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Hand Spinning News Hearts and pancakes The email version of this newsletter may look much better online: hand-spinning-news.com February's full of treats, which include waking up next Thursday to a pile of anonymous cards on the doormat (who am I kidding?) Also (or consolation in my case) pancakes - yum! Add to all that this round-up of my favourite spinning stories for the month. In the free patterns this month is an accidental but happy theme of knitted lace including a couple of gorgeous but straightforward ones which might appeal if you've not knitted with holes before. If you do knit, please have a look at Purl Two Together, a sister for HSN. The first issue has gone down very well, thank you to those who have subscribed already. February's PTT is here and you'll find the subscription box near the bottom if you'd like the free monthly email. So on with this month's selection which is filled with love, fibrey features, freebies and fun (photo right: Yarn Harlot's Valentine socks. Story below.)
Top Stories Sheep Heid hat
Yarn Fit for a Hobbit A post I've been looking forward to for a while. Last year two friends decided to have a spin-along using various sheep breed wools. Kate Davies' Sheep Heid hat pattern and the handspun go together perfectly.
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The recent Hobbit film was made in New Zealand, which is also known for its wool production, so it's no surprise that the film makers turned to Mary Hall for yarn for the costumes and set. Read more
Contents News and articles from around the web Tutorial: cutting felted sweaters into yarn From the blogosphere Yarn fit for a hobbit, Enchanted by alpaca, A Valentine, A flock of sheep heids, Adventures with cotton, Cotton flower, Lambs!!, Knitting (and felting) with handspun 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 Tutorial: cutting felted sweaters into yarn Cheating a little bit here, this isn't quite a spinning story, but it is about making yarn. Following a question on a forum about making recycled sweater yarn, the knitty professors have given the answer in the form of a tutorial. The technique involves cutting rather than unravelling, but the results look great. Have a read and like me you'll be tempted to try it. http://knittyprofessors.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/tutorial-cutting-felted-sweaters-into.html
From the blogosphere Yarn Fit for a Hobbit I wouldn't normally include a story from a printed magazine, but this is a fabulous handspun yarn story. Kathleen of Spinning Daily has written this blog post so that you can read a summary of the story, which first appeared in The Wheel magazine number 24 and was then reprinted in Spin-Off. The recent Hobbit film was made in New Zealand, which is also known for its wool production, so it's no surprise that the film makers turned to Mary Hall for yarn for the costumes and set. Mary tells of some of the yarn that she was commissioned to make, including her 'wildspun' - a thick / thin with straggly tips. http://nls.interweave.com/track?t=v&enid=ZWFzPTEmbXN...
Enchanted by alpaca This blog post is a lovely story of a surprising conversion from dislike to love of spinning alpaca fibre. But what grabbed me about this post is Sara's casual mention of the audiobook that she has been listening to while spinning this fibre. It seems I'm not alone as two out of the five comments at the bottom of the page also pick up this remark. I love spinning to an audiobook. I was an avid reader as I grew up but now I find it difficult to sit still with my hands unoccupied. Do you spin while listening to books? And what are you listening to now? I've started a new thread at the Ravelry HSN forum. http://ayearatthewheel.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/enchanted-by-alpaca.html
A Valentine A post from a couple of years ago but a topical one. Yarn Harlot made herself a Valentine gift from a braid of Yarn Yard roving. She worked toe-up and added some black as she wasn't sure about the yardage. I really like the black heels, tops and toes! http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2011/02/14/a_valentine.html
A flock of sheep heids Here's a post I've been looking forward to for a while. Last year, friends Elseline and Tina decided to have a spin-along using a kit of British sheep breed wools from Katie of Hillfopcloud. We met Katie here in HSN last August. Elseline cast on in December and has made three of Kate Davies' Sheep Heid hats. (click the link to see the finished hats.) The pattern and the British wool kit go together perfectly! If you like the pattern, also see the same designer's 'Rams and Youwes' blanket, I've picked a blog post featuring the blanket over at Purl Two Together this month. http://momentmusing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-flock-of-sheep-heids.html
Adventures with cotton Knottygnome has had some raw cotton bolls for some time but has only just worked up the courage to try spinning it. She didn't find it as hard as some people have said, but if she spins the rest of her bagful, she's thinking of mixing it with wool. Have you spun raw cotton and do you prefer to mix it or spin it on its own? http://blog.knottygnome.com/2013/01/adventures-with-cotton.html
