San Diego County Spinners set a new American Record
First-placed San Diego County Spinners beat their own personal record and set a new American record with a time of 7 hours 16 minutes.
Hand Spinning News
The email version of this newsletter may look much better online: hand-spinning-news.com
Rediscovering and stash diving are the themes that have emerged this month. Susan rediscovered a beautiful braid in her stash, ewespecial has taken a dive into her 'bins of lost fibres' and after a break Leigh has reacquainted herself with her first Ashford wheel.
As craftmehappy is progressing with her Questionable Blend series, she's knitting the samples into a mitre-square blanket. She provides her pattern / instructions and says that the blanket would be a great stashbusting project.
Other stashbusting projects include the Wonderwall Shawl. Short socks are in vogue; they take less time and less yarn than longer socks and look cute. This time we have three finished pairs of Ntaidrin socks and Heel Tab Shorty Socks.
Read on for more news, views and reviews for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers. This is the free edition for June 2024.
Find out how to receive the full version of Hand Spinning News in your inbox, earlier than the free edition appears online.
Cover photo: Sheep shearers by Juice Flair via Shutterstock.
Contents
- International Back to Back Wool Challenge 2024
- In the media
- Handspun stories
- Current and recent events
- Tips and tutorials
- Products and reviews
- Video and audio
- Technology
- Gallery
Some of the best spinning images I've seen this month - Free Pattern and project suggestions
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn - More Patterns and projects
More project ideas which will work well with handspun yarn - But is is art...?
- UK Events
confirmed 2024 woolly events
International Back to Back Wool Challenge 2024
Canadian team competes for 20th time
Canadian team PolyWesters won a trophy from Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers for the winning Canadian team and they set a record for 20 years' participation in the event. They won second place overall with a time of 21 minutes 20 seconds.
Sheep to knitted jumper in one day
Some uncharacteristically poor reporting from the BBC doesn't name the Gloucester team taking part here in the International Back to Back challenge. They completed their jumper in 11 hours 17 minutes and raised more than £1000 for Macmillan.
They almost made the podium, beaten to third place by the Mainely Spinners.
The Cotswold Woolgatherers, Stroud are fortunately named on the results page of the tarndie site, where you can find the names of all of the participating teams with their times as well as the special trophies awarded.
In the media
Knitter Margaret Seaman, 94, showcases royal landmark tributes in final show
Margaret Seaman has been a regular exhibitor at the Norfolk Makers' Festival. Her large dioramas have raised £130,000 for charity. She met the late queen and was awarded a British Empire Medal.
She now feels that it's time to find good homes for the works so this year's show was her last at the festival. An entire floor was dedicated to displaying all of her pieces together.
Knitted and Crocheted 80 meter 3D depiction of 6th June 1944
The Longest Yarn is an 80 meter long diorama of 80 scenes that depict the events around June 6th 1944.
The work is being displayed in various locations in England, Wales, France and America with dates still to be confirmed. It'll be on display at Southwell Cathedral in Nottinghamshire during September. Entry is free, an accompanying book will be on sale.
The return of Tetbury Woolsack Races
May Bank Holiday saw the return of a quirky British event, the Tetbury Woolsack Races in which racers have to carry 60-pound sacks of wool up and down a one in four gradient.
The delightful BBC report on this page includes an interview with Pat of the local wool shop who made new sacks to replace the old split ones.
Campaign for Wool retains King Charles as patron
Since King Charles' coronation, I've been unsure about His patronage of the Campaign for Wool. He has had to relinquish patronage of almost 200 charities and organisations but The Campaign for Wool has confirmed His continued patronage.
www.campaignforwool.org...charles-iii-as-patron-of-the-campaign
Handspun stories
Wool journey: at the fulling mill
Josefin has taken some of her own weaving to a 19th century waterwheel-driven fulling mill.
Here you can read about her "fantastic day".
Questionable Blend number 4 - Rainbow
The fourth in craftmehappy's Questionable Blend series is a rainbow blend.
Predictably this looks very muddy when spun from the tips. As with previous posts in this series, she tries four different methods and swatches the resulting yarns.
As she progresses with this project, she's knitting the samples into "the mother of all colour samplers". See this month's free projects and patterns section for her mitre square blanket pattern and instructions.
www.craftmehappy.com/2024/05/questionable-blend-number-4-rainbow.html
Transforming human hair into natural, durable, and traceable textile fibers
human material loop uses an environmentally-friendly process to soften and clean human hair clippings and spin them into yarn resembling wool. It can be dyed any colour except white.
Since the raw material is a waste product, it's both a solution for salons as well as textile manufacturers.
paper - washi - shifu
Jean takesa look at this subject using yarn and fabric that she's made from paper in the past, and the paper that she has recently bought and is sampling.
