Using scraps is one theme that has emerged this month. When you've lovingly spun your yarn, every inch of it is especially precious. DGY have a long list of ideas and tutorials. The All Together Now pattern is designed with scraps in mind.
Two of the suggested knitting patterns this month feature plain in-the-round stockinette. Sometimes you need mindless knitting. It's also great for showing off a little variegation or texture in your yarn.
Kernow Yarn and Fibre Festival is a late entry into the events calendar, which may be of interest if you're in the South West.
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 September 2022.
Cover photo: Mara Fribus / Shutterstock.
I've lost count of how many times I've seen the headline "All's wool that ends wool" but this story has some great bonus puns thanks to the police.
www.expressandstar.com...sheep-leads-police-on-extensive-foot-chase-down-a51
Veldi Hari Prasad made the news recently with his light-as-air saris that fit inside a matchbox.
Here he has woven his national anthem along with a tricolour India map with the Ashok Chakra and women in the Namaskar posture along the borders. All without stitching or printing.
telanganatoday.com/national-anthem-on-silk-fabric-without-any-stitch
The Artemis launch has been troubled but when it does fly it'll contain filters made from New Zealand wool.
Lanaco makes personal protective equipment, face masks and home air purifiers from wool.
www.nzherald.co.nz...lanacos-wool-filters-to-be-used-on-nasa-mission-to-the-moon...
Uttar Pradesh has distributed solar-powered spinning wheels to about 1,000 women annually since 2018, which the project organizers say gives women confidence and a bigger say in running their households.
The solar charkhas, worth 50,000 rupees or around 550 pounds, feature 12 spindles, a motor, battery pack, and a 400 watt solar panel.
Local clothing companies train the women and buy the yarn for weaving into khadi.
Jean says that spinning at the Saanich Fall Fair is a sign that the seasons are changing. Her guild demonstrated a 'sheep to shawl'. A local fleece is carded, spun and woven throughout the day.
She documents the process and other displays from the fair.
Joanne Nakonechny discusses her Japanese travel yarn which incorporates materials and ideas related to a recent trip.
She discusses the choices she made and presents the yarn which is a "physical memory".
Martha Owen began her journey with two Romney and two Rambouillet sheep. Romney was popular for spinning and she moved into breeding Romney crosses. Here is her story.
spinoffmagazine.com/a-shepherd-s-perspective-romney-and-romney-cross
It's especially nice to spin from a named sheep.
This is Trinidad, a California Red. Araignee has processed and spun some of the fleece undyed, and dyed some before carding. She says that it's "not the softest of fleece", I look forward to seeing what she does with it.
araigneestangledweb.blogspot.com/2022/08/friday-fluff_0241135022.html
Farm Blend Roving is made from two or more types of fibre, made in small batches and sometimes from specific sheep.
In this PLY magazine article, we meet a number of farmers who keep small flocks and Jacqueline Harp tries spinning the roving.
A. Sabine Schröder-Gravendyck gets hands-on and discusses exactly what we mean by grease. She explains grease, suint, yolk and lanolin and how understanding these things can help us make choices such as washing temperature and spinning in the grease.
Yarn with twist can cause 'tracking' in woven fabric, giving it diagonal lines that resemble twill.
Tom Knisely spun threads in different directions to experiment with this phenomenon.
craftmehappy is happy with her support spindle which cost her 75p to make.
She enjoys using an e-spinner but likes this for its portability.
No instructions or materials given.
This is an amazing story of streets shaded by crocheted blankets.
In scorching Spanish sun, it's not unusual for shopping streets to be shaded with some kind of canopy strung between buildings.
The authorities of Alhaurín de la Torre decided that they wanted to use a more sustainable and beautiful material than plastic. Local crocheters picked up their hooks and started making traditional granny-square blankets. The idea has spread to other Spanish towns and even a twin town in America.
This is a bit of fun and attempts to match the perfect cocktails with the fibre that you're spinning.
Do you agree with these choices?
The Baldishol Tapestry was found when a church was demolished in 1879.
It had been used as insulation under floorboards, keeping it away from sunlight. But this article says that its longevity is also down to the "fantastic quality of the wool", from a breed of sheep that we today call spelsau.
