer fabric.
Inspired by an article in Spin Off magazine, ewespecial has cut her Sunday paper's comic strips into strips and woven them with a linen warp.
This page tells of the use of indigo or 'pot blue' in the works of three artists; Frida Hansen, Hannah Ryggen and Veslemøy Lilleengen.
Some favourite posts from the finishing line
Spindles are portable and good for continuing your Tour de Fleece spinning when called away from home.
araigneestangledweb.blogspot.com...friday-fluff-tdf-week-1.html
On a particularly fast day, ewespecial was struck by mechanical failure, ie her drive band broke. Fortunately the polycord drive bands are easy to fix (see another story later in the issue) and she was soon back on the road.
In this post we see some drum carding and the Polwarth / silk that became this skein. Araignee says that it's "neck worthy soft".
araigneestangledweb.blogspot.com...friday-fluff-tdf-week-2.html
Thread Head Joanne took this lovely picture of the fruits of her Tour de Fleece labour.
She achieved her goal (and more) of spinning 20-30 minutes everyday from 5 July to 3 August. These skeins are destined to be socks, a sweater and more.
https://joanne-threadhead.blogspot.com...week-31-of-2025.html
Araignee also managed to spin every day and has taken this photo of her yarn in front of riders on the podium.
The Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, North Yorkshire, is currently hosting an exhibition of pieces created by craftspeople from throughout the UK with every piece created using British Wensleydale wool.
The exhibition runs until 19 October when it'll move on to a venue tbc.
The Red Dress is a project initiated by artist Kirstie Macleod in 2009. It features the work of 300 women from 51 countries.
It has been on display in galleries worldwide and was installed in Oakwell Hall in Birstall as part of the Woven festival in Kirklees.
There's more about the Woven festival here.
I really like polycord as a drive band; it's grippy which means less tension and easier treadling. Personally I don't think it's so suitable for double-drive wheels but some have used it with success.
Diana is demonstrating how to fit one of these to a single-drive wheel, there's a video as well as text and pictures.
Getting the right beat and sett are important for the handle and appearance of your weaving.
i-cord can be used to finish an edge or can be attached/applied to the work, as shown in the Loop pullover.
In this tutorial, AnneLena Mattison explains basic i-cord, how to attach it as you knit, or applique it afterwards.
In June we saw an introduction to Kumihimo. Here, Handwoven goes into more detail with a video and a free e-book.
This month Jillian has also answered a Ply reader's question about keeping colours clear and unmarled when chain plying.
In this post, Kate goes into detail about how she chose this multicolour palette for her Tonnach cardigan, including the use of some software tools to help with visualisation.
As a bonus, three of Kate's friends have chosen their own palettes for the same cardigan and written about their own thought processes.
Split-shed weaving creates two mini-sheds for each treadling. This makes it easier to weave tapestry-like pictures without pick-up sticks.
This video makes it clear - it shows Deborah weaving a couple of passes. There's a page with a text description here and if you want to go further, Deborah has written a book called The Technique of Split-Shed Weaving
You don't want to twist stitches accidentally, but when done intentionally they can give a different, more compact look to ribbing.
There are some different ways to form them. Donna describes them and goes into some pitfalls and yarn choices.
In this video tutorial, Kim demonstrates how to take a braid apart and create a beautiful fibre prep with just your hands.
Carly Jane says that you don't need fancy cameras or lighting equipment to take better photographs of your weaving. Here are three simple tips.
Before you start to weave, it's important to know the parts of your loom and how they're used. This page is a guide to the parts with brief descriptions.
This is generic and should apply to all makes and models.
Finishing a project may be Tom's least favourite part of the weaving process and may be yours too, leading to UFOs, or unfinished objects.
The options aren't limited to a fringe, you may also think about a rolled hem or a crocheted edge. He has tips for trouble-free finishing.
Besides making true top from wool combs, a diz can also create roving from a carder or refine rolags for a more semi-worsted preparation. Here are some tips.
Whether you make them on purpose, or want to remove them from your spinning, understanding how slubs form can make you a better spinner.
If you've decided to buy an e-spinner, how do you choose which one is right for you?
Debbie Held asks questions such as the purpose and use, your spinning goals and other considerations. She then lists some of the more popular options with comments.
In her review of Bog Fashion: Recreating Bronze and Iron Age Clothes, Karen finds that this book is part history, part experimental archaeology and part instructions and patterns.
A Zoom Loom or other pin loom is a very fast way to use small amounts of handspun but the patterns for using these squares is limited. Meagan finds the patterns in this book creative and complex.
Engineering Knits has an E-Z Weaver which is a vintage loom sold as a toy for kids.
She comments on the higher barrier to entry for weaving as opposed to knitting and crochet and is impressed that something like this can produce such remarkable results.
Moved by the low value of coarse wool, designer Hinna Khan has found that it meets the requirements for use in biodegradable electronic products.
Conductive paths are created using a laser-based carbonisation process.
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Joanne made this scissor holder by covering a wooden cotton reel with cross-stitched linen.
This is Judy Flores' finsihed Boro. The pattern is from the book A Knitting Life 3 by Marianne Isager.
The pattern is named after and inspired by the Japanese mending tradition.
With thanks to Kay for highlighting the project.
This is a gallery showcasing diverse projects from Spin Off's spin-along themed 'With a Twist'.
