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Hand Spinning News The email version of this newsletter may look much better online: hand-spinning-news.com Happy 2014, a new year with new goals. This comes to you just after Christmas and New Year and more importantly, St Distaff's or Roc Day. Partly work and partly play You must on St. Distaff's Day: From the plough soon free your team; Then cane home and fother them: If the maids a-spinning go, Burn the flax and fire the tow. Bring in pails of water then, Let the maids rewash the men. Give St. Distaff' all the right: Then bid Christmas sport good night, And next morrow every one To his own vocation. Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674) For most of us the distaff is no longer a chore but a hobby. Other topics running through this month's treasury include working with singles. Do you always ply? And rolags for woollen spinning. We see how colours can be graduated or distributed and how oddments of fibre can be used to make some fabulous batts. Here in the UK 'tis the season for bulky yarn and so it makes an appearance in some of the free patterns this month. (Cover photo: from Berceuse, William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Above right: OwlPrintPanda's batty day.
Contents News and articles from around the web From the blogosphere Tips and tutorials 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 St. Distaff's Day Did you observe St Distaff's day? I understand that it's a little more common in America for groups to meet on that day, I'd be interested to hear if you are in the UK and had a St Distaff meeting or spent the day spinning by yourself. In medieval times, St. Distaff's Day, Roc or Rock Day, the 7th January (sometimes listed as the 6th) marked the return to work after Christmas. Thanks to Dances with Wools for more information about the holiday and for the Robert Herrick poem at the top of this newsletter. http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/textile-terms-happy-st-distaffs-day/
discuss any of this
From the blogosphere Refreshed This is an interesting wheel and a detailed and inspiring post about her restoration. Stell found the Pipy Wendy wheel on an online auction site; dusty but complete and in good condition considering its 45 years. She details how she scrubbed, polished and glued. A very interesting read that I'm sure will inspire you to do some maintenance on your own wheel if not to buy an old one as Stell has done. For anyone who has a Pipy wheel, I noticed that Philip Poore's son is making Pipy bobbins parts and can be contacted. http://knitknitfrog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/refreshed.html
Holidays are for handspinning Yes, they are. And spinning singles is fast. Mary has spun bulky singles and very quickly. According to this post she spun three braids in one day. http://www.hugsforyourhead.com/2013/12/holidays-are-for-handspinning.html
Take time to save time More advice about knitting a gauge swatch. I know. I've been looking forward to seeing the finished hat since I saw this yarn a month or two ago and it does look great if a bit big. Earthchick can say from experience that "the difference between 4.5 and 6 stitches per inch can add five inches to the size of a hat". And if you have to pull out an entire hat and knit it again, it takes a relatively small amount of time to knit a swatch in the first place. http://earthchicknits.com/2013/12/27/take-time-to-save-time/
Spinning a gradient Stell had a new/old wheel for Christmas which she was getting to grips with in this episode, but what's really interesting here is the way that she's divided up one of those hand-dyed braids, carded it and then sorted the rolags into gradients - two gradients, one for each ply. http://knitknitfrog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/it-time.html
Creativity Course for Fibre Artists Enrolment Opening in February! Sponsored story
Spinartiste.com and Woolwench.com have teamed up to bring to fibre enthusiasts everywhere The Journey to the Golden Fleece fibre Creativity Course. In this ten month online course, hand spinners from all over the world will go on a guided path
of exploration, revitalisation, learning and inspiration. All levels of experience welcome to work on finding their own creative voice and celebrate uniqueness. The course includes working a circular loom custom designed by Majacraft developed especially for the course's final project. The course includes many challenging and exciting activities and graduates will be awarded a beautifully designed Certificate of Achievement. Being an online course it is of course open to you wherever you are. They would be especially pleased to hear from spinners in the UK. The first intake filled very quickly! Enrolment is opening for the next intake in February. Please go to www.fiberygoodness.com for more details and registration information. http://fiberygoodness.com
One batty day A rented drum carder saw Amanda digging out all the "bundles, bales, baggies, tops and scraps of fleece" she owned. In one day she'd made some beautiful bats in a number of colour combinations. There are many pictures here and they're quite an inspiration. If you fancy doing the same, contact me for rates. http://owlprintpanda.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/one-batty-day.html
Try spinning this I feel as if I'm eavesdropping a little, this is a message posted for guild members ahead of their Roc Day meeting, but as it's posted publicly and will be inspirational to others, I hope they won't mind me sharing it. Running out of fiber? asks Liz, before giving a list of suggested alternative materials to try. These include wrapping paper and bags. She also gives some tips for spinning some of these materials. http://commonthreadsguild.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/roc-day-try-spinning-this-sunday.html