Josefin has been documenting her experiences with growing and using flax. In this blog post she harvests her 2022 crop and talks about drying and retting it.
Flax is ideally suited to the UK climate, this may inspire you to try growing and processing some.
We are still seeing a few Tour de Fleece results and this is an impressive pile of yarn.
Joanne spun everyday for 24 days, the result was 2,506m of yarn from 784g of fibre.
joanne-threadhead.blogspot.com/2022/08/tour-de-fleece-results-and-more.html
It's good to see someone get an antique wheel running and that's what Hannah did for a Family Farm event.
She prepared new corn husk bearings and drive band for their great wheel and demonstrated at the event.
This is part of a large wheel which is new to lbmfiberworks. It's a Canadian Production Wheel. There's also a picture of the whole wheel.
They say that it'll "eat fiber for breakfast, lunch, dinner, second breakfast, elevensies...".
Rockford Red Heel Socks were the iconic socks that were used to make the classic Sock Monkey toy.
Little Brown Mouse found an unopened pack and of course made them into the monkey. You can see the finished monkey here.
Kate and Rachel are careful not to give away all of their trade secrets but this is an interesting interview.
They see the wool through from sheep to skein, and Rachel explains how the 'dyed in the wool' technique differs from dyeing skeins and gives the yarn a distinctive handspun look.
Initially they were very 'hands on', dyeing and handspinning small batches and selling at a farmers' market. Now they have a mill and staff.
The interview contains tips with pictures of swatches to illustrate how to get the best from such colourful yarn.
This is a sweater with a history. Clare's mum made this pullover from handspun yarn in 1980. There's also a picture of Clare wearing it in 1980. She asks whether anyone knows of a similar pattern available today?
I do love to see spinning in public. It's more commonly seen with a drop spindle, but an e-spinner with a carry-case opens up the possibilities, especially if you find a handy wall socket, as Jazzturtle has done here while waiting at an airport.
Here's one big advantage of being a spinner. If you need a very specific yarn for your project, or a 'filler thread' for a sewn project as Jane did here, then you can spin exactly what you need.
Note the distaff cut from a branch.
I don't think a pattern came into play here. inglish_knits made granny squares (technically hexagons) using handspun yarn; aqua blue from garnbyransaljer and silk/merino from gudrunsullbod in 'Cinnamon'.
The finished top is here.
Devin Helmen discusses their wheels from the first one to the latest, and feels that it's not a lifetime commitment - each one helps you learn more about what works for you and moves your skills forward.
spinoffmagazine.com/my-spinning-wheel-journey-flock-of-wheels...
When little needs saying except 'beautiful colour'
Katie has used cherry, grape and blueberry emoji in her post and those seem very appropriate.
I thought she'd posted pictures of two different yarns, but she says that one is natural light, the other flash. I hope the natural light is more accurate as that's the one I prefer.
Katie dyes but says that it's great to use fibre from other artists sometimes.
It's that time of the year and these colours are Yama Autumn Leaves and Malabrigo Nube Glitter
twigandtreadle fractal spun this grey/rust/brown/orange Rambouillet.
There's a picture here of the singles in progress.
She plans to use this yarn with two other colours to make a Westknits Slumber Shawl I'm looking forward to seeing how these colours play out.
The blues and greens here are tempered by the dark grey.
This is pretty. crayondisasterknits finds crochet harder than knitting but likes the way that this turned out.
It's self-dyed handspun Polwarth in yellow and grey which she calls "grellow".
enico_treasures is having second thoughts about this 'forgotten' yarn. She says that she thought it was poorly painted, but maybe banished it by mistake.
I'm always a little sceptical about the claims in these viral things but there's no denying this is a beautiful idea.
I know ExpressionFibreArts for the beautiful colours of her dyed yarn rather than her spinning but I discover that she has some beginner tutorial videos.
This one, however, simply features some stunningly beautiful footage of her spinning, along with some messages.
If you're in need of calming or need some spinning motivation, I recommend it.
If, like me, you're often unsure about which size to pick when starting a pattern, this may help.
Kim McBrien Evans explains different types of ease, how to interpret what your pattern says on the subject and how to put all of this together to choose the right size.
This is a three-part series. Adding Structure largely deals with seaming,
www.interweave.com/article/knitting/better-sweaters-understanding-ease
Kate Curry says that you don't always want soft yarn. (A shower puff is an example.)
