This has been a busy month. We've just celebrated the Queen's historic platinum jubile, there's an amazing Tapestry on display in Blackburn Cathedral showing scenes from Her Majesty's visits. There are some Jubilee-related projects including this crocheted crown.
You'll also find things related to Pride month and rainbows in this issue's colour inspiration, patterns and gallery.
Felting is a popular theme this month, Prince Charles came face to face with a needle-felted doppelganger, Highland Heffalump has made a timelapse video showing the creation of one of her felted wool lampshades.
Read on for this month's round-up of news, views and reviews for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers. This is the full edition for June 2022.
Cover photo: John Anvik / unsplash.
The Second Cut project aims to fully recycle old socks back into yarn, keeping the socks out of landfill.
Last year the project collected 250,000 pairs. This year the goal is 400,000 pairs.
www.forbes.com...400000-pairs-of-old-socks-will-be-spun-turned-into-recycled-yarn...
Gwyneth Paltrow now claims that her social-media reveal of a $120 daiper/nappy, lined with merino wool, was a hoax.
Campaign for Wool Patron the Prince of Wales was to meet this woolly bust of himself when he arrived in Canada in May.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/prince-charles-wool-bust-1.6454714
A project has been kickstarted with a grant from the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which will take wool from local sheep breeds and turn it into a limited-edition Yorkshire yarn.
The waste from that process has been donated to local crafters for felt, and to re-enactment groups.
www.cravenherald.co.uk....yarn-project-aims-help-stop-dales-wool-sent-landfill
A "huge immersive artwork" has been unveiled at Blackburn Cathedral.
19 metre long tapestry by Jamie Holman features various scenes of the Queen's visits to the area over the last 70 years.
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk...art-by-jamie-holman-unveiled-in-blackburn...
World Wide Knit In Public Day 2022 is on 11 June.
You can of course just knit in public but you may prefer to find a KIP (knit in public) near you and join other knitters.
My main link goes to the 'Find a KIP' page. If you're interested in hosting a KIP then 'How to Host' is here.
This is Ella with her hap, made by a friend of the family.
Sadly it no longer exists and so she's going to try to recreate it.
In this post she discusses haps and her new project.
Last month's issue featured a pattern made from stripped silk fabric.
This is a 'behind the scenes' look at DGY's chiffon ribbon yarn. The article contains a link to a market tote pattern, which is the perfect project for this type of yarn.
www.darngoodyarn.com...chiffon-ribbon-yarn-and-how-to-use-it
If you're new to fibre crafts you may have heard the term 'frog'. If you're not sure what it means, Alyssa Scott explains.
www.darngoodyarn.com/blogs/darn-good-blog/what-is-frog-frogging-in-knitting
After you learn to spin, at what point can you say that you've become a spinner?
80 years ago, Effie Spiropoulos made this blanket using locally-spun wool, dyed with what was at hand, including beetroot, onion and walnut husk
Having migrated to Australia, the heirloom blanket is on display as part of a heritage exhibition in Melbourne.
www.abc.net.au...melbourne-greek-community-museum-preserving-heritage
As a handspinner, you may dream of owning your own flock. Jennifer and Rich share a little about the realities, including the hard work and rewards.
spinoffmagazine.com..what-to-know-about-starting-a-handspinners-flock
Cast On and Cast Off had an abundance of dandelions. So why not try to dye with them?
Click through to see the colour achieved, which is a 'soft lemon'.
castonandcastoff.blogspot.com/2022/05/natural-dye-dandelion.html
You may have seen HighlandHeffalump's felted lampshades before.
She has made a mesmerising timelapse of the process, condensing around two hours into two minutes.
highlandheffalump.com/2022/05/25/making-a-felted-lampshade-time-lapse-video
When I first saw this article listed, it had the subtitle, "That word doesn't mean what you think it means", which appealed to the pedant in me.
Jillian Moreno's glossary is not a comprehensive spinning glossary but it does cover terms such as ply, draft, worsted and woollen, which may be useful if you're new to spinning yarn.
Ewespecial wants you to learn from her mistakes (and adds that you'll make different ones).
In this first part about dyeing, she talks about the dyepot.
Josefin has written a number of blog posts over the last few years.
Sloyd is the crafting of everyday objects with natural materials, your hands and simple tools. When you do a hand craft, it's only natural to want to take that extra step and create your tools yourself.