Combing wool with milk
Happily this doesn't involve using actual milk; things would go sour pretty quickly.
Some spinners use the term to refer to the emulsion of oil and water used to lubricate and control static.
Anne Merrow has scoured the Spin Off archive for recipes and compiled her results although none use the term 'milk'.
Silk reeling
This post, containing video as well as some photographs, appeared on Instagram. Satoko Nagakubo is reeling silk for the first time.
For further reading, I found this excellent page about the proccess (insecure, but I'm happy that it's not suspicious, just old).
By coincidence, Peggy has visited a silk factory during her recent trip to Japan.
Fibre Stash Diving
Who doesn't enjoy looking through someone else's stash? Ewespecial takes a dive into her "bins of lost fibres".
Taking my Ashford for a spin
The gift of some Shetland roving had Leigh reminiscing about her history of spinning wheels and starting to spin again after a break. She found that her hands "remembered what to do".
leighsfiberjournal.blogspot.com/2024/05/taking-my-ashford-for-spin.html
Spinning for the Woolgrowers Hat and Cowl
Spin Off have announced.. well, a spin-off publication, Farm and Fiber Knits.
In this article, Sarah Pope gives us a 'behind the scenes' look at her pattern for the new magazine, the Woolgrowers Hat and Cowl, and has some tips for spinning from fleece for the set.
Jane Austen breathing new life into silk ribbon weaving
One of four silk ribbon weavers remaining in the UK, Whitchurch Silk Mill has collaborated with Jane Austen's House in Chawton to produce ribbon designs inspired by Jane Austen. Until September, visitors will be able to see the the winding, warping, and weaving phases of the ribbon production.
https://handwovenmagazine.com...silk-ribbons-inspired-by-jane-austen-s-home
Recent and current events
Buxton Wool Gathering
Kath Andrews has this very brief report from Buxton Wool Gathering including this picture of a customer who has knitted one of her patterns.
Also see: this walkthrough (not for the motion sick).
The North Wales Wool and Fibre Festival
Kath has also written about the perhaps lesser-known North Wales Wool and Fibre Festival and counts it as her second best show after Wonderwool Wales.
She has some pictures of some of the other stalls and her purchases.
Tips and tutorials
Four tweed yarns to spin
Kate shares four tweedy yarns that you might like to try spinning, along with 'tweed takeaway' tips.
The crocodile stitch made easy
The dragon-scale stitch or crocodile stitch may look tricky but Chanel breaks it down in text and pictures as well as video. She also shows how to modify it for different shaped scales.
cbfiberworks.com/textured-stitches-made-easy-the-crocodile-stitch
Choosing and using shuttles
Liz Moncrief covers her favourite types of weaving shuttles.
How to measure YPP or MPKG without a yarn balance
Finding your 'grist' or yards per pound / meters per kilo is no more complicated than weighing a known length of yarn and dividing length by weight.
Janet Dawson does have some useful tips for getting an accurate measurement.
Joining pin-loom pieces on the loom
Christina Garton explains how to join pin loom squares using Jennifer Chapman's technique. It is fast and neat with a flat 'right side'.
Math by another name is . . . a tool for asymmetrical design!
Christine Jablonski explains ways that you can use number sequences like Fibonacci into your weaving.
Crochet Yarn Over Directions
What difference does the yarn over direction make in half-double and double crochet?
These swatches show that the biggest difference for Ruth is the row gauge.
Learn to crochet with lace-weight yarn
Ruth has some tips for working with fine, slippery and delicate yarns.
sweetgeorgiayarns.com/learn-to-crochet-with-lace-weight-yarn
Magic trick
Hunter has this very simple way to remember how to make left-leaning or right-leaning decreases.
Products and Reviews
The Draft Editor
The Draft Editor is software that lets you create a draft from scratch or edit any draft you can upload.
Dawn has been learning about the Draft Editor so that she can put together a course on it.
DIY Woven Art by Rachel Denbow
Andrea Lotz has recently updated her review of Rachel Denbow's book DIY Woven Art.
The book covers basic techniques, knots and stitches, creating shapes, weaving with roving, negative space and unconventional materials.
The book is available new and used at your online bookstore of choice.
Video and audio
Let's create handspun art yarn on a theme
JillianEve has been inspired by an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to create art yarn on the theme of 'Sleeping Beauties'. She includes some surprising materials.
Three random one-skein knitting patterns
I was drawn to this video for the one-skein knitting patterns but I stayed for the game of 'Ravelry Roulette' which is a great way to explore patterns.
Tayler uses a random number generator to select patterns from Ravelry and comment on them. She looks at people's projects and variations.
Technology
Grass is greener for solar-powered sheep
This is not the first story we've seen about sheep grazing around a solar farm, and the surprising benefits of healthier and happier sheep and improved fleece due to the partial shading of the grass.