Cotton flower Again on the subject of cotton, David of Southern Cross Fibre has been documenting the progress of his cotton plants. This is a flower, looking very much like a wild rose, they stay white for only 24hrs before turning pink and withering http://southerncrossfibre.com/wp/?p=86
Lambs!! Lambing time will soon be around again and to get us in the mood, patchworkfibers has posted some pictures from previous years. She says that "Thinking about our 'lambs' having their own lambs makes me feel old and young at the same time". http://patchworkfibers.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/lambs-2/
Knitting (and felting) with handspun For her first felting project, Sara used super-thick handspun made from an art batt. She says that the resulting yarn and Saundra McBride's Spinning Wheel Goodie Bag pattern made a perfect match. Although sturdy, she felted it a bit by hand and thinks that the result is useful and pretty. http://ayearatthewheel.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/fo-friday-1-knitting-and-felting-with.html discuss any of this
Gallery Sometimes just a picture is enough
Triangular weaving Another great idea for handspun leftovers. vanessayvonne has made this triangular loom herself. She plans to make a number of these handspun triangles to make into a patchwork woven quilt. http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessayvonne/7998003652/in/pool-handspun/
Patchwork socks Still on the subject of leftovers, I thought these socks looked beautiful in their own right, it was a surprise to read that they are made from yarn left over from another project. Do click the link to also see the cute baby overalls http://www.flickr.com/photos/helloyarn/8154572251/in/photostream/
Hand spun hat Perfect for Valentine's! It's a nice treat to see colourwork and magic hands ticks all the boxes here; hand spun, hand dyed, hand knit, colourwork. http://www.flickr.com/photos/60525043@N04/8254466268/in/pool-handspun/
Ribbed sweater This beautiful jumper started life as the Cambridge jacket pattern but became original as woolforbrains changed the bottom, knitted it as a sweater, sleeves knitted down, changed the sleeve cap and changed the collar. The lighter colour is spun from Falkland and the darker is the very unusual Haunui. http://www.flickr.com/photos/16444176@N02/8448034978
Happy Valentine handspun yarn Gigi Matthews has used kid mohair locks in this Valentine-themed art yarn. Pretty colours as well as a beautiful texture. http://www.flickr.com/photos/londonhandspun/6877354851/in/set72157629321969137/
Kiss and tell Fabric hearts embellish this art yarn. Knottynaomi used a kit for making this yarn and says that it's fun (if lazy) to have the kit put together for you. http://www.flickr.com/photos/knottynaomi/2259428279/in/photostream/
Free patterns A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Valentine's Day crocheted hearts tutorial For the crocheters, this topical sweet heart-shaped puff could be worn, hung as a decoration or a flattish one could even work on the front of a card. It'll be good for using up a small amounts of pink or red handspun. There's a similar knitted one here. http://pm-betweenthelines.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/valentines-day-crocheted-hearts.html
Firebird shawl Thanks to longdrawjames for this suggestion. He started this shawl for his Mum in October, and worked on it through Christmas. He says "overall, I really enjoyed knitting and spinning this and love the pattern :)!" I expect it's very soft, being a merino/silk camel mix. The link goes to James' Ravelry project page, click through to find the free pattern. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/longdrawjames/firebird-shawl----2
Hey Teach! This cardi has been made by a number of people in handspun. My favourite and the one with most hearts from fellow Ravelry users is phezzit's Birthday cardi Designer HÊlène Rush says that the baby-doll shape adds hips to a boyish figure and hides hips of the more pear-shaped. Sounds like magic! The pattern is written for 7 sizes It uses a straightforward but attractive lace pattern. It looks fantastic over a blouse as modelled here. Maybe one to start now for the Spring? http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTheyteach.html
Dragonfly Wings shawl Another shawl that has caught my eye is Dragonfly Wings. I notice that around ten Ravelry users have made this pattern using handspun; my favourite is by joannecliffe who has captured the iridescence of real dragonfly wings in her lavender merino / silk handspun. The picture right is from the pattern and is in commercial yarn. It calls for less than 400m of 4 ply (~14 wpi) although I'm sure the yarn weight isn't critical. The pattern is mostly stocking stitch with garter ribs and a beaded lace border. It's a wide triangle giving more options for wrapping. I've bookmarked this because it's perfect for my stainless steel yarn. I'll be starting that soon - watch this space! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragonfly-wings 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/
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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