tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78692298301920090082024-02-17T21:05:05.288-08:00A Woolly YarnBritish Knitting News And ReviewsA Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.comBlogger342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-52999921937625514172020-01-03T08:29:00.001-08:002020-01-03T08:29:17.778-08:00The Blog Is Now Retired!Happy New Year and a big thanks to everyone who has read the A Woolly Yarn blog over the last six years.<br />
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A Woolly Yarn's British knitting news and reviews are now exclusively on social media:<br />
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<li>Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn">www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn</a></li>
<li>Instagram: @awoollyyarn</li>
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This blog is now enjoying a well-earned retirement but please do join A Woolly Yarn on Facebook and Instagram for regular, short and snappy content and a happy band of knitters!</div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-28776142873994355552019-12-08T07:08:00.000-08:002019-12-08T07:08:20.177-08:00Win WYSpinners' Christmas Sock Yarn & PatternIt's December, it's the run-up to Christmas and A Woolly Yarn is revelling in the season of goodwill. To thank all our followers for reading and to remind you that the blog is retiring and we're moving over to Instagram - @awoollyyarn - we've got this great give-away.<br />
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You could win a ball of West Yorkshire Spinners' 2019 Robin sock yarn together with a supporting pattern!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvpQ3YVIsoz_0meTYJyz0NZL68ilBaTt_vIg_E4r4OK0Lq-XPL8oJOqhBytNjmRqxtRcc5rUQFk1_KUSxuO6rCoXX32Bc2abHTzBUw6z_hfOwrqmQGBfbz3C6XfH9LFGGfE_Rgy8PX89w/s1600/IMG_2239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvpQ3YVIsoz_0meTYJyz0NZL68ilBaTt_vIg_E4r4OK0Lq-XPL8oJOqhBytNjmRqxtRcc5rUQFk1_KUSxuO6rCoXX32Bc2abHTzBUw6z_hfOwrqmQGBfbz3C6XfH9LFGGfE_Rgy8PX89w/s320/IMG_2239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Second prize is one copy of Rowan Select's Sultano & Sultano Fine book containing seven hand knit designs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhL4LXF5VJYtWuYYXRXEgBq0rSo6B_nabbUUONyrasm7XIjYOkrg4D60D7yoDj8LVEZdmGKqL1JO15LZ7e6G1cR3dZrw0q8Pxhub03yTcUwmoMR3llg0gy-i3-OvY28TjDfbddGr3J0YS/s1600/IMG_2240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhL4LXF5VJYtWuYYXRXEgBq0rSo6B_nabbUUONyrasm7XIjYOkrg4D60D7yoDj8LVEZdmGKqL1JO15LZ7e6G1cR3dZrw0q8Pxhub03yTcUwmoMR3llg0gy-i3-OvY28TjDfbddGr3J0YS/s320/IMG_2240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>So without further ado, here's how to enter to win one of the great prizes!</b><br /><br />1. Go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn" style="color: #f74f3f; text-decoration: none;">www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn</a> and click on the 'follow' button if you haven't done so already. This will deliver new A Woolly Yarn Facebook posts to your news feed. If you change your mind in the future (but we hope you won't!) you can unfollow us.<br /><br />2. 'Like' the post with the competition details.</div>
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3. On Instagram follow @awoollyyarn<br /><br />4. On Facebook in the comments box under the competition post tell us what you're looking forward to knitting in 2020.<br /><br />The competition opens at midday on Sunday 8th December and closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 22nd December. We'll announce the winners soon after and ask him/her to send a private message on Facebook to A Woolly Yarn with their postal details so they can receive their fabulous prize.