But if your yarn isn't soft enough, then she has this tip.
www.darngoodyarn.com...how-to-soften-economical-or-scratchy-yarn
This article isn't specifically aimed at handspinners, but I think the ideas are even more pertinent to us spinners because every inch of our yarn is so much more precious than commercial yarn.
It's a long list of ideas, many link to tutorials.
If you bind off 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing and knit all of the stitches as you go, the result is ugly. Binding off 'in pattern' is neater, here's how.
Hollis points out that large wool blankets don't fit in the oven and so you can't use that method to treat for moths.
In a heatwave, If your car has to be in the sun, the interior can reach 130-140 F (55-60 C).
There are other tips in the comments such as using a black plastic bag placed out in the sun.
Spin-Off magazine have been down the charkha rabbit hole recently and that's not a bad thing if you're curious about the device or, like me, have one and haven't taken the plunge yet.
Kate Larson explains how to keep your cop tidy.
spinoffmagazine.com/roving-reporter-tips-for-a-tidy-charkha-cop
Nålbinding takes time, you form stitches with a blunt, eyed needle.
Penelope Hemingway admits that it takes patience. She takes us through the oslo stitch, making a chain, increases and decreases.
Last month we saw artificial muscles which were tiny liquid-filled tubes woven into textiles.
These 'muscles' seem to be made from wool, treated so that the twist changes with moisture. Possible future use seems to be temperature-regulating clothing.
techxplore.com/news/2022-08-artificial-muscles-single-helical-woolen-yarn.html
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Diana found the perfect background for this picture of her finished Ptarmagon Sweater.
She blended fibres and colours on her drum carder and spun and plied using her Ashford and Majacraft wheels.
The pattern is Ptarmigan Pullover by Laura Twiss
kibildishandknits says that she made these Shellies Mittens from a ball of hand dyed, handspun yarn from moniquedreef .
Steffi calls this pattern a "yarn-saving miracle". She estimates that only about 350g of her hand spun yarn went into the cardi.
The pattern is Smaragd by Svetlana Volkova
Elm spun for this cowl using braids from emily.c.gillies and divinityfibers
The pattern is Inclinations Cowl by Andrea Mowry
Samantha spun the yarn for this hat from 24milehollowyarnco in cupcake colourway into a traditional 3 ply and has plenty of the yarn left.
pattern is Huatau Hat
by Francoise Danoy
Amanda enjoyed this test knit and found it perfect for using scraps from stash. She used a commercial yarn for the background and leftover handspun for the colourwork.
The pattern is written for any yarn, any gauge.
Joke Klein has made this Stripes sweater in handspun. She added to her original palette towards the end because she thought she would run out.
I love this smile and the photographer from Christchurch Guild says that "Phillippa's smile sums up exactly how we all feel about creating garments from scratch"
The green / brown in this sweater is Annie's own handspun yarn, colourway 'lichen' from Hello Yarn. The pattern her own.
This month's sexy spindle shot features a spindle by Gnomewood Creations with inlaid opal geckos.
According to designer Andrea Mowrey, the Cinnabar Shawl "plays with two-color Garter and Brioche".
Alethea has finished this one in handspun yarn and says that "It's great to have a hobby that creates useful things to keep you warm on cold days and in overly air conditioned theatres".
Close second for sexy spindle shot is this beach shot of a Turk. Lisey says not to be upset, "the sand did not adhere to the fibres".
Zoë picked up and finished this WIP. It uses "deep handspun stash".
The pattern is Bandana Cowl from Purl Soho, which Zoë found "quick and fun".
This shaped tapestry uses handspun yarn in the weft and incorporates paper fiber rush.
I do like to see a personalised decorated wheel.
This is a Spinolution SpinPerfect ABE, which new owner hooknfibre finds "an amazingly lightweight and versatile wheel".
She couldn't be happier with her paint job.
This decorated wheel uses the beauty of the natural wood and adds painted decoration to the wheel itself.
I have very little information on this other than it uses handspun and that "fairisle is addictive".
The pattern doesn't appear to be available yet but heapofsheep has test-knit this chunky Rachyknits pattern in handspun.