Gallery
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Abstract circular weave
Kirsty's circular weave uses her own handspun art yarn with beads, shells, copper and aluminium wire, ribbon and embroidery thread.
Handspun baby camel and tussah silk Advent FO
HighlandHeffalump has finished spinning this baby camel and tussah silk from Coastal Colours. She bought it as an advent pack in 2021 and it totalled of 600g or more. She calculates 1,253m of "soft and squishy and gorgeous" yarn.
highlandheffalump.com/2024/05/10/handspun-baby-camel-and-tussah-silk-advent-fo/
Corespun Jacob
This is a pile of corespun yarn, made from fleece from patchworkfibers' own flock. She says that it'll be a handwoven rug one day.
Colorful Helix Socks
After using leftover roving from five different sock blends, Renee Strouts says "getting to use several scrappy yarns together for really wild socks was definitely my happy place".
There are some interesting things about the pattern she used, Oddments by Zoei Proulx. It's designed with helical knititng in mind, where colour changes don't happen at the end of the round, avoiding the jog. It includes texture, in fact the heel and toe are garter stitch, which "feel cushy when worn".
spinoffmagazine.com/your-favorite-object-colorful-helix-socks
The Traveler Hat by Andrea Mowry
Thread Head has posted not one but two finished handspun projects in this blog post but a skein of yarn too and some rows of her temperature blanket.
This hat is The Traveler Hat by Andrea Mowry and Joanne made it as part of a weekend knit along challenge in Andrea Mowry's Ravelry group.
Ntaidrin socks
mazzaus liked this pattern so much that she made three pairs. She says that they suit the small quantities of eucalyptus dyed yarn that she has.
The pattern is Ntaidrin (Wheat) socks by Irene Waggener from Spin Off magazine.
German Beauty
Susan rediscovered this beautiful braid in her stash. It was a little stiff after being stored and needed a little persuasion but then she had fun spinning it up. (The braid in the photo is similar but not the same one.)
Traveler Shawl
porchpegasus has finished this Traveler Shawl. This collection of pictures shows the fibre, the singles and the yarn as well as the finished project.
Free patterns and projects
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Sunflower Pin Loom Cushion by Deborah Bagley
I can see this in undyed and naturally-dyed wool.
Heel Tab Shorty Socks by Larissa Gregorin
These socks feature a short-row heel and toe and a folded-over cuff. Larissa Gregorin has generously provided this pattern on this web page along with a text-only pdf and a pdf containing QR codes for video tutorials all for free.
With thanks to ewespecial who justifies her own bandwagon-jumping by listing the benefits of the short sock; they take less time to complete, they use less yarn, there are some cute patterns and that they could be worn with casual boots.
Questionable Blends Blanket
As craftmehappy progresses with her Questionable Blends project, she's knitting the mitred square samples into "the mother-of-all colour samplers".
Her pattern for the mitre square and instructions for making the blanket are in this blog post.
www.craftmehappy.com...questionable-blends-blanket-veined.html
Garnet Bead Wristlet by Violet Loops
This crochet loop can be used as a key fob, bookmark or any other kind of strap.
It's one of 30 free crochet keychain patterns that Jess has curated.
Flash - tablet weaving draft by Catherine Weaver
I didn't expect to find that the name came after the pattern! This is a simple threaded-in pattern which means that the design is determined by the placement of the colours in the tablets rather than a special turning sequence.
Pattern and project suggestions
Cuff-Down Yak Silk Socks by Fatimah Hinds
This pattern is an elegant design for luxury yarn. It has cables that run all the way from cuff to toe and reverse-stockinette so that the smooth side is against your foot.
It's written for DK-weight yarn (11 wpi) and 3.5mm needles.
It's one of four patterns in the MDK Sock Odyssey e-book for around eight pounds.
www.moderndailyknitting.com/shop/mdk-field-guide-no-27-sock-odyssey
Simple Faroese Shawl by Lorna Pearman
The most distinguishing characteristic of a Faroese shawl is the back gusset and shoulder shaping which allows the shawl to drape over the shoulders and remain in place as you move.
Lorna says that it's "fun to knit and gives you the opportunity to play with colours and textures" and that it's "a wonderful shawl for using leftover yarns from other projects, as well as any handspun you might have in your stash".
This pattern is written for DK-weight (11 wpi) yarn and knit on 5mm needles.You'll need 1200 - 1300 yards of yarn altogether.
Friday Slippers by Kristen TenDyke
These slippers use a super bulky yarn or multiple strands held together on 5.5mm and intriguingly, 9mm needles.
They require 130 - 230 yards
Wonderwall Shawl by Melanie Berg
With thanks to John Arbon Textiles who have paired this pattern with mini skeins of their Harvest Hues Worsted yarn. Since it uses 50 yards of each of six skeins, plus the larger quantity for the main colour, it'll be ideal for any set of mini skeins or spinning project involving a range of colours, or even stashbusting.
It needs ~540 or 630 yards of the main colour for the small or large size.
But is it art...?
Artist Lisa Jevbratt explores history of invasive plants through textiles and data visualisation
Artist Lisa Jevbratt is interested in data visualisation and has been exploring the history of invasive animals and plants on Santa Cruz island using techniques such as dyeing, spinning and weaving.
There are some interesting facts here about the Santa Cruz Island sheep breed.
Plaited Paintings: Both Sides Now by Christy Matson
I'm particularly intrigued by Christy Matson's process. The text describes it as "paper transformed to string and then woven into cloth" using a computer-controlled Jacquard loom. She then hand-paints on top.
Pamela Campagna: Following the thread
Pamela Campagna has used many techniques in her textile art but they often start with a single thread.
www.textileartist.org/pamela-campagna-interview-transforming-old-techniques
Pallavi Padukone: Fragrant threads
The sense of smell is a powerful trigger for memory.
Pallavi Padukone's tapestries and embroideries are infused with naturally derived scents like jasmine, rose, and sandalwood as well as being naturally dyed with Indian herbs and spices including safflower, chilli and turmeric
Vanessa Barragão
A visit to Raja Ampat Islands. An Indonesian archipelago, has inspired Portuguese artist, Vanessa Barragão as she embarks on a new collection of work.
Moises Salazar's faceless figures in glitter
Moises Salazar's faceless figures are made in mixed media; faux fur, sequins, acrylic paint and glitter, surrounded by a crochet frame.
UK Events
2024
Cumbrian Wool Gathering
22 - 23 June 2024, 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.
Wool@J13
29 - 30 June 2024 The Heritage, Bishton (opp Bishton Hall), Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire
A celebration of all things woolly, just 25 mins from J13 of the M6.
Hand Spinning and Wellness Retreat
Wed 10 - Thu 11 July Knight's Hill Hotel and Spa, King's Lynn
Two days of uninterrupted hand spinning bliss. Immerse yourself in this therapeutic, mindful craft and enjoy total relaxation with full use of the leisure suite to complement your wellness. You will leave feeling serenely recharged.
www.thespinningbarn.co.uk/event-info/hand-spinning-wellness-retreat
Yarningham
13 and 14 July 2022, Uffculme Centre, Birmingham B13 8QY
A fibre festival produced by Stitches and Hos. "Lots of exciting things planned".
Summer Wool Festival
27 - 28 July 2024 Redborne School, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2NU
For all lovers of woolly crafts - spinning, knitting, weaving, crochet, feltmaking and dyeing.
Picks up where Fibre East left off.
North East Wool Show
10 - 11 August 2024, Newcastle Racecourse
90 amazing stalls plus a great range of workshops. Cafe, demonstrations.
Pop Up Wool Show
17August 2024, 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.
Southern Wool Show
7 and 8 September 2024, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire
The perfect event for all lovers of knitting, crochet, feltmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and all things woolly!
The Scottish Yarn Festival
7 - 8 September 2024, Dewars Centre, Perth, Scotland
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
unravel... autumn
13 and 14 September 2024, 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.
Llandovery Sheep Festival
14 - 15 September 2024
A weekend celebration of rural crafts, food, entertainment and of course, sheep farming.
Kernow YAFF - Cornwall's Yarn and Fibre Festival
Sunday 15 September 2024, The Pavilion Centre, Royal Cornwall Showground
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.
Yarndale
28 - 29 September 2024, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
Over 180 makers, craft workers, retailers, and artisans in the picturesque market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire.
The Wool Event, Masham Sheep Fair
28 - 29 September 2024, 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.
Shetland Wool Week
29 September - 5 October 2024
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.
The Knitting and Stitching ('Ally Pally') Show
10 - 13 October 2024, Alexandra Palace, London
West Wales Wool Show
Saturday 12 October 2024, 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.
3 Bags Full Wool Market
Saturday 5 October 2024, Liskeard Public Hall.
Bakewell Wool Gathering
19 - 20 October 2024 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.
The Glasgow School of Yarn
18 - 20 October 2024, 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.
The Big Textile Show
26-27 October 2024 Leicester Racecourse, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL
30+ trade stalls, 30+ courses, food and free parking.
Stitch Fest
2 and 3 November 2024, 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.
Yorkshire Yarn Fest
8 - 9 November 2024, Sandburn Hall, York YO60 7RB
More details to follow
The Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate
21 - 24 November 2024, 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.
Support Hand Spinning News
I'm Shiela Dixon, I've been doing this for almost fifteen years in order to promote and encourage spinning and related crafts.
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Archive
All issues since January 2015 were archived. However, due to old and dead links making bad SEO, I'm not quite sure how to handle this. Watch this space.
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