This page shows and details all of the selected entries into The Past/Present/Future of Folk Art exhibition at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
norwegiantextileletter.com...past-present-future-of-folk-art
The 'Shawl Libertas' was designed and made by Ineke De Brouwer for an exhibition commemorating 80 years of liberation in the Netherlands following the end of WW2.
Besides art yarn and poppies, the shawl incorporates barbed wire and the secret of how the shawl is still wearable is in this article along with more details of the weaving.
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
My thumbnail shows Knit/Wit's top which she finished recently. She used yarn which is a silk/linen mix.
The pattern calls for 459 - 886 yards of sport-weight (12 wpi) yarn depending on size (XXS - 5XL).
This is another vest that can be worn either way round. It was a Knitty 'surprise' pattern (not a very well-kept one since there was a picture when the 'first fall' issue was published).
The pattern goes from XS to 5X and uses 920 - 1610 yards of DK-weight yarn.
Anu Bhatia has designed and woven this stunning clasped-warp and clasped-weft silk scarf. Because the clasped warp doubles the ends, a fine yarn can be used with a15-dent reed on a rigid heddle loom.
Directions are provided here with pictures.
Martin comments that this pattern is easier to make than it looks. He recommends it for on-the-go crocheting because once you understand the pattern, there's no colour changes or checking the chart, you're just working one colour per row.
It uses Tunisian and Entrelac techniques.
I've begun a Rayas duster myself. I fell in love with it when I saw it in one of Chandi's recent Free Pattern Friday emails. As is often the way with a monthly newsletter, the offer finished before the next HSN, but it's still available to purchase.
It's a simple but very effective crochet pattern in four colours. Chandi has also made a video to demonstrate the stitches involved. As always, beware of the difference between UK and US crochet terms.
This tiny unisex kerchief uses as little as 200 yards of yarn, depending on size.
The pattern suggests any soft sport-weight yarn that knits to pattern gauge, although I'm not sure how important gauge is with a project like this.
The designs of Phillip Stearns' blankets come from glitch art, images produced by modified or 'circuit-bent' cameras. He's also branched out into custom image-manipulation programs and even from malware deliberately captured on a honeypot computer.
My main link goes to an article with an interview and more of Phillip's work is here.
Caitlin McCormack is known for her crocheted, skeletal animals and otherworldly plants. Here are some photos of her new body of work which was on display recently.
www.harmanprojects.com...caitlin-mccormack-there-you-will-find-the
This article contains interviews with four Armenian embroidery artists and pictures of their work.
The More than Human exhibition includes works made from many different materials, including a large textile panel grown from 'guided plant roots' by Diana Scherer. The exhibition encourages us to rethink design with more attention to the living world.
Cavan County Museum have announced the exhibition Spoken in Fibre features wool art by Sandra Coote inspired by the poems of her husband's great-grandfather Charles J. Coote. The works use wool from their own flock.
Hiné Mizushima combines cuteness and humour with the unusual and unseen.
Faig Ahmed also mixes traditional techniques with glitching, melting and other distortions.
This artwork is 8 feet tall and nearly 180 feet long. It fills the wall above a moving walkway at Nashville Airport. It's made from woven woven Tyvek wristbands and sealed with epoxy.
Carpets designed by British-Afghan artist Maryam Omar and woven by Afghan artisans are on display at Sotheby's, London. The designs draw inspiration from the topography and culture of the Bamiyan region.
www.thenationalnews.com...weaving-poems-brings-afghan-carpet
30 - 31 August 2025 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
6-7 Sept Mossley Mill, Antrim and Newtownabbey
this two-day celebration brings the timeless beauty of wool and linen to life through craft, storytelling, and community spirit.
Fri 12 - Sat 13 September 2025, 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.
14 September 2025, Daniel Owen Centre, Mold, Flintshire
Yarn O'clock & Kath Andrews Designs are delighted to be hosting Yarn Gathering once again for its fourth year.
20 - 21 September 2025, the centre of Llandovery
A weekend celebration of rural crafts, food, entertainment and of course, sheep farming.
27 - 28 September 2025, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
Over 180 makers, craft workers, retailers, and artisans in the picturesque market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire.
27 - 28 September 2025, 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.
28 September - 4 October 2025
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.
Saturday 4 October 2025, 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.
Sat 4 - Sun 5 October 2025 The Corn Hall, Cirencester
A two-day celebration of all things wool and yarn, including stalls, talks, demonstrations and workshops
Tickets available online now.
12 October 2025, Tetbury Goods Shed, Gloucestershire
more details tbc
9 - 12 October 2025, Alexandra Palace, London
17 - 19 October 2025, 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.
18 - 19 October 2025 Staffordshire County Showground
Bakewell Wool Gathering has moved to Stafford. More details tbc
1 - 2 November 2025, 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.
8 - 9 November 2025, Sandburn Hall, York YO60 7RB
More details to follow
14-16 November 2025, The Barn, Burn O Bennie, Banchory AB31 5QA
flock Contemporary Craft & Design is back! Come along and shop a curated collection of the best designer/makers working across Scotland - with over 40 vendors taking part.
Entry is free but the website allows you to book a time in advance to guarantee entry.
Exhibitor applications are open.
www.craftscotland.org/community/opportunity/flock-2025-applications-now-open
20 - 23 November 2025, 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.
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.
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Happy spinning!
Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
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