<br /><br />Please note that due to competition law and postage costs the competition is open to UK residents only, although we would of course love to have overseas readers follow A Woolly Yarn on Instagram and Facebook and find out what they're planning to knit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZXcM0MANzJ8ApS9r6qNbzVnWkMWXUHeehXFFFxCRtHKMaGRsV1ptuq9Mzdz9fTSamHKE8ht64z-a604FHXll92rGHRv4GizZiHbl9DX-1pBAXx008uyZluG4j6-JAtL4xhemb-54TOOu/s1600/21764147_10159482714545085_1891431161_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f74f3f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1278" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZXcM0MANzJ8ApS9r6qNbzVnWkMWXUHeehXFFFxCRtHKMaGRsV1ptuq9Mzdz9fTSamHKE8ht64z-a604FHXll92rGHRv4GizZiHbl9DX-1pBAXx008uyZluG4j6-JAtL4xhemb-54TOOu/s200/21764147_10159482714545085_1891431161_o.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Terms & Conditions</b><br /><br />1. The promoter is the A Woolly Yarn blog, which has no affiliation with West Yorkshire Spinners, Rowan or Facebook.<br /><br />2. The competition is open to residents of the UK aged 18 years or over.<br /><br />3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.<br /><br />4. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.<br /><br />5. This competition is running on A Woolly Yarn's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn<br /><br />6. Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.<br /><br />7. Closing date for the entry will be 11.59pm on Sunday 22 December. After this date no further entries to the competition will be counted.<br /><br />8. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.<br /><br />9. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter's control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.<br /><br />10. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connect with this competition.<br /><br />11. The prize is as follows: First prize is two pattern books from West Yorkshire Spinners plus a ball of yarn and second prize is <i>Cabled Knits</i> by Ann Kingstone. The prizes are as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable, is subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute the prizes with another of equivalent value without giving notice.<br /><br />12. The winner will be chosen within seven days of 23rd December 2019.<br /><br />13. The winner will be announced within seven days of the closing date on the A Woolly Yarn Facebook page and will be asked to send a private Facebook message with their address details to A Woolly Yarn. These details will only be used for the purpose of posting the prize. If the winner does not claim the prize within 14 days of notification we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.<br /><br />14. The promoter will notify the winners when the prizes are posted. The promoter will obtain proof of postage and is not responsible for any failure of the Royal Mail to deliver the prizes.<br /><br />15. The promoter's decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence entered into.<br /><br />16. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.<br /><br />17. The winner agrees to their name being published on the A Woolly Yarn Facebook page. Any personal details relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant's prior consent.</div>
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A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-39474855487581219162019-12-07T09:00:00.001-08:002019-12-07T09:00:55.719-08:00The Future Of A Woolly YarnA Woolly Yarn is moving to Instagram!<br />
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I started A Woolly Yarn at the beginning of 2014 and since then the digital world has changed significantly. Podcasts and vlogs have replaced blogs in popularity with people also wanting to access information in short, bitesized chunks on social media.<br />
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Whilst I've loved publishing A Woolly Yarn over the last six years it has been a time-consuming labour of love. I now have less spare time to give to the blog thanks to my great news that my debut novel, <i>My Perfect Sister</i>, is going to be published by Red Door Press in May 2020. I'm hard at work on a second novel and am dedicating most of my free hours to that.<br />
