Travel is a theme that runs through this month's issue. Ewespecial says that travel is awesome, especially with her 'constant companion' spindle in its little pouch. Jillian has been on the hunt for yarn and textiles in Iceland and people travel to the end of the earth to knit.
Separate articles have turned up on the subject of cleaning yarn and fabric. In one case blood stains and the other smokey smells.
We're reaching the last few events of 2022, but I've now added all the 2023 events to our list that have announced dates. bonus points for the events that have only recently taken place and have still managed to announce their 2023 dates.
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 November 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.
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Cover photo: Celiafoto / Shutterstock.
Susan Denham-Smith has taken spinning in public to extremes by climbing the 214 Wainwright fells with her portable Louet Victoria . She has spun 30 skeins of yarn measuring 0.6 miles (1.1km) which will be woven into a rug that will support a Lake District centre for children and adults with disabilities.
"The biggest challenge overall was finding somewhere stable to sit and spin on the summits", says Susan.
This record-breaking flag has been made by 350 knitters. It was displayed in Chernihiv to celebrate the Day of Defenders of Ukraine on October 14.
It contains 700 kilometers of yarn in total, which is the distance from Chernihiv to Kherson, currently occupied by the Russian troops.
euromaidanpress.com...made-of-700-km-of-yarn-was-shown-in-chernihiv-photo
This story was all over the news but in case you missed it....
A flock of Swiss Valais from Barnsley gave themselves pink 'hair' by rubbing against a freshly-painted feeder. They look very comical but are unharmed and it'll eventually grow out.
www.itv.com....dyed-in-the-wool-flock-of-sheep-get-accidental-pink-rinse
Rhinebeck is known for its sweaters but Ann and Kay say that this year seemed "extra sweatery"
This article contains many pictures and reviews of two events, Wool and Folk, New York and Rhinebeck
www.moderndailyknitting.com/2022/10/20/postcards-from-rhinebeck-wool-folk
Despite being scaled back, 500 visitors came to the Shetland Wool Week this year.
The 2023 date has already been announced and is in our list near the end of this issue.
www.shetnews.co.uk/2022/10/05/wool-week-proves-a-hit-with-2023-event-already-in-the-pipeline
Challenges such as #spin15aday can really work. Surprisingly productive and good for getting you into a habit.
This is the story of Jill's 30 days of "one yard a day" weaving challenge. Sadly she suffered an accident in the middle but resumed when she was able to complete the 30 yards.
centeringwithfiber.blogspot.com/2022/10/weave-yard-day-for-30-days-saori.html
Debby has posted the details and pictures of this project on behalf of her friend Mary.
The idea was to use fabric strips in krokbragd weaving. Mary had to experiment to find the best kind of fabric strip, which turned out to be bias tape. She doesn't think that she'll go all the way and make a rug but this sample makes a nice casserole-sized hot pad.
florafiber.live/blog/guest-post-weaving-krokbragd-with-fabric-strips
Ewespecial says that this little bag containing spindle and silk sliver is a "constant companion" when traveling
This tie-on pocket is made from a man's jacket in herringbone Harris tweed, sourced from eBay. This seems to be a good way to obtain fabric for small sewing projects.
The pockets in the jacket were horizontal, but Josefin has made the opening diagonal in her project.
It even has a secret inner pocket.
If the suggestion of a trip to Iceland makes you curious, Jillian's travel log will whet your appetite.
They have Lopi yarn in 24 hour grocery stores!
If the story above interests you, how about knitting in one of the most inhospitable places on earth?
People travel from all over the world to visit McMurdo Station, antarctica and there are knitters. Travel is usually via New Zealand which has wool, lots of wool.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/life-on-ice-knitting-in-antarctica
Araignee says "I'm looking at all my spinning projects differently now that I have a use for them."
Sometimes it can be fun to spin for its own sake, but working intentionally for a specific project does give you purpose, as Araignee is finding as she works on herGarter Squish blanket
Have you seen these cute little tools and wondered what they're used for?
They come in many shapes and sizes and are a useful part of a spinner's toolbox.
Interweave's series on shawl shapes has reached the symmetrical triangle. It's surprising that it's taken quite a few articles before reaching this classic shape.
This is a comprehensive look at the simple shape. There are several ways to construct it and many ways to wear it.
Also appearing this month in the same series is Crescent Shawls.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/shawl-shapes-symmetrical-triangles
There are questions over whether the Navajo can maintain their traditions and also participate in the global economy, particularly post-fossil-fuel.