Tuva made these socks from local raw wool without carding or combing, just teasing with her fingers as she spindle-spun, a technique she learned from an old Bolivian woman.
This is a new Shift cowl from handspun yarn, worn with an existing Ponti cardigan, finished earlier this year.
Here's an idea. Sanne says "because I had it lying around".
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
This sleepy cat is made from Zoom Loom squares, which are quick and easy to make.
You'll need 33 squares, made from 300 yards of your chosen yarn. The pattern, which is a free downloadable pdf, contains full instructions and tips.
Martha Owen Gives a recipe for creating "an uncharted shape from your own imagination of colourful comfort"
spinoffmagazine.com/exploring-an-uncharted-shape-a-crescent-shawl-recipe
This one pattern allows you to mix and match some options for a variety of different autumn and ghostly jumpers.
They include PumQueen, Mostly Ghostly, Superstition (cats), Rustling Leaves , Dancing Maple Leaves.
They use DK (11 wpi) yarn on 3.5 and 4.5mm needles, so
With thanks to quiteayarnblog whose project I followed and oliviahoak whose project is pictured, it includes a little handspun.
Woolly Wormhead kicks off woolly hat season with her new Rachis pattern.
It's designed for variegated or semi-solid yarn, "the yarn comes to life as the stitches travel around this Ha"
It's designed for DK weight yarn, comes in 6 sizes, and includes both written and charted instructions as well as download links for the relevant tutorials.
If you're a subscriber to Handwoven magazine then you have access to this pattern for free.
It uses Summer and Winter which is a technique I've not knowingly tried so far.
shop.longthreadmedia.com/products/black-cat-towels-weaving-pattern-download
Sian has made this Spooky Hat from yarn that she spun from John Arbon's Knit by Numbers tops.
My thumbnail here is Elaine's Goldstar which she made as a test knit for the designer.
She chose to incorporate her handspun yarn because Max the designer is also a spinner!
It's made in worsted weight yarn on 3.75mm and 4.5mm needles so should be a fast knit.
The pattern is now released, link below.
boutiquelesgarcons.com/collections/patterns/products/goldstar-by-maxim-cyr
Kate Davis says of this designer, "Justyna has a knack of using nifty, but completely intuitive, knitterly techniques to create hats that are as aesthetically appealing as they are original"
This uses just 100 - 120 yards of Fingering weight (14 wpi) yarn.
The name of this top comes from the fact that you can wear it with the V or the square neck at the front.
The suggested yarns for this pattern are cotton, linen or mixes including those materials.
I like the neck and simple shape to this jumper.
It's for you if you like to knit lots of stockinette. You'll need 1400 - 2380 yards of aran-weight (8wpi) yarn.
Anne and Josefin want to revolt against the modern fashion for small or no pockets in women's clothing by promoting tie-on pockets. As you can see, they're useful for mobile phones and even spindles!
You can make them from different materials, hand or machine sew. In this post Josefin shows how she made an inkle-woven band.
This is a remarkably conventional pattern from Stephen West. It looks gansey-inspired.
The one pictured is by brittafusselt, she used 1144m of handspun yarn.
This pattern is suggested by sannehemmelder who has made one in hand spun and hand dyed yarn.
The effect comes from colourwork using a colour-changing yarn in any guage.
You can repeat the pattern as many times as you like for the size you like.
Normalynn Ablao's work looks good enough to eat.
Her crocheted designs include pasta, spring rolls, pies, and party-sized platters of chicken wings, crudites, and dip.
Her patterns are available on Etsy
www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/08/normalynn-ablao-crocheted-food
Anne Lemanski's sculptures are made from paper printed with various patterns and stitched together.
Elina Juopperi's work in progress, Heritage, is created by stacking layers of raanus to eventually form a cube filled with memories and culture. It has been growing for some years and has reached its halfway point.
A raanu is a type of simple woven textile, first used as blankets and later as wall textiles. Part 1 of this article has more background.
Australian artist Sally Blake (previously) twists and plaits copper wire into baskets and sculptures "evocative of the organic matter ubiquitous around the planet".
Akeen Kidder uses yarn to create portraits of black icons that have influenced him.
His work raises funds for a local youth organisation.
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.
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October 2022, 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.
Saturday 19 November 2022, 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.
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
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