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Therefore I have decided that from January 2020 the A Woolly Yarn blog will go into retirement. Instead please fellow A Woolly Yarn on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/awoollyyarn/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. It'll still be the place for British knitting news and reviews and there will be more frequent but shorter updates.<br />
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I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has followed A Woolly Yarn so far - winning Knit Now magazine's Online Innovator Award in 2017 was a real highlight - and hope that you'll join us on Facebook and Instagram to move the community from strength to strength.<br />
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Plus keep your eye out for a special competition to mark the occasion!A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-59957505355268562532019-11-27T05:45:00.000-08:002019-11-27T05:45:59.146-08:00Ten Yarny Christmas Gifts For Father Christmas Inspiration<br />
The festive songs are playing in stores, lights are up in town centres and there's someone you know who has put up their decorated tree in November. Yes, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.<br />
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Whether you're buying gifts yourself or wanting to leave a massive hint for Father Christmas, here are some ideas for those who love the yarny things in life!<br />
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<b>1. Yarn Bowl</b><br />
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This yarn bowl from <a href="https://www.ebsworthpots.com/" target="_blank">Ebsworth Pots</a> has very cute sheep on the front and will stop your wool in progress from rolling under the sofa. It is hand thrown and costs £28 plus P&P.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K9qZhVDGsfn0WSfhpJtVb-N6UQhCKe3RcI1C7jH9wivxqaeCUwz66nFgkIJDA7qf7i4NI1T318d-YoellaD7J9sxHsiBbiLogAB6il9mxwxh4DqyAahW97_RjFq_DWkgxD0EOPcl50K-/s1600/product_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K9qZhVDGsfn0WSfhpJtVb-N6UQhCKe3RcI1C7jH9wivxqaeCUwz66nFgkIJDA7qf7i4NI1T318d-YoellaD7J9sxHsiBbiLogAB6il9mxwxh4DqyAahW97_RjFq_DWkgxD0EOPcl50K-/s320/product_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Ebsworth Pots</td></tr>
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<b>2. Christmas Dinner Discover Box</b><br />
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Know someone who likes to crochet as well as knit? <a href="https://www.toftuk.com/PD.aspx?product=Christmas/Discovery_Boxes/-Christmas_Dinner_Discovery_Box" target="_blank">Toft's</a> Christmas Dinner Discover Box contains the yarn and patterns you need to craft your own Christmas dinner - no defrosting or oven required. It costs £39 plus P&P.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOtTGs5JcZxj41XiHS1I1D7ba6b8Wu11eF1sjkLCgQRh3IXj3G0a6BXPyHpdrBN1sXEwQ3ADYcCQhaCVMvOmUXoovIG_LJ3BgrHJ4fvjdQL20R63IZoqwke18dGPLORotnQHx9O-M3UCO/s1600/thumbnail_christmas_dinner_discovery_box_main_amigurumi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOtTGs5JcZxj41XiHS1I1D7ba6b8Wu11eF1sjkLCgQRh3IXj3G0a6BXPyHpdrBN1sXEwQ3ADYcCQhaCVMvOmUXoovIG_LJ3BgrHJ4fvjdQL20R63IZoqwke18dGPLORotnQHx9O-M3UCO/s320/thumbnail_christmas_dinner_discovery_box_main_amigurumi.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Toft</td></tr>
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<b>3. Knitting Pin</b><br />
