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Hand Spinning News The email version of this newsletter may look much better online: hand-spinning-news.com Not a plate of noodles, but yarn being dyed very easily and using things you'll be likely to have around. If you've not tried dyeing before, there are two different tutorials this month which are easy and kitchen-safe. If you're moved to go further then we see a rainbow made with natural dyes and a comprehensive tutorial about hand-painting. I've tried dyeing with cochineal with very pleasing results. That was inspired by a new book, Yarn Works by W J Johnson. I have a new copy of the book to give away in a free prize draw. February saw the Ravelympic Games (from now on I'll be good and use the new name, Ravellenics). Setting a personal challenge with a time limit is a great way to focus on a particular project and we see some finished items from the podium. Read on for this month's round up of spinning news, reviews, fun and freebies. (Top photo: Handspun and woven curtains by Shiela Dixon featured in the current Wheel magazine. Above right: How to dye yarn by Rebekka Seale.
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 Renate Hiller on handwork Thanks to Crafts from the Cwtch for sharing this inspiring video featuring Renate Hiller. She feels that our modern lives distance us more and more from using our hands, and yet we're drawn to things which require practical skills. When we do, we find it fulfilling. http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2014/03/spinning-show-tell-renate-hilleron.html
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From the blogosphere Sheep to shoulder I love seeing the progression of fibre from fleece to finished object, and here are two in one post. This lovely sea-coloured jacket is one of two projects that susanba made from a first-shearing fleece that she bought in Wales last year. She blended some of the fleece with Angora and dyed it multi-colours for a cushion. The jacket pattern is Leonela by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton. Susanba calls the dyeing 'great fun' and says that she's "dyeing to get dyeing again!" http://brentwoodprop.wordpress.com/2014/02/16/sheep-to-shoulder-2/
The End of the Rainbow This is goldilox's rainbow shawl. She felt that it was an appropriate project for the Ravellenic games given the controversy ahead of the 'other' Games. She dyed the yarn during last year's Tour de Fleece. She feels that the gradient overlaps were too short, and became shorter after navajo-plying, but the finished item looks great. She comments that natural dyes go together well without clashing. http://goldyspinner.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/the-end-of-rainbow.html
Handspun Handwoven Scarf Pat says that this is the softest scarf she's ever woven and is as light as a feather. It's made from luxury batts containing merino, yak, tussah silk, bamboo, sari silk and angelina. It demonstrates beautifully how colours in handspun yarn play out in woven fabric. I could have included this in this month's free patterns because she gives us full details of weaving and finishing. http://www.patsknittingandquilting.com/2014/february/handspunhandwovenscarf.html
On the podium Araignee also dyed a rainbow for her Ravellenics challenge. We see the wool's downhill run from short locks to thrummed mittens. http://araigneestangledweb.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/on-podium.html
Much Preferred Determined to finish this yarn, weekendknitter plied from Friday night and through to Sunday night with few breaks. There are many beautiful pictures here featuring the yarn and the colourful Turkish spindle she used for
plying. She enjoyed the "kaleidoscopic/trippy designs that form on a Turkish spindle". http://weekendknitter.com/2014/03/03/much-preferred/
Back to the spindle Taking part in the Ravellenics focuses your efforts onto one or two projects, which I've found very productive. After the Games, Stitched Together was pleased to get back to her scattergun approach to crafting and was also pleased to get back to spinning which she missed during the second Olympic week. She's acquired this supported spindle which she likes because the bowl is on a stem, meaning that it can be gripped between your legs as you sit. http://www.stitchedtogether.co.uk/2014/02/back-to-spindle-and-stsal2014.html
Gradient colour by blending We've got graduated colours using dyes elsewhere in this issue, but here's another way to graduate colour. I don't think it's easy to get this right, but Deborah has done it very nicely. She had two fleeces, one black and one white, mixed them in different proportions and then spun yarn taking the darkest colour, through to white and then back through to dark. http://www.perfectweatherforspinningandknitting.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/finished-objects-in-2014-2.html
Lambing under Orion The first of this year's lambing photos is via the Spinning Daily blog. This cute lamb is a Lincoln from North Valley Farm, Oregon. http://nls.interweave.com/t/bfcbbMWFcQA40hLJ2jBYqa4AlaaaBYq4Al...