It's in the bag: how to make plarn complementing the above post beautifully, this tutorial appeared on Craftsy's blog. It explains step-by-stephow to cut and chain the plastic bags. There are some great finished projects shown too. http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/how-to-make-plarn/
Can you spin this? As if the bloggers I read are bouncing ideas off one another, here's another 'Can you spin this?' post by Khristina Thayer via SpinArtiste. This time it involves pretty paper crinkles. http://www.spinartiste.com/can-you-spin-this-cousin-khristina-surely-can
Rams and Yowes with a local twist
Kate Davies' popular Rams and Youwes blanket is designed to use nine natural shades of shetland wool. Deborah has some shetland fleece but wants to use some wool local to her, as well as to work in some other breeds. This has meant some work blending fleece to achieve the right shades but I look forward to seeing the result. http://perfectweatherforspinningandknitting.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/rams-andyowes-with-local-twist-part-1.html
Hand spinning a hebridean sheep fleece Hebridean fleece isn't known for its softness but its durability. Fran looked past the textbook description and her family's indifference and discovered that after some work pulling out kemp hairs, the resulting yarn's handle and colour made her feel poetic. http://wooltribulations.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/hand-spinning-hebridean-sheepfleece.html
discuss any of this
Tips and tutorials What do you use singles for? Knitting or crocheting with singles is controversial. Some say that you should always ply because it balances and strengthens the yarn. There are ways to set singles; one is fulling, or slightly felting them, as I did for my Oaklet Shawl Amelia discusses the topic and raises some interesting points. http://askthebellwether.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/what-do-you-use-singles-for.html
Simple Loom, Unlimited Possibilities I've picked this article because I loved this idea of encasing small objects within the fabric before felting. Christina of Weaving Today makes a strong case for using a rigid heddle loom where possible on the grounds of its simplicity but versatility. I can heartily agree having recently dusted off my knitters loom for one of my current projects. http://nls.interweave.com/t/bfcbbK3DlQA1RqJXKyCUxa-S7aaaCUx-S7?s
Types of wool for knitting and crochet This article barely scratches the surface, but if you're new to spinning and wool types then this will give you a basic insight into the fact that breeds have different characteristics and uses. http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/12/types-of-wool-for-knitting-and-crochet/
Making rolags from combed top I have linked before to Southern Cross Fibre's post about making rolags from top, or fauxlags. But it was a long time ago, and this recent post from Maya of Intermission had me looking for a tutorial. David uses a rolling pin while Maya uses a knitting needle which might mean that hers are 'faux-punis' but the choice is yours! http://southerncrossfibre.com/wp/?p=32
Flicking Stell says that flick combing is easier on the hands than using a dog-comb or hand carders because "the flick carder is held lightly and there is no need to grip and tug and pull as one would do if brushing the locks." This is a good tutorial with lots of images. http://knitknitfrog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/flicking.html
Re-wind bobbins There are a number of reasons why you might want to re-wind a bobbin. If you have a double-drive wheel it's easy and quick. Hazel explains how. http://blog.hazelpurls.co.uk/2014/01/10/nearly-forgotten/
Determining yarn yardage from an unlabeled skein So how many yards are there in that ball? (no prizes) For a very accurate answer you'll need one of these clever devices or wind your ball into a skein and then back into a ball. For a quick and 'good enough' figure, Holly of Knitting Daily explains how to find the answer and gives us a useful chart. It'll take a little bit of work on your part - you'll need to multiply the weight of your ball by the magic number from the chart, and you'll also need to convert your weight to pounds. http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/knits/archive/2013/12/26/determining-yarn-yardage-from-anunlabeled-skein.aspx
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Keeping this wheel spinning Your news here Are you a teacher, pattern designer, supplier, dyer? Would you like to reach the growing readership of thousands of hand spinners and at the same time help to support Hand Spinning News ? Read more
Gallery Sometimes just a picture is enough
Alaskan Birch Supported Spindle & Bowl Sexy spindle shot of the month goes to Marihana. It's a supported spindle and bowl from Birch Grove. Perhaps eclipsing the spindle is the tencel fibre in some luscious colours. http://www.flickr.com/photos/14508179@N06/3003611230/
Handmade crochet big mobius cowl Karen Williams thinks that scarves and cowls are fun & functional and can bring together pieces of clothing you never thought of wearing with each other. This cowl looks very cosy and made from merino and falkland wools it's probably very soft too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/willieru/11125282146/
Single room transformed into fantasy worlds How do you fancy being a silkworm? Munch mulberry leaves, wrap yourself in a cosy cocoon in which to change your outfit for the big day when you emerge for the mating ritual. Artist Jee Young Lee has transformed her small studio into a series of fantasy worlds in which she features. The selfies are inspired by her dreams, visions and childhood memories. http://www.inspirefusion.com/single-room-transformed-surreal-fantasy-worlds/
voolenvine's Ravens' Nest I love both the pattern and the colours here. I'm not clear about whether the yarn is hand spun by JulieSpins or not but I'm sure it's dyed by her. Even if you don't watch the whole videoblog, It's still worth watching the first five minutes of episode 96 to see her holding this shawl out and up to the camera.
http://voolenvineknits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/Episode96.html
Purple Cheetah & Liquorice FeatherWeight Pantoffels says "there is nothing like knitting with handspun" and I'm sure we all agree. The featherweight cardigan has been a popular design and hers is a beautiful colour which she calls Purple Cheetah & Liquorice. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pantoffels/featherweight-cardigan-2
Bootees and hat set Back to the topic of using singles; here's an example made by Cosette of Cosymakes. I like the colour changes in the yarn and the way that because of the way the pattern works - a different length of yarn used for the instep - almost gives a colourwork look. It doesn't matter that they don't match. Click through to see the hat. They're not really a set but the very distinctive yarn makes them match well. http://cosymakes.com/2013/12/18/handspun-addabootees-and-hat/
Dragonfly Cardigan I'm sure I'm not the only one who's fascinated by the transformation of the colours as they make their journey from dyed roving to rolag to singles to plied yarn to knitted fabric. Click through to see Amanda's finished Featherweight cardy and a series of pictures from rolag to finished project. There are more pictures including the yarn if you click through to her Ravelry project page http://owlprintpanda.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/dragonfly-cardigan.html
First spin of the year sandandskycreations often finds an appropriate setting for photographs of her yarn and this is no exception. She spun her first skein of the year "for the sheer delight of it". http://sandandskycreations.com/blog/2014/01/10/first-spins-of-the-year/
Free patterns A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
7 Free Easy Knitting Patterns I think these patterns have what's required to be suitable for handspun - some use chunkier yarn, some use very small amounts and most are very plain knits (stocking or garter) which will show off colour changes and / or texture in your own yarn. Despite the title, the patterns aren't all ground-level. Take a look at the wrap jacket and knitting needle bag. http://nls.interweave.com/t/bfkbbLBA8QA1XcJZC9BVfaDWNaaaaBVfDWNa?k
Quick, chic, cool: Suffolk I saw and fell in love with these on a Ravery forum but unfortunately the pattern seems to be in German only (please let me know if I'm wrong). However, a combination of O-level German, Google Translate and the pattern being fairly straightforward means that I think I could manage it. Designer YaYa has said that she's planning an English translation soon. She says that it's "a very simple and quick knit. The pattern is nice for bulky handspun yarn" http://www.fiberspace.de/2013/12/schnell-schick-cool-strickmuster-fuer-geknoepfte-stulpen-suffolk/
Brigitte by Julie Asselin This beautiful shawl has some nice features and it's especially nice to discover that it's free. Suggested yarn is fingering / 14 wpi http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brigitte-8
5-Day Man's Rib Sweater Joe recommends this jumper as a "a great first-sweater project". As it's made from a very bulky yarn I think it would be a great one for those who enjoy spinning big yarn (pattern gauge is 8.5 stitches to 10 cm using 12 mm needles). First sweater or not, this would be quick to spin and knit. Joe says that he spent 5 days knitting it. He has attached a couple more photos and the Rowan pattern. http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13637
Jenny's Infinity Perfect for January's frosty weather, this scarf is very bulky and warm. Designer Lorna suggests alpaca because it's lighter than wool but it's also said to be warmer too. http://peargirlknits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/free-patterns-from-peargirl-knits.html
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 2014 Wonderwool Wales 26 & 27 April 2014, 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. http://www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk
Woolfest Friday 27 June and Saturday 28 June, Cockermouth, Cumbria Woolfest 2014 - the 10th anniversary! Woolfest was founded to provide a showcase and a celebration of the best of wool and wool crafts. The event is all about creativity and design with beautiful quality, amazing colours and skilled craftsmanship and this was recognised in 2012 when Woolfest won the Cumbria Tourism Award for Event of the Year. www.woolfest.co.uk
Fibre East 26 and 27 July 2014, 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
Yarndale 27 and 28 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
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 Cumbria: Learn to Spin: Beginner’s Workshop at Cartmel Handspun. Course materials and equipment provided, includes coffee, healthy home-made lunch and tea. Courses are run at week-ends in the autumn and spring. For more details, contact Elaine Ware, email cartmelhandspun@live.co.uk, phone 015395 33443. www.cartmelhandspun.co.uk spinningandweaving.weebly.com 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 and North West: Spinning workshops at yarn shops North West England. All materials included for £50, contact Cathy (lazykate) on 07415 725193 or cathy.lazykate@gmail.com 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 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 (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) Norfolk: Spinning workshop for beginners http://www.spottypigfarm.co.uk(external link to spottypigfarm website) or call 07930 605578 Norfolk: A programme of spinning and weaving workshops is run by the Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers. For details, please email jennyrose@freeuk.com or call 07854 701807 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/workshops 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 Café, Methley, Leeds, West Yorkshire is now running beginner's workshops, as well as spinning wheel demonstrations and a spin-a-long on most Thursday mornings. For more details email: Feltandspin@yahoo.com, 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 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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