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This Susan Crawford Vintage <a href="https://susancrawfordvintage.com/collections/enamel-pins/products/knitting-lady-enamel-pin" target="_blank">knitting lady metal pin</a> is a fun treat and costs £8 plus P&P. It's perfect to embellish a coat or project bag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6_VmCHL1qJQNVFwGr8llgtEPY1eatq15R4P9-FsM5ihG7-GwbdcjFjGyRq6dUOYUHm2R_EII3xBiWD-EIHKDSaAIt28jk3i6E0OggAs0TTa6iTZIDVhP6PsoqPaZanQGyhOaafdAuq1H/s1600/KnittingLadyLapelpin_650x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6_VmCHL1qJQNVFwGr8llgtEPY1eatq15R4P9-FsM5ihG7-GwbdcjFjGyRq6dUOYUHm2R_EII3xBiWD-EIHKDSaAIt28jk3i6E0OggAs0TTa6iTZIDVhP6PsoqPaZanQGyhOaafdAuq1H/s320/KnittingLadyLapelpin_650x.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Susan Crawford Vintage</td></tr>
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<b>4. Tote Bag</b><br />
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Know someone who loves reading as much as they do knitting? <a href="https://ysolda.com/collections/bags/products/ysolda-tote-bag" target="_blank">Ysolda's</a> Wool and Books tote, made from sturdy heavy canvas, costs £10 plus P&P and can double up either as a shopping bag or holder for knitting projects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMi9klmV0UJ-sUexabfYZxL9P6ti0slToZ_NjqkNyM19_MeboyILSgUu8c7pw9RkUcKBpKydg577MPxY-2UKS_S4Dm8isjA9h-2AQKYg_rx8pikXm7k2zt2fxLWTsslbroJWCAXfRZ2RG/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMi9klmV0UJ-sUexabfYZxL9P6ti0slToZ_NjqkNyM19_MeboyILSgUu8c7pw9RkUcKBpKydg577MPxY-2UKS_S4Dm8isjA9h-2AQKYg_rx8pikXm7k2zt2fxLWTsslbroJWCAXfRZ2RG/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Wool Wash Bar</b><br />
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This year scientists and the media have highlighted the danger that plastics cause to wildlife and the environment. A <a href="https://www.northernyarn.co.uk/products/shear-delight-wool-wash-bar" target="_blank">Northern Yarn Shear Delight Wool Wash Bar</a> is a great gift for a knitter who is trying to ditch plastic bottles and packaging and wants to wash their woolies with care. It costs £6.50 plus P&P.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ol0rcx0H0zPD6Yt45D4ThyppJLB6IIrTZjBsvV0Q40KFsVscZA10IOOoXAcFy_2TUwZT6urEiw7mTXxJxEuBRw6MMwj2VAwHqZ3FDmXEdMyswO8i2HPuwrBd7sxRWTCy1i6XKx1PjdF7/s1600/Photo_10-04-2019_16_25_12_540x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="540" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ol0rcx0H0zPD6Yt45D4ThyppJLB6IIrTZjBsvV0Q40KFsVscZA10IOOoXAcFy_2TUwZT6urEiw7mTXxJxEuBRw6MMwj2VAwHqZ3FDmXEdMyswO8i2HPuwrBd7sxRWTCy1i6XKx1PjdF7/s320/Photo_10-04-2019_16_25_12_540x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Northern Yarn</td></tr>
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<b>6. Vintage Buttons</b><br />
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It can be a faff to find buttons to sew onto cardigans and other projects. <a href="https://www.baabaabrighouse.co.uk/shop/needles-notions/notions/baa-baa-buttons-30-assorted-vintage-buttons/" target="_blank">Baa Baa Brighouse</a> sells a pack of 30 assorted vintage buttons for £2.50 plus P&P that can solve that problem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzy_T8gV8pr59Y8SfnAvaXpvh5iFUFHpxttQdtmkhSkD2UIm1Tpak2JlUfskEXRTpO5R6j2-_MR7KFUFHOKxN8OD4bXtCdEIxvIu8ZLZfMRfAUj1XElRrbgwkX4NE26TX5lezdYQhRQSB/s1600/BB-BUTTONS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzy_T8gV8pr59Y8SfnAvaXpvh5iFUFHpxttQdtmkhSkD2UIm1Tpak2JlUfskEXRTpO5R6j2-_MR7KFUFHOKxN8OD4bXtCdEIxvIu8ZLZfMRfAUj1XElRrbgwkX4NE26TX5lezdYQhRQSB/s320/BB-BUTTONS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Baa Baa Brighouse</td></tr>
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<b>7. Yarn Addict Sticker</b><br />
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This <a href="https://www.dearewe.com/product-page/stationery-yarn-addict-single-sticker" target="_blank">Yarn Addict Sticker</a> is a perfect stocking £1.50 for a knitter who is loud and proud of their hobby! Sold by Dear Ewe it costs £1.50 plus P&P.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4pdXrfX6nighMx5IZXZ9QYGZ-_5Av9yxQ8oamtYhmCGiGrVo7U0BZ3bkv2MwZGwDpOrQQ7H5WS6OVzkfHlXkW35E2qSP-4PlpZT73xB33vjU38kPcOBNrhfGAeMNAGMcLj5b4hCZ0qkS/s1600/7f966b_f5657689fe644861abc5730979e75394%257Emv2_d_1200_1200_s_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4pdXrfX6nighMx5IZXZ9QYGZ-_5Av9yxQ8oamtYhmCGiGrVo7U0BZ3bkv2MwZGwDpOrQQ7H5WS6OVzkfHlXkW35E2qSP-4PlpZT73xB33vjU38kPcOBNrhfGAeMNAGMcLj5b4hCZ0qkS/s1600/7f966b_f5657689fe644861abc5730979e75394%257Emv2_d_1200_1200_s_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Dear Ewe</td></tr>