One possible answer is wool.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/navajo-wool-global-market
The final night of SOAR (Spin Off Annual Retreat) saw 80+ spinners in one room talking about their handspun projects. Part low-key fashion show, part spin-in.
There are many pictures of the handspun projects here on this page. Clever, intriguing and inspirational.
spinoffmagazine.com/soar-project-gallery-handspun-and-the-spinners-handshake
In the interests of sustainability, Schacht make their scraps of wood available to local woodturners and makers.
Sienna Bosch has gathered some pictures of some of the beautiful things that these people are producing from Schacht's scrap wood.
Josefin says that the more thorough she is in the stages before spinning, the easier it is to draft and spin.
She rehackles any flax that doesn't come fresh off the hackles. This is an interesting video in which she rehackles, brushes and dresses her distaff with some of Berta's flax.
Karlissa Keller takes a look at collecting and extracting spinable fibre from a wild plant.
This is the fate to which socks inevitably succumb.
It's surprising to hear that these socks have been simply washed in the machine with everything else. "The wonderful felt resistance properties of the Norfolk Horn".
"A bit of a darn and they will be good to go for another year", says Jen.
A muskox pelt can contain more than four pounds of the soft wool known as qiviut.
Rachel Guindon takes students through the process of extracting the soft, warm fibre from the hide and washing, preparing and spinning it.
Thanks to Dominique for the suggestion.
This may seem a little macabre to us today but in the past, hair was an important part of mourning someone and human hair jewellery was popular with the Victorians.
This is a late 18th-century hair bracelet found in the New Orleans Museum of Art's collection with an attached portrait miniature.
www.nola.com/entertainment_life...57ea-11ed-b66a-7fe25f4bf279.html
When little needs saying except 'beautiful colour'
Lee's legwarners aren't handspun but I love the gradient of natural colours. I am tempted to try reproducing the effect by spinning a gradient of undyed wool.
knitknitwhoisthere says that this yarn is cute, sweet and warm.
I believe that this is the finished set.
This is a series of two videos which follow the progress of a community project to build a yurt, a traditional Monolian shelter made from wool and wood.
The shelters are not meant to last for ever but eventually return to the soil, which supports the sheep and trees that produce the materials for the next one.
www.tpt.org/common-ground/video/wool-yurt-mural-part-1-fvwbsn
Follow the link to the comments section of a previous post for lots of inventive tips for knitting sleeves in the round while attached to the body of a jumper.
www.moderndailyknitting.com/2022/10/11/news-you-can-use-sleeves
Kate lists eight storage items from IKEA which she has found ideal for storing everything from scraps and notions to yarn stash.
www.darngoodyarn.com/blogs/darn-good-blog/best-craft-storage-items-from-ikea
Kate recommends this method of making punis from cotton sliver with particularly short staple.
Related: Spin-Off's ideas for using your handspun cotton.
spinoffmagazine.com/roving-reporter-cotton-spinning-angst-try-preparation-trick
What are short rows and why should you want to use them?
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/ask-the-experts-short-rows
Blood leaves the body in a variety of ways.
The team carried out tests on fabrics including wool and this article contains tips and suggested products.
Related to the story above, Interweave have some very useful tips for removing smokey smells from yarn. This can sometimes happen with eBay purchases, or maybe the yarn has been near a smoker or something smouldering or burning.
It's annoying when buttons slip out of their holes or your chosen button won't go through your hole. Sandi Rosner has some tips.
As a bonus, Interweave also have some ideas for buttons and also tips on how to attach your button.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/buttons-buttonhole-sizing
Take a look through Deb's photos and you'll be surprised at the results you can obtain from cake-decorating supplies.
There are some amazing examples of needle-felted projects.
If you've never tried it before then Kate has an introduction and some ideas.
www.darngoodyarn.com/blogs/darn-good-blog/how-to-needle-felt-for-beginners
Kerry reviews three methods for removing pills and making your knitwear look as good as new.
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/3-tools-removing-pills-handmade
This fabric uses 'phase change' material that can store and release heat.
It's early days for the technology but researchers at the Shinshu University in Japan are working on it.
indianexpress.com...science/japanese-engineers-fabric-heating-cooling-8229149
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Guzzisue made these headbands using "an assorted hand spun yarn." The dark brown is wensleydale / zwarbles and she loves the feel of it.
travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com...some-woolly-goodness-but-lot-of-coughing.html
The pattern here is the The Ghost Knitter's Shawl by Ambah O'Brien
quiteayarnblog's finished shawl is being displayed rather appropriately by a Halloween ghost.
Rooted Fibers thinks that she used around 300g of yarn in this handspun triangular scarf. It uses "all types of different scraps, some supercoils, chunky 2 ply, core spun".