In this post she discusses carving nalbinding needles from wood.
motherofpurl asks how you feel about the word Spinster. It's now used almost insultingly about unmarried women. She makes the point that spinning allowed women to have independence and escape forced marriage.
Karen Robinson has been on an organised tour of the southwest, look at various local sheep breeds. (a link to the organisers is in the text).
I'd like to have a closer view of this camel pack band, but there is a lot of detail in the text.
This is a hand-woven warp-faced pack band (the camel girth). These are made and used by nomadic pastoralists living in Iran and woven by women on ground looms set up specially for their long narrow nature.
It was collected by Margery Blackman on a trip to the area and the article contains diary entries from the day that she bought it.
Devin Helmen's preferred spindle is a plain low-whorl spindle and their favourite is a pushka, an Andean handspindle.
Devin writes about these particular tools and finding your own favourite.
spinoffmagazine.com/low-whorl-love-versatile-and-productive-spindles
Most sock yarn contains nylon to increase strength and durability. But it's a material we should be moving away from.
Stefanie Johnson explores the alternatives; more natural alternatives to nylon as well as the yarn construction.
spinoffmagazine.com/natures-nylon-natural-alternatives-for-stronger-socks
Majacraft have published this blog post with Maddie Knibbs' photos.
The camp seems like an excellent idea with workshops, guest speakers and lots of time to get hands-on with Majacraft's products.
When little needs saying except 'beautiful colour'
Not only is this a beautiful mix of white, blues and mauve, it includes some sparkle for a frosty effect.
Threadbender says that these saturated colours make her heart sing.
I can really imagine life beginning to form from these colours.
Primordial on an 80/20 blend of organic Merino and rose fibre is pictured in this blog post from Knit/Wit.
It's worth a quick dig into the text below this image, Sarah talks about how Rose fibre for spinning is made.
There are some interesting colours within this very pastel-looking colourway. It's called Wind Dancer from yarafibers.
Last year, thing4string made this rainbow yarn during Pride month. She calls it a "rather moody rainbow" and is in love with it.
In March we had a story about the history of the Rambouillet breed. spin_a_good_yarn says that it's a favourite.
This fibre was dyed by @chaoticfibres.
This is also Rambouillet fibre, this time from createdbyelsieb and half-way through being spun by Sarah Valentine.
Anja had lost her spinning mojo, but it's back now that she has this fibre, hand-dyed and drumcarded herself.
This is the very popular Nightshift pattern. You may already have your favourite way to get rid of ends, but this project generates a lot of ends and has an i-cord edge, making it perfect for this method of end-weaving.
www.moderndailyknitting.com/2022/05/10/quick-fix-hiding-ends
Visible mending is trendy and it's also a great way to use a little handspun yarn.
Spin Off magazine has some useful tips.
Elsewhere in this issue there are mentions of yarn made from sari silk and other fabrics.
This is a very useful article with lots of tips to get you started. You can use any scrap fabric and there are various ways to join the strips.
www.interweave.com/article/crochet/rag-yarn-making-yarn-from-fabric
Following on beautifully, here's another tutorial, turning an entire t-shirt into one length of yarn with some clever cuts.
Whatever loom you have will have limitations. Here are Judith Shangold's tips for getting the most from your loom.
This very neat centre-pull ball is being wound entirely by hand. Kerry Bogert explains
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/how-to-hand-wind-a-skein-of-yarn
A distaff is a tool for holding your fibre on the go. They appear in pictures and paintings but are rarely seen being used today, other than with flax spinning. (see also, St Distaff's Day)
Kim Caulfield has a five-step tutorial for using this surprising stick.
Taking some time to line up the colours (and waste a little yarn) gives this "faux ikat look".
A Spinner Weaver looks at some examples and has a tutorial video.
aspinnerweaver.blogspot.com/2022/05/working-with-variegated-yarn-in-inkle.html
Here are five very good tips from Kate Atherley which will help you to get a better fit with your handknit socks than a pair you could buy.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/kate-atherleys-top-5-tips-for-sock-knitting
This will be a valuable read if you're new to hand spinning.
You may have heard the term wraps-per-inch (wpi) or seen the inch-gauge and control cards.
Amanda Berka explains what these terms mean and how these tools can help you when using handspun yarn in place of commercial yarn.
If you have a batch of dirty alpaca wool, you may be unsure about how or whether to clean it for spinning as it doesn't contain the same greasy substances as sheep's wool.
Whitney Dorband has written this simple step-by-step guide.