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<b>8. Personalised Knitting Needles</b><br />
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What to give the knitter who has everything? How about a set of <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/oakdenedesigns/product/personalised-knitting-needles-with-box" target="_blank">5mm knitting needles</a> personalised with their name or a meaningful phrase? Oakdene Designs sells them in a handy box for £17 plus P&P on Not On The High Street.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W2VzheKZuss9VZmdvEvSO88pGuywH68Zi-XE92Poq6T-6vwvzub_s5RZ_y-BQ_G235b-327W6cCussN3LOTLTpF9A6q6qsw9k8XP_JOtW-QhCSa2LxfhXxrZbwsgLXjbk2ydwsU0PNsm/s1600/normal_personalised-knitting-needles-with-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W2VzheKZuss9VZmdvEvSO88pGuywH68Zi-XE92Poq6T-6vwvzub_s5RZ_y-BQ_G235b-327W6cCussN3LOTLTpF9A6q6qsw9k8XP_JOtW-QhCSa2LxfhXxrZbwsgLXjbk2ydwsU0PNsm/s320/normal_personalised-knitting-needles-with-box.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Not On The High Street</td></tr>
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<b>9. Hand Balm</b><br />
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Again this is a great gift for people who want to reduce their plastic use. <a href="https://moelviewyarn.com/collections/treats-gifts/products/organic-lotion-bar" target="_blank">Moel View Yarns</a>' Crafters Lotion Balm is made with organic butters and oils and comes in four fragrances: Rosemary & Lavender: Sweet Orange & Vanilla Bean; Rose & Rooibos; and Bergamot & Black Pepper. Each handmade balm costs £14 plus P&P.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9d1kQivzonb1ebAgao0lsknC6NyaqHW0VuA2Y6IWeffGFkX_DBXruED0TyipFXaPZqopSQsVu86mVFxdplVOBAl9IgIivxOnWXRm_C_lj2Es_LQIPcoyJ5_rnuN5mDnOq-0gux2isOQD/s1600/JPEG_image-969676A69397-1_360x-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9d1kQivzonb1ebAgao0lsknC6NyaqHW0VuA2Y6IWeffGFkX_DBXruED0TyipFXaPZqopSQsVu86mVFxdplVOBAl9IgIivxOnWXRm_C_lj2Es_LQIPcoyJ5_rnuN5mDnOq-0gux2isOQD/s320/JPEG_image-969676A69397-1_360x-1.jpeg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Moel View Yarns</td></tr>
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<b>10. Yarntelier Beaded Lace Cowl and Bettys Gift Set</b><br />
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Last but not least is a big hitter present for someone really special. This gift set from <a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/shop/nikita-beaded-lace-cowl-bettys-gift-set" target="_blank">Yarntelier</a> costs £60 plus P&P and includes a ball of cashmere yarn, crochet hook, project bag, beads and pattern to knit the Nikita Beaded Lace Cowl; plus Bettys 100th anniversary Yorkshire tea and shortbread biscuits.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIEZzLiwmZswZ-rR1NX1DXnGjqfDDKU_fv5fEXRp9dAgcpl3hritNvGGZSFCUhkEhDh6k4ahpOOHZZ6yEjrlgo95dEhDkRANiDS05Ey5gddvuO7WB8JkhYflX-zyBEb0iXQREpI3aIJCG/s1600/bettys_2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIEZzLiwmZswZ-rR1NX1DXnGjqfDDKU_fv5fEXRp9dAgcpl3hritNvGGZSFCUhkEhDh6k4ahpOOHZZ6yEjrlgo95dEhDkRANiDS05Ey5gddvuO7WB8JkhYflX-zyBEb0iXQREpI3aIJCG/s320/bettys_2c.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarntelier</td></tr>
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These posts from A Woolly Yarn's archive offer more Christmas gift ideas but be aware that prices may have changed and items may be out of stock:<br />
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<ul>
<li>From 2019 - <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2018/12/ten-fun-gifts-to-slip-in-knitters.html" target="_blank">Ten Fun Gifts To Slip In A Knitter's Christmas Stocking</a></li>
