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Still knitting warm socks I started the last issue by saying that Spring was just around the corner, but it seems that I lied! I hope that by the time you read this, the current arctic conditions have given way to something more seasonal. As I write though, it's very chilly outside and my spring/summer works in progress don't seem quite so urgent! We have an unintentional theme of large yarn running through this issue, with Liz of Reckless Knitting winning the accolade this month for most beautiful and most extreme knitted handspun project. So on with this month's selection which is full of fibrey flummery, fun and free patterns. (photo right: Bethany's Handspun Featherweight.)
Top Stories Overshot Bath Towel David of Southern Cross Fibre is rightly pleased with this bath towel. Read more
Handspun Lichen Mists We have many beautiful finished handspun projects this month. In this gorgeous shawl, which we saw in progress last month, the maker feels 'elvish'. Read more
Contents News and articles from around the web Spin Flax and Cotton with Norman Kennedy, Knitting with art yarn From the blogosphere Handspun Featherweight, Handspun Lichen Mists, Kaipara Pines Alpacas, The trouble with lichen, Dyeing to have a go, An Afternoon Spin - 3 Ply, Making Punis, Woven felted bag, Sunday Spinning Haiku, Knitted rug, All about tencel, DIY corner Making a spindle from excess veg Gallery Showing off some of the best images I've found this month Free patterns A selection of free patterns which will work well with handspun yarn Events Some dates for your diary Courses and tuition Where to go for a day, weekend or a week to learn or improve your skills
News, resources and articles from around the web Spin Flax and Cotton with Norman Kennedy Flax is one of our oldest fibres. Have you tried it? I wouldn't normally link to a trailer for a DVD but I thoroughly enjoyed watching this 5-minute video. Norman Kennedy knows about flax and it's a pleasure to watch his fingers at work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOk8vLgxfgE
Knitting with art yarn How to knit that amazing art yarn with large puffs or coils? It's not unusual to see such yarn but much less common to see finished items made from such yarn. This free eBook from TreasureGoddess contains techniques and tips which will help you along. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knitting-with-art-yarn-tutorial
From the blogosphere Handspun Featherweight A while ago I featured rjrahardjo's handspun featherweight shawl. Bethany has used the same pattern, it's very interesting to see how the same cardi looks in two completely different colours. Also interesting that both spinners have chosen to lengthen the body. Bethany says that she used two bumps of merino fibre, which makes a very cost-effective wool cardi. She found the ease of the knitting (all stockinette and garter) very relaxing. The colours are beautiful, I love the subtle stripes. http://www.prettylittlefiberco.com/?p=1185
Handspun Lichen Mists I posted a picture of this shawl as a work in progress last month. I loved its dark shimmer and subtle green colour. So I'm really pleased to see the finished item. SandAndSkyCreations says that Ruth Garcia-Alcantud's LIchen Mists pattern was made for her special skein of handspun and that it makes her feel "elvish"... http://sandandskycreations.com/blog/2013/03/29/fo-friday-handspun-lichen-mists/
Kaipara Pines Alpacas I know I have a habit of posting too many photos of lambs this time of the year, so for some balance here are some cute pictures of alpacas which I gather were taken on a visit to Kaipara Pines Alpacas. Mia says that she will dream about her next NZ trip as she spins the carded alpaca roving that she bought. http://minspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/kaipara-pines-alpacas.html
The trouble with lichen In an attempt to capture the purple seen in scottish tweeds, which were apparently achieved using lichen, Fran Rushworth has experimented, working to an old description of the process and using a selection of various local found lichens. A fascinating tale if unsavoury at times. The results are very nice, if not exactly what she was looking for. http://wooltribulations.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-trouble-with-lichen.html
Dyeing to have a go Also in dyeing news, Tanya the Yarn Loving Mama proves that you don't need special dyes (or to leave a potty around for people to fill...) she has tried food colours from the local shop and citric acid. It didn't all go entirely to plan, but as you can see, the results are beautiful and she has been bitten by the dyeing bug. http://ayarnlovingmama.com/dyeing-to-have-a-go/
An Afternoon Spin - 3 Ply Sue at Cast On and Cast Off decided just for fun to have an afternoon spinning some oddments. The result is this lovely chunky yarn which I think would have fitted beautifully into last year's Spring competition. http://castonandcastoff.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/an-afternoon-spin-3-ply.html
Making Punis A puni is a tightly-rolled tube of fibre, usually associated with cotton spinning. But in this post, the Sassy Spinner shows us how to create punis for woollen yarn. After a horrifying story about a holed dye-pot and some glued-in spinning wheel parts, she shows us step-by-step photographs finishing with her skein of finished yarn. http://thesassyspinner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/theres-hole-in-my-yarn-pot-dear-liza.html
Woven felted bag Here's another variation on the felted wool bag theme. An issue or two ago we saw a tutorial from Ashford which involved felting wool/silk tops before cutting into strips and weaving. In this post, Elseline weaves with unspun merino tops and a clever warp before felting. She notes the difference in the feel of the fabric depending on the amount of felting it's received. A good tutorial with lots of pictures and a pleasing result. http://momentmusing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/woven-felted-bag.html
Sunday Spinning Haiku I've bookmarked two of SandAndSkyCreations' posts this month and I refuse to choose between them. Not only does this spinning picture look absolutely beautiful if you click through to the larger version, you'll find an equally beautiful haiku to accompany it. http://sandandskycreations.com/blog/2013/03/31/sunday-spinning-haiku/
Knitted rug I'm cheating a little here, this big yarn isn't homespun by Liz of Reckless Knitting. It's actually Loopy Mango Big Loop Yarn. Liz knitted the rug using garter stitch and massive size 50 needles to knit this gorgeous rug (that's 25mm / 1" if that's US size 50). Click through for more pictures of the yarn and the work in progress. http://recklessknitting.com/?p=1547
All about tencel Spinning makes you even more aware of the different fibres and their properties. Have you tried tencel? This blog post includes a video clip from Knitting Daily TV which discusses the properties of tencel. It's strong, light, absorbent, drapes well and takes dye well. I've seen it called 'natural silk' although I'm not sure what's unnatural about silk and you might call tencel a 'manufactured' fibre. All the same, this post has made me want to try blending the fibre with wool. The beautiful wrap shown in the video is available as a free pattern. http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2013/03/18/all-about-tencel-yarn-plus-a-freepattern.aspx?a=ke130318
DIY corner A homemade zucchini spindle I've featured spindles home-made from various things including a beer-mat. I'm not sure how serious this video is supposed to be but my guess is tongue-incheek. As well as being a good laugh, I think linda's point is that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANi1RAb5W5o discuss any of this
Gallery Sometimes just a picture is enough
Peacock tail and leaf I did a double-take here because the teal colour and the beaded lace pattern makes this scarf look so similar to one of my own works in progress. This scarf is handspun and hand dyed polwarth, the pattern is Peacock Tail and Leaf Scarf, Designed by Nancy Bush http://beyenburgerin.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/dies-und-das-this-and-that/
Overshot bath towel David of Southern Cross Fibre is a man who knows where his towel is. It's a smashing one too. I've not thought that a towel could be a weaving project, but David says "This baby sucks up water like nobody's business" and he's rightly pleased. http://southerncrossfibre.com/wp/?p=90
Handspun Arietta Shawl Araignee's Arietta shawl is finished, it's beautiful but bigger than she thought it would be. She says that the lace pattern may not be suitable for the inexperienced lace knitter, but has a big advantage - the sideways construction means that just when you've started to get fed up with it, the pattern starts to decrease and is then finished in no time. Click through for more pictures and a link to the pattern. http://araigneestangledweb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/arietta.html
Nevermore Cowl Not a free pattern, but it won't break the bank either (25 Danish Krone sounds a lot but is less than 3 of our UK pounds). As a big fan of Edgar Allen Poe this may be a personal indulgence, but horror fan or not, you have to admire the detail in the raven and lettering. I like Ada's purple version much more than the yellow / black version in the pattern. Pattern designer Mette Jin Mayland says "don't let the small gauge scare you away" http://nuckinfutsknitter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/nevermore-dragon.html
Coffee Sleeve knit from left overs CheekyRedHead is reusing in more ways than one. She's using a reusable Starbucks cup and she has used up precious handspun leftovers to make this cosy sleeve. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheekyredhead/8638300648/
Momijigari SourCherries' shawl looks beautiful against the light, the pattern is Momijigari by Beth Kling http://www.flickr.com/photos/sourcherries/8635817133/
Desert Buds and Blooms The only information we have is that this cardi is made from hand dyed handspun and the delighted owner is LeAnn. The pattern is Buds and Blooms by Alana Dakos. I think it's the detail on the back that I especially like. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45395078@N00/8633925431/
Free patterns A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Handspun Delight Shawlette by Susanne Visch This shawlette is specifically designed for handspun, it uses a relatively small quantity of yarn and the lace pattern looks great (as here) using thick-and-thin. Susanne Visch says that the pattern would be suitable for a beginner but for the pfb increase, so it may be a perfect project if you're fairly new to knitting and ready to knit some lace and learn a new stitch. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/handspun-delight-shawlette
Handspun Basketweave Cowl by Elizabeth Brown Another straightforward pattern written especially with handspun in mind and shown here in gorgeous colours, Elizabeth Brown provides three versions of the pattern for the price of one (free!) It calls for a heavy worsted-bulky handspun yarn which presumably makes for a quick knit too. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/handspun-basketweave-cowl
Foliolium by Joanna Johnson This beautiful wrap uses both knit and crochet (for the edging). It looks very sophisticated, and more complex than it really is. The pattern suggests a wool / yak mix but I guess that any luxury blend would work just as well. In this Knityspin pattern, Joanna Johnson also gives us some tips about spinning this particular blend. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss13/KSPATTfoliolum.php I also selected free knit and crochet patterns over at HSN's sister publication, Purl Two Together. The new issue will be available very shortly. discuss any of this
Events 2013 Wonderwool Wales 27 & 28 April 2013, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells Promoting wool and natural fibre production and its use. Exhibitors and trade stands covering all aspects of felting, knitting, weaving, spinning, crochet and textile art with raw materials, equipment, books and finished products for sale. Competitions and a range of hands-on workshops. A list of accommodation and camping in the surrounding area is available on the Wonderwool website. www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk
Woolfest Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June, Cockermouth, Cumbria A celebration of the best wool and wool crafts. From fleecy animals and rare breeds, through fleece, tops, craft equipment and materials, to finished clothing, accessories and unique hand-crafted woollen goods. Also workshops and masterclasses. www.woolfest.co.uk
Fibre East [NB - updated date and venue] 27 and 28 July 2013, Redbourne Community College, Flitwick Road, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NU The third Fibre East, those in the Eastern, Midlands and Southern Regions an opportunity to join in an event which aims to encourage and promote British wool and natural fibres. Note the change of venue and date. The new venue is inside. http://www.fibre-east.co.uk/
Yarndale Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire, 28 and 29 September For you if you love yarn and are passionate about all things woolly. It aims to celebrate the beauty and diversity of wool, cotton, linen and silk fibres in all their forms yarndale.co.uk
Courses and tuition Please let me know if you are or you know a tutor with a calendar of events. Cornwall: Audrey Durrant is heavily involved with the Cornwall Guild and works with the Rare Breed Survival Trust. She teaches spinning, basic weaving, is a hand dyer and gives talks and demonstrations. Find out more at www.hawthornfibres.co.uk Derbyshire: Alison Daykin offers week and weekend courses and also has a less formal groups three evenings a week: spinningandweaving.weebly.com Dumfries and Galloway: Sue Macniven offers Residential Courses or one to one workshops in Twynholm or at your own venue http://www.handspun-exotics.co.uk/workavail.html Hampshire: Spinning and wool workshops at The Old Dairy, Westover Farm, Nr Andover. For more details go to www.urbancottage.co.uk/courses or call Nichola 07905167922 Hampshire: Spinning workshops at fibre craft studio Beaker Button, the Fairground Craft and Design centre, Weyhill. Free spinning taster sessions. For more details contact 07738 534164 or http://www.beakerbutton.co.uk Lancashire: Spinning workshops at Knit-Wise. All materials included for ÂŁ40, contact Cathy (lazykate) on 01695 580590 www.knit-wise.co.uk for dates.
Lancashire: Carol and Pete Leonard run a regular monthly workshop for hand and wheel spinners where students can either follow the 'topic of the month' or work on their own project guided by Carol and Pete. They also run a residential weekend each year. These are held at Alston Hall, a conference and adult education centre based in the Ribble Valley close to the M6 motorway. For further information please ring 01772 784661 or visit their website www.alstonhall.com London: Weaving, spinning, dyeing, tapestry weaving, and other yarn and fibre crafts workshops at The Handweavers Studio & Gallery. See the website for dates and details. www.handweavers.co.uk/shop/Workshops_Classes.html South Lincs: Single-day one-to-one spinning courses with all equipment supplied. http://www.alpacathingz.co.uk/(external link to AlpacaThingz website) Manchester:Spinning courses with Dee Sayce. also sewing, felt making, weaving, dyeing, batik and silk painting (external link to beetlefelt) http://www.beetlefelt.co.uk/workshop_spinning.html Northamptonshire: Long Draw Spinning Tuition with Pam Austins, Spinning School. Pam is on a mission to teach longdraw. Most classes are held in Stoke Albany. http://www.spinningschool.blogspot.co.uk/p/calendar.html (external link to Spinning School's calendar) Nottinghamshire: Spinning courses with Juliet Hill www.handspinning.org.uk/index.html (external link to Juliet Hill Handspinning) Norfolk: Single-day spinning courses www.norfolkyarn.co.uk/Homepage/News/tabid/77/Default.aspx(external link to Norfolk Yarn website) Scotland - Perthshire (and Italy): workshops on spinning (beginners or more advanced), fibre preparation and blending, felting, dyeing and knitting. See the Workshops tab on http://www.perfectweatherforspinningandknitting.blogspot.com/ for updated details of forthcoming workshops by Deborah Gray e-mail deborah.gray7@btinternet.com Sheffield: Tuition and Demonstrations by Diane Fisher, the Murmuring Wheel http://www.murmuringwheel.co.uk/events.html (external link to Diane Fisher's calendar) Sussex: Weald and Downland Museum in Singleton sometimes has courses on spinning http://www.wealddown.co.uk/Traditional-Rural-Trades-and-Crafts/Textiles/ (external link to Weald and Downland Museum's calendar) Mid-Wales: Workshops with HilltopCloud's Katie Weston mostly focus on colour blending, full details at http://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/HilltopCloud/Workshops.html Yorkshire: Spinning courses with Ruth Gough, various workshops for individuals or groups, at Wentworth or your venue http://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/content/15-courses (external link to Wingham Wool Work) discuss any of this
Happy spinning and don't be a stranger! Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator shiela@hand-spinning-news.com 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 up there on the right. 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.
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