For Halloween, Flora paired her handspun Elf coat with some pointed ears.
This gnome is a spinner. Her spindle is made from a toothpick and button. her clothes are handspun yarn.
Kat has been taking part in a year of mystery gnomes. I can't wait to see her December gnome.
Fiona made this crochet purse is made from handspun, handdyed yarn.
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
This is presented on Ashford's site by Kate. She says that rigid heddle looms are not just one trick ponies and this is an example.
It uses the pickup technique and includes clear instructions with photographs.
You may have to do a lot of scrolling to find them all but there are a lot of very nice Christmas crochet patterns here, many of them very quick, so there's plenty of time to make them for gifts or to decorate your tree.
Channel your inner free spirit, says Jess, This easy crochet bag is made from two identical circles.
makeanddocrew.com/street-fair-crochet-hippie-purse-free-pattern
These heel- and toeless yoga socks will give you a little extra cosiness and grip on the yoga mat.
It's simple to knit socks without heels or toes but this pattern will teach you the Bell Stitch which is made with knits and purls.
www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/knitting/yoga-sock-pattern
This is a roomy stocking stitch hat with a sideways garter brim and optional pompom.
Woolly has made the pattern available for free on this page.
www.woollywormhead.com/blog/2022/10/13/free-pattern-the-simple-slouch
Handwoven are offering a free e-book containing three weaving patterns, including this cosy blanket.
You only need to give an email address to access the download.
handwovenmagazine.com/free-blanket-and-throw-patterns-from-weaving-toda
This is a free 'oversized wrap' pattern specifically designed for handspun yarn.
It uses 804 - 826 yards which the designer spun from a 300g pack of pastel-coloured fibre from Hedgehog Fibres
SHaGS stands for Simultaneous Heel Flap and Gusset Socks, it gives you the fit of a heel flap and gusset without having to pick up any stitches.
This top uses 1000-1800 yards of Worsted weight (9 wpi) yarn on 5mm needles for a quick knit.
It has a top down, seamless construction
kopletinka was doubtful about the wide sleeves, but says that she's so glad she did them in the end".
The brown yarn is dyed with walnuts, the dots are handspun yarn.
The pattern says "Dot Sweater is the perfect project for playing with different colour combinations and for using up some of your smaller amounts of leftover yarn."
This page contains illustrations of the hat in 12 colour combinations (from the MDK atlas range)
The suggested yarn is 100% Rambouillet wool that is soft and bouncy.
This cowl is a modification of the Cuatro Wrap appearing in Field Guide No. 22: Grace.
This cowl and the Cuatro Wrap have an interesting construction, the triangles use two colours each, making for good on-the-go knitting. They're then grafted together. The cowl allows for four co-ordinated colours.
www.moderndailyknitting.com/2022/10/17/cuatro-wrap-cowl-edition
This is a fun pattern that works well with a gradient or colour-changing yarn.
It uses a mosaic stitch and two DK yarns, one dark and one colourful. The cowl has two sizes, tall and petite.
The pattern is inspired by a wrought-iron gate in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. The cable pattern makes a thick and cosy scarf.
The pattern recommends Yarnadelic from John Arbon, who also supply the same fibre blend as tops for you to spin your own Worsted-weight yarn.
This hat features a bold design that remains unbroken through the decreases.
Two sizes are included, and further help for grading with different yarn and needle sizes is available.
Hunter has published the pattern for these very cute books. They contain a secret compartment.
The pattern contains patterns for two different sizes (Altoids tin and giant matchbox) and instructions for customising the size if desired.
Ghizlane Sahli makes voluptuous shapes from bottle caps bound with thread.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/10/ghizlane-sahli-textile-sculptures
These wildlife sculptures are made from the discarded fishing nets that sometimes entangle these creatures.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/10/ghost-net-collective-incoming-tide
All pieces in this collection of furniture start with a cylinder with a soft surface, the same diameter as the artist's thigh.
Some are woolly, all are pleasing.
www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/soft-cylinders-every-piece-furniture-130023190.html
The work of Katrina Sánchez bears similarities to the soft cylinders above.
She uses the bright colours and soft forms to bring comfort and joy to a violent world.
These aren't the first hyper-realistic needle-felted animals we've seen but there's something particularly cute about them. Maybe a slightly cartoonish quality.
www.hiptoro.com/p/artist-uses-needle-felting-to-create-felted-wool-animals
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.
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.
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.
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.
5-8 October 2023, Alexandra Palace, London
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.
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.
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Happy spinning!
Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
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