<li>From 2017 - <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-gifts-for-knitters-2017.html" target="_blank">Christmas Gifts For Knitters 2017</a></li>
<li>From 2015 - <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-gifts-for-knitters.html" target="_blank">Christmas Gifts For Knitters</a></li>
</ul>
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<br />A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-11587165066755713552019-11-26T09:21:00.000-08:002019-11-26T09:21:01.088-08:00Yarntelier's Latest Patterns and Yarn LaunchesThe Yorkshire yarn and pattern business <a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/" target="_blank">Yarntelier</a>, owned by Louisa Harding, is synonymous with its 100% cashmere yarns made in England.<br />
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For the Autumn/Winter season the brand has launched three garment patterns to showcase three new shades of Cashmere Gilli and three accessory patterns knitted in three new shades of Cashmere Lace. Both yarns can be knitted on bigger needles for lace and smaller stocking stitch. As you'd expect the lace yarn is finer than the gilli.</div>
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Yarntelier yarns are not cheap but are high quality, perfect for investment knits that you want to wear for decades to come.</div>
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<b>Cashmere Gilli</b></div>
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The three new shades are Tartan, Hawthorn and Silverhey.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbEf7EZIC3pf9Hx1VrCk7qnjnVSs8881YQJx8HjqNs_TxYrdGQkBw0NmHP-QIakNnJaQ2hBBSLC2zmxWesP730JrMR1ifo3vz83dFTEXTBSmybtnSPmsV7kdAfT9qgtCGnLuaum6JIr-r/s1600/IMG_2232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbEf7EZIC3pf9Hx1VrCk7qnjnVSs8881YQJx8HjqNs_TxYrdGQkBw0NmHP-QIakNnJaQ2hBBSLC2zmxWesP730JrMR1ifo3vz83dFTEXTBSmybtnSPmsV7kdAfT9qgtCGnLuaum6JIr-r/s320/IMG_2232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Both the Gilli and Lace samples A Woolly Yarn received are gorgeously soft with a faint natural scent. All opinions are our own.</div>
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The Autumn/Winter pattern releases to support Cashmere Gilli are:</div>
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<a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/shop/cybele" target="_blank">Cybele</a>: a lace-edged sweater photographed in the Hawthorn shade. The pattern costs £5 to download.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33cU4t6TMDWbSlB46UbfSauHk1vJ-xcb5__HTsfnfs4B3g_3zOFZc33FlAHFpf3I19ce0da7sUKxbmdowRvLbRz6JhE02na0gny6yLE-7rY10H4WY7FI-XTGSVlKA64iAiHhHsoZUTvln/s1600/cybele_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33cU4t6TMDWbSlB46UbfSauHk1vJ-xcb5__HTsfnfs4B3g_3zOFZc33FlAHFpf3I19ce0da7sUKxbmdowRvLbRz6JhE02na0gny6yLE-7rY10H4WY7FI-XTGSVlKA64iAiHhHsoZUTvln/s320/cybele_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarntelier</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/shop/lulia" target="_blank">Lulia</a> - a lace-sleeved cardigan photographed in the Tartan shade. The pattern costs £5 to download.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ODQOTWKn9rJNU4NJ1OYVBAVPhPLGN0sQS73bdBiE3Y2AtxHE9KjiXEuGatx54rxb6LRpjo5xSAqUleaqHnxwvaIDVoF_i_kgeiqtNvCFsmmd_X1AlzzK1DDBrRYxw94EH0lNJTtjouZI/s1600/lulia_1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ODQOTWKn9rJNU4NJ1OYVBAVPhPLGN0sQS73bdBiE3Y2AtxHE9KjiXEuGatx54rxb6LRpjo5xSAqUleaqHnxwvaIDVoF_i_kgeiqtNvCFsmmd_X1AlzzK1DDBrRYxw94EH0lNJTtjouZI/s320/lulia_1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarntelier</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/shop/elya" target="_blank">Elya</a> - knitted in the shade Silverheys it also costs £5 to download this asymmetrical cable jumper pattern. Elya is A Woolly Yarn's favourite of the three designs for being functional and luxe at the same time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99cMfJAYHNK7BