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A pattern emerging This month has been a bumper month on the blogging front - thanks so much to everyone who shares their spinning activities. If you don't keep a blog, do think about it and if you do, please let me know in case I don't already have it on my reading list. This month seems to be a free pattern special. As well as my usual suggestions for patterns which will work well with handspun, the blog picks include projects from free patterns; look out for two examples of the Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief, the Bright Baby Blankie, Sunstruck Bag and the Traditional Viking Shawl. So read on for all of that and more twisty treats. (photo right: SandAndSkyCreations' 'Not So Seaworthy' shawl.)
Top Stories Low-tech spinning wheel Even more low-tech than other home-made wheels we've featured, a 'great wheel' built around a bicycle wheel.
Foraging for colour A lovely selection of naturallydyed colours with spun & knitted samples Read more
Read more
Contents News and articles from around the web Job opportunity, Back-to-Back Challenge, Wool insulated farmhouse, Free eBook of inkle patterns and projects, Tour de Fleece 2013 From the blogosphere Wonderful Wensleydale, Vegetable medley, Handspun stash remnants morph into Viking Shawl, Age of Brass and Steam, Last lambs, Spinning Jacob, Gifts of Springtime, Coming Clean, Snow White shrug, Foraging for colour, Sheep to Shawl, Shaelyn shawl, Monet felted bag, More handspun shawl goodness, Handspun scraps cardigan, Shearing day, Woad dye from the plant to the wool 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 Job opportunity - Hand Spinning, Weaving and In Houe Interpreter (Sponsored feature)
National Trust
The National Trust are looking for someone to be based at Quarry Bank Mill, Wimslow, Cheshire, to help reveal the full story of the mill and its owners, workers and apprentices. You will need a knowledge and keen interest in textile history and techniques and be used to working with the public and people of all ages. More information at the link below. https://irecruitment.nationaltrust.org.uk/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?page=/oracle/apps/irc...
Back-to-Back, Sheep-to-Sweater Challenge Congratulations to Freyalyn and Groenwoud Team as they completed a Back to Back challenge in the Netherlands on 1 June in 5hrs 32mins. The challenge involves a team of eight people turning a fleece into a knitted sweater in the shortest time possible. The team were knitting with plied yarn within seven minutes of the shearer's first snip! For many more details and photographs of the challenge and Freyalyn's trip, click through to her journal. http://freyalyn.livejournal.com/99407.html
Wool insulated farmhouse With this month's worst headline (which I couldn't bring myself to repeat - click through for the full groan) Gizmag reports on this very eco-friendly newly-built farmhouse. All of the walls are insulated with wool produced by the farm's own sheep. In addition, a ground-source pump helps with the heating, water comes from a borehole and a turbine supplies all the electricity the house needs with plenty more to sell to the grid. http://www.gizmag.com/wool-insulated-farmhouse/27503/
Free eBook of inkle patterns and projects An inkle loom is a small loom designed for making belts, straps, trims and other narrow projects. This free e-book is produced by Weaving Today and sponsored by Ashford. It contains some lovely projects as well as plans to make your own inkle loom on a budget. http://nls.interweave.com/t/bfjbbDVWdQAQWoDMTdCU...
Tour de Fleece 2013 Tour de Fleece is a spinning-themed spin-along. The idea is to challenge yourself and have fun. It runs in parallel to the Tour de France - you spin every day that the Tour rides, rest on the rest days and spin something particularly challenging on the challenge day. And wear yellow on Sunday 21 July or any other day that you're feeling successful.
You can join team(s) if you like. More details and discussion are here: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tour-de-fleece
discuss any of this
From the blogosphere Wonderful Wensleydale These long and lustrous locks are Wensleydale. SpinStar thinks that the sheep must have been kept in a luxury hotel and treated to hair conditioning treatments. In this brief post, she explains her preparation and the drafting method that seems to work best. http://spinstarcreations.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/wonderful-wensleydale/
Vegetable medley Araignee is "flabbergasted" that she has such a success story to share. If you've not tried navajo (chain) plying before, this picture demonstrates perfectly how the method concentrates the colours of the singles rather than mixing them up. As well as pictures of the finished yarn, she has some useful tips for n-plying. http://araigneestangledweb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/something-unexpected.html
Handspun stash remnants morph into Viking Shawl! Demonstrating that you can mix different yarns for a beautiful result, Gigi of FamilyHandspun has used leftovers of different weights and fibres to make this beautiful rustic-looking Viking shawl. She used needles large enough for the biggest yarn and knitted the smaller balls first (at the shorter rows). Click through for more details about this shawl and a link to the free pattern. http://familyhandspun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/handspun-stash-remnants-into-viking.html
Age of Brass and Steam I featured this project last month when AKQGuy was suffering from startitis - I loved the yarn and was looking forward to the finished item. In his finished project you can see the way that the contrasting colours in the two ply yarn almost graduate from one to the other. The pattern is free - Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13357
Last lambs In case anyone out there enjoys cute lambing pictures as much as I do, here are the last lambs this year from Patchwork Farm's Jacobs. http://patchworkfibers.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/almost-wordless-weekend/
Spinning Jacob I do enjoy seeing the pictures of the Patchwork Farm livestock (above), but I particularly loved this post - she has been busy spinning this 2000 yards of yarn in natural colours. She's let the colours come randomly and then navajo-plied to keep the dark and light colours lined up. http://patchworkfibers.wordpress.com/2013/06/08/what-ive-been-doing/
Gifts of Springtime Kate Larson has been busy with lambing and here are a few of her pictures as the lambs go out to pasture for the first time. http://katelarsontextiles.com/2013/05/12/spring/
Coming Clean At WonderWool I bought myself a tiny Turkish spindle just like this and weekendknitter's picture of a nearly-full spindle is making me feel guilty that I've not spun very much with mine so far. Click through for more pictures of spindles and her thoughts on how fibre arts promote world peace. http://weekendknitter.com/2013/05/24/coming-clean/
Snow White shrug Last month I featured this beautiful 'Snow White' shrug, which I'd found on Flickr. Since then Lonestarknits has posted more pictures and this lovely article on her blog. I hadn't realised that this was her first knitted garment from drop spindle spun yarn. If you're just starting out or thinking about trying spinning for the first time, she gives some very good advice and tips about starting small and using a spindle. As well as the low cost, there are some other advantages. http://lonestarknits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-non-experts-guide-to-learning-to.html
Foraging for colour I love this picture, here are some beautiful colours all achieved from natural dyes such as cochineal, onion skins and nettles. It's a lovely display complete with spun and knitted samples. I've linked to a post in which Sassy Spinner shows us her experiments with these dyes, and compares the results when different modifiers are used. the picture (right) appears in a later post (dated 5 June on the same blog) http://thesassyspinner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/foraging-for-colour.html
From Sheep to Shawl By coincidence I've bookmarked another post this month which features a finished Age of Brass and Steam kerchief. Amanda of Owl Print Panda says that it's a "nice quick telly-watching knit" She has posted pictures of the beautiful fibre, her yarn as well as the finished garment. She says that the process still never fails to amaze her. http://owlprintpanda.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/from-sheep-to-shawl.html
Shaelyn shawl Araignee recommends the Shaelyn pattern as an "easy-peasy pattern, perfect for beginning lace knitters. For a full sized shawl, it was actually a very quick knit" I've been following her progress with this one using her own handspun and it's not been a happy tale all the way through. Despite thinking initially that she had more yarn than shawl, she has had to dye a little bit especially for the last few rows. But she's now very happy with the way that it's turned out and the extra yarn looks like it belongs. http://araigneestangledweb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/shaelyn-blessed-end.html
Monet felted bag Felted bags are still proving popular. This is Dawn's handspun, hand knitted, felted bag. The yarn for the circular sides is in Monet colours with a more plain yarn for the gusset. Dawn's very pleased with her new project bag. The pattern is free - Bex Hopkins' Sunstruck Bag http://raisingseedlings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/monet-felted-bag-and-spinning-days.html
More handspun shawl goodness SandAndSkyCreations takes some beautiful pictures of her handspun projects and works in progress and this is no exception (click through to enjoy the large version). She says that Wensleydale is "dreamy to work with" and loves the way that this natural brown and Spunky Eclectic fibre work together. http://sandandskycreations.com/blog/2013/05/15/wip-wednesday-more-handspun-shawl-goodness/
Handspun scraps cardigan I gather that the yarn for this cardigan was spun with the results of a scrap swap. No word on the pattern but it looks great in a random variety of hand-dyed fibre. http://freestylefibre.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/april-round-up.html
Shearing day Goldilox of Dyeing to Spin now has the first fleece from her own alpaca and she's looking forward to spinning it. In this post we see some undignified pictures of the young chap, and in a subsequent post she shows us the fleece and rolags that she's made, and plans to spin during Tour de Fleece.
http://goldyspinner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/shearing-day.html
Woad dye from the plant to the wool I've linked to a couple of posts about woad dyeing over the years but this is probably the most comprehensive instructional I've seen so far, including the growing of the plants. If you've not seen the process before then the colour change is fascinating. http://wooltribulations.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/making-woad-dye-from-plant-to-wool.html discuss any of this
Gallery Sometimes just a picture is enough
Dye job I'm including this post in the gallery because it contains a lovely sequence of pictures finishing up with combed fibre in a gorgeous lilac colour. GuzziSue of Travel, Fibre and Thread is trying to work through her stash, this is 500g of Romney. http://travelfibreandthread.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/dye-job.html
A very bright baby blankie Knitsnthings used 1060 metres of handspun two ply in this blanket. She dyed Shetland lamb locks, blended them on hand carders and halved each rolag so that the colours lined up in the plying. The pattern is free (link within the blog post) and Knitsnthings says that the pattern is easy to improvise as you go, once you get the hang of it. http://knitsnthings.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/a-very-bright-baby-blankie/
Low-tech spinning wheel Last July I featured a DIY 'seven dollar' spinning wheel - it was the most popular item that month. The Great Wheel is the predecessor of today's flyer wheels - they feature a large wheel, turned as you walk back from the pointed quill, drafting as you go. You then walk back towards the quill, turning the wheel the opposite direction to wind your spun yarn onto the spindle. No plans this time, but this Great Wheel is made from "some simple woodwork and a bicycle wheel" http://www.flickr.com/photos/21376194@N03/8758846080/in/pool-35036072@N00/ discuss any of this
Free patterns A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Prisma Loop by Cloud House Studio With thanks to Expression Fiber Arts for sharing this pattern. Prisma Loop is an infinity scarf knitted straight and then grafted. It uses garter stitch for squishyness and has a striped pattern which looks great with colour changes. I believe it would work very well with two similar handspun yarns - one solid or semisolid and one in a changing or graduated colour. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/prisma-loop
Winecozy As this incredibly useful pattern only uses a small amount of worsted-weight yarn, it'll be perfect for leftover or spun-especially handspun. It has potential for creativity - make stripes, add initials or a motif. With thanks to Filatura Di Crosa for sharing. http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTwinecozy.html
Handspun Cushion Show off your handspun in your home. This cushion looks great in a natural colour and especially so with handmade wooden buttons. http://wovenflame.blogspot.co.uk/2005/06/free-cushion-pattern.html
A's Manly Scarf by Johanna K Sarten This is my own project. This one isn't handspun - I had some Rowan All Seasons Chunky and decided to use it for a Father's Day gift. But I liked the stitch pattern so much that I'm going to use it again to re-knit my Storm Beach scarf. I've been looking out for a lengthways pattern with an interesting stitch pattern to show off a beautiful handspun yarn, and this is perfect. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/as-manly-scarf 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 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. www.fibre-east.co.uk
Glastonbury Wool Fair 24 & 25 August, Glastonbury, Somerset A weekend of sheep related entertainment! The sheep and alpaca run is on Saturday and everyone is invited to make woollen hats to wear on Sunday - the more outrageous the better. They would also appreciate volunteers. glastonburywoolfestival.co.uk
Yarndale 28 and 29 September Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire 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
Shetland Wool Week 7 - 13 October 2013 A busy weekend dedicated to celebrating Shetland wool and textile heritage. The full events list includes workshops, demonstrations, open studios, spinning, knitting, weaving and Britain's most northerly sheep. www.shetlandwoolweek.com
Fibre Flurry - 26 and 27 October, Bournville, Birmingham The third year promises to be the best year yet. Workshops and exhibitors over two days http://www.fibreflurry.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) Yorkshire: Rivers MEET Craft CafĂŠ, Methley, Leeds, West Yorkshire is now running an Introduction to spinning using a drop spindle workshop with Paula Edgintgon. For more details tel: 01977 279729 or see www.riversmeetcraftcafe.co.uk discuss any of this Happy spinning and don't be a stranger! Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator shiela@hand-spinning-news.com
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