PFAS are chemicals that are commonly used on textiles but are harmful to the health of people and the environment.
This Fibershed article aims to increase awareness.
fibershed.org/2022/05/31/understanding-the-pfas-problem-and-what-we-can-do-about-it
Solar energy is cheap and clean, and farmer Tom Warren has discovered an unexpected benefit.
His sheep are growing noticeably better wool. He uses the word "astonishing". The shade from the solar panels reduces evaporation and improves the vegetation.
pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/06/01/solar-panels-keeping-sheep-fed-during-drought
Are you a teacher, pattern designer, dyer, equipment manufacturer or supplier?
Would you like to reach the readership of thousands of hand spinners and at the same time help to support Hand Spinning News ?
Find out more about advertising here using the link below.
If you are a supplier, please don't miss the UK Supplier List. If you're not already on it, please let me know, and if you are on it, please consider paying a modest amount for a coloured box around the listing and an additional sales message.
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Pokemon fan patternsbyjazz is crocheting every single monster
It's been a while since we've had a sexy spindle shot, but this is certainly one.
litterascripta says that this Bog oak Bosworth and Corriedale are among her favourite things.
Rachel used a crochet pattern found on Ravelry for this jubilee-celebration crochet crown.
Liz loves her first woven handspun wrap despite the fact that it's "full of mistakes and wibbly wobbly". Or maybe because of those things.
I like the very sparing flecks of colour in this yarn. I have no information about the fibre or colourway.
It's always great to see new types of project that incorporate handspun art yarn. This is a wall-hanging shelf by Alison Altafi.
Another great idea, this niddy noddy bag is made from handspun yarn, felted or perhaps fulled for a stronger fabric.
Care must be taken with the size as felting reduces the size of the work considerably.
Jodi posted a selfie each day of May with a different handmade outfit.
The pattern used here is Gloam by Caitlin Hunter .
She feels that it's too large and counsels: "block your swatches, kids!"
This is a nice way to use a small amount of handspun. Zoe has used handspun "sprinkled throughout the pattern".
The pattern is CQ by Alicia Plummer
This is Debby in her woven vest, which is made in a number of narrow sections. She has given great detail about her modifications from the original pattern.
She is "exceptionally pleased with the finished project's look, feel, and fit!"
I have no information or context for this picture except for a few words in the hashtags.
This toddler dress is made from crocheted handspun yarn and an ice-dyed scarf.
This art yarn was spun and plied by spindle.
Plying with a grey cotton made it easy to slide the wool into mini coils. twistedspindleyarnco hopes to use it in a weaving project.
Kat now has five knitted mantle gnomes and will have more, because she's taking part in Year of Gnomes.
They incorporate handspun yarn. In the same blog post she presents a finished handspun Hitchhiker.
mazzaus was given some pieces of indigo-dyed fabric some time ago. A workshop she signed up for included a drawstring bag and she realised that it was the perfect project to use the fabric.
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Jess says that this pattern is suitable for a beginner and it's easily customisable to fit anyone (with counting and measuring).
The pattern is available for free on this page, or for purchase as an ad-free pdf.
A cowl like this is perfect for pulling on when the weather cools down.
The lace pattern and rib will give interest to a solid or semi-solid yarn. It uses 170 - 190 yards of worsted-weight (9wpi) yarn.
Rainbowret is designed to work with scraps of yarn joined in a rainbow sequence. Woolly has published a tutorial for making rainbow scrap yarn (link within the text of the pattern) but why not spin a suitable rainbow handspun yarn?
It's made entirely in stocking stitch in the round, with optional i-cord finish.
This simple tee is available to download for free. Bring your own colours!
Kate loves weaving blankets and says that you don't need a large loom.
This project is woven using a 16" (40cm) SampleIt loom.
This light top is worked flat and seamed. The pieces won't seem very large.
It calls for a surprisingly modest 810 - 1620 yards of DK-weight yarn
www.interweave.com/product/eyelet-and-welt-tee-knitting-pattern-download
Because there's usually a long time between finding content and the next HSN, discount codes for new patterns are usually expired, which is sure to be the case with the one mentioned in this post.
However, this is an attractive hat, and looks really nice with the mitts which are called Posthaste and are here.
It needs 200 - 250 yards of DK yarn, the pattern contains four sizes and four gauges to fit most anyone.
This is stranded colourwork with two colours, "knitting at its most delicious" claims the publisher of the pattern.