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Tips and tutorials Dyeing yarn with tea In this video, Rebecca experiments with three different types of tea. The results are effective if subtle. It's easy and kitchen-safe, maybe good for first-time dyeing or a kids' activity. http://www.chemknits.com/2014/02/dyeing-yarn-with-tea.html
Golden Lula Hoop By coincidence I've found another dyeing tutorial this month which is also very easy to do and kitchen-friendly. This time it's turmeric. It doesn't require a mordant and gives a strong colour. Rebekka Seale takes us through the process, step-by-step. http://blog.woolandthegang.com/post/77808661910/learn-how-to-dye-our-wool-with-rebekka-seale
Paint that Yarn! If all the talk of dyeing this month is giving you the urge to try it, you'll also enjoy February's newsletter from Woolwench. You'll need to register at her site, but once you have then you'll be able to access this and previous newsletters as well as receiving future ones by email. In February's issue you'll find a written article, a video and lots of pictures all about handpainting your yarn with dye. http://www.woolwench.com/videos-and-books/
Spinning for beginners What are roving, top and sliver? How to get started with a spindle? How to choose a wheel? If you're new to spinning then this free eBook contains articles by Maggie Casey, Abby Franquemont, Carol Huebscher Rhoades and others which take you through the basics of spinning and managing your yarn. http://www.spinningdaily.com/media/p/11107/showcontent.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
Roisin wristwarmers from Yarn Works by W J Johnson As part of my review of new book Yarn Works I made this project from it. It was my first time dyeing with cochineal and the finished result is very pleasing. My review and pictures are at the link below. The book is aimed at those looking to try spinning or dyeing for the first time but does go into more detail and more advanced topics for those progressing beyond 'beginner'. I don't want to part with my review copy and so the publishers have provided a new copy of the book for HSN to give away. To enter the prize draw, just email me at shiela@hand-spinning-news.com with Yarn Works in the subject line. http://stitchywitches.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/roisin-wristankle-warmers-from-yarn.html
Gallery Sometimes just a picture is enough
Getting back into the spin of things Josiekitten has decided to enter a spinning competition at this year's Fibre East and has spun this 3-ply yarn from a BFL / ramie blend. The plying has given a "soft, tweedy effect" with the subtle colour changes and from here it looks beautifully even. There are more pictures of the prepared fibre through to finished skein if you follow the link. Good luck JK! http://theknittingexploitsofjosiekitten.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/getting-back-into-spin-of-things.html
Camille-Kamilka Renata spun this yarn and her friend knitted the top for her. http://www.flickr.com/photos/31628665@N06/12787327635/
Travelling Woman distelfliege has spun this merino / silk mix nice and fine, the open knit gives a translucent, etherial quality. Pattern is Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante http://www.flickr.com/photos/distelfliege/12674496564/in/photostream/
Supported spindle This months sexy spindle shot is courtesy azzywazzy who can't wait to be spinning this polwarth. I like the way that the colours in the fibre match the wood of the spindle. http://www.flickr.com/photos/azzywazzy/12663260624/
Handspun Clapotis I didn't immediately spot the drop-stitch feature in this pattern but the diagonal direction of working did catch my eye. I like the way that it makes the colour changes happen in a diagonal direction. This all makes the Clapotis pattern great for knitting with handspun, as Lori has done here. There are more pictures of this scarf at the link below, and I've linked to the pattern under free patterns. http://www.flickr.com/photos/83956172@N00/12750264164/in/photostream/
Jacob pullover This is the first of two garments in jacob this month. Stitchwort tells us that it's a Norfolk-raised fleece and a plain vanilla jumper pattern, which is all that's needed to show off the wonderful colour variation. It looks very handsome on the gentleman who I assume is the recipient. http://www.flickr.com/photos/21376194@N03/12692752613/
Wet-felted bag The beautiful swirls in this bag's fabric are made from a variety of felted fibres including woad-dyed alpaca. Besides the picture of the finished item, the post contains details of Fran's wetfelting session, perhaps a nice way to use up fibre left over from a spinning project. http://wooltribulations.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/wet-felting-alpaca-and-other-fibres.html
February New Year's resolution woolandchocolate is extraordinarily pleased with her shawl which she knit on the fly, making up the pattern as she worked. Her handspun is gradient dyed in ground-to-sky colours. http://woolandchocolate.com/2014/03/04/two-down-ten-to-go/
Free patterns A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Valentine Letter Holder .. with three pockets? Happily, if you're like me and received one card which turned out to be from a charity, this holder is very versatile and can be used to tidy anything at any time of the year. Weaving is a fast way to use your handspun. If your yarn has multi-colours, just use the one yarn and let the weaving paint with those colours. The Schacht newsletter gives full instructions, including for the crocheted scalloped edge, which is a lovely way to add an attractive finish to a woven selvedge. http://blog.schachtspindle.com/2014/02/weaving-to-woo-week-three-pocket.html
Banquo Drape Cardigan Pattern When a much loved cardi was no longer fit to wear, Fran decided to cut it up and clone the pattern. She's rightly very pleased with the finished result . Follow the link for her pattern and also full details about how she blended and spun the jacob / alpaca. http://wooltribulations.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/banquo-drape-cardigan-pattern.html
Clapotis by Kate Gilbert Thanks to Lori for highlighting this pattern (see gallery above). This pattern features drop stitches and is knit on the bias, making it perfect for handspun yarn and perfect to wear in Spring. The pattern contains instructions for making a scarf and also a stole version. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html
Sunday Sunrise by Zsuzsa Kiss This cheerful shawl looks perfect as we turn the corner into Spring. The yarn is fractal-spun which means that the fibre is split in a way to create interesting striped effects. In this case it makes a beautiful sunrise in the semicircular shawl. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss14/KSPATTsundaysunrise.php I also selected free knit and crochet patterns over at HSN's sister publication, Purl Two Together. Each new issue follows HSN by approx a week. 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 ÂŁ50, contact Cathy (lazykate) on 07415 725193 or cathy.lazykate@gmail.com for dates. Lancashire: Carol and Pete Leonard run a three-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 email spindlers2@aol.com or visit their website spindlers2.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 CafĂŠ, 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,
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