You can use one skein of each of two colours for a short version, or two skeins of each colour for a longer version. (total 400 - 800 yards)
The pattern is one of three patterns in an eBook, Field Guide No. 3: Wild Yarns.
This suggestion combines the fourth part of Deb Gerish's series, Carding for Colour, and this cowl which was knitted by Deb, based on the motif from a pattern from The Art of Fair Isle Knitting by Ann Feitelson.
Deb's article / tutorial is a free downloadable pdf.
schachtspindle.com/carding-for-color-part-iv-spinning-for-colorwork-knitting
The yarn suggestion for this bag is a "lightweight raffia yarn". However, I believe that this might be a great pattern for some of the rag / fabric yarn that we've seen in this issue.
www.interweave.com/product/roundabout-bag-crochet-pattern-download
Sarah has made the Inclinations Cowl using her handspun yarn. The fisherman's rib makes a chunky fabric. She's hoping for cooler weather so that she can wear it!
The pattern calls for 720 - 800 yards of 12 wpi yarn.
These openwork socks are top-down but the faux-cable motif can be worked using a toe-up construction.
The pattern gives four sizes, and uses 250-475 yards of 4-ply weight (14wpi) yarn.
This is a "choose your own adventure"-style shawl.
You get to decide when to switch colours and when to add lace or handspun colour bands.
These socks are "simple yet fun", fastened with a ribbon.
Once again there was a code but it has expired. However, all proceeds from Helen's patterns go to a very good cause that is close to her heart.
These socks are cuff-down with an easy lace pattern. Use one or two colours.
theknittingexploitsofjosiekitten.blogspot.com/2022/06/repose-socks.html
A retrospective of artist Nick Cave opening this week at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.
In this video he talks about his inspiration and his work.
The late artist Bronwyn Oliver possessed an unparalleled ability to shape thin copper wire into intricate patterns. Her sculptures feature ammonites, palm leaves, and single buds.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/05/bronwyn-oliver-copper-sculpture
Since the Crochet Coral Reef project began in 2005, almost 20,000 people have contributed their own fibre-based forms. More than 40,000 of the oceanic works are now on view at the Museum Frieder Burda in Baden-Baden.
Eric Rieger's monumental installations use loose threads that are able to move freely in the breeze.
I'm very sure that I've featured the work of Manooni before. Olha and Hanna Dovhan are the minds behind these friendly felted foodstuffs and other characters.
Swiss artist Sabina Speich crochets supersized discarded food to highlight food waste.
www.designboom.com/art/supersized-crotchet-food-sabina-speich-food-waste...
Ukrainian artist Diana Yevtukh carefully situates arrangements made of thread in the hollows of trees.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/06/diana-yevtukh-tree-embroidery
These striking portraits by Artist Simone Elizabeth Saunders are made from hand-tufted velvet and acrylic wool on a rug warp.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/06/simone-saunders-fiber-portraits
Friday 10 - Sunday 12 June, 2022, John Arbon Textiles, Hacche Lane Business Park, South Molton
This legendary event returns as an in-person event in 2022. Includes mill tour and "all sorts of additional bits and bobs". More details to be announced.
18 - 19 June 2022 FlyDSA Arena, Broughton Lane, Sheffield S9 2DF
Accessible, inclusive, welcoming.
9 and 10 July 2022, Uffculme Centre, Birmingham B13 8QY
A fibre festival produced by Stitches and Hos. "Lots of exciting things planned".
3 and 4 September 2022, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire
The perfect event for all lovers of knitting, crochet, feltmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and all things woolly!
10 and 11 September 2022. Dewars Centre, Glover St, Perth PH2 0TH
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.
17 - 18 September 2022,
To highlight and raise awareness of all the wonderful things that our British wool can be used for.
24 and 25 September 2022, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
Stunning exhibitions, skill demonstrations and a full programme of textile workshops create a visual feast and make Yarndale a real must-visit for yarn lovers.
24 and 25 September 2022, 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.
24 September - 2 October 2022
Shetland Wool Week will be going ahead in person this year. It will be a scaled back version of the usual physical event as the main focus will be on delivering SWW in full for 2023
Includes classes, talks, drop-ins, art. See website for the full events listing.
6 - 9 October 2022, Alexandra Palace, London
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October 2022 Bakewell Agricultural Centre
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.
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. Obviously this early full version is a benefit to you as a paying subscriber. An edited version of this particular issue will be mailed to free subscribers and visible at hand-spinning-news.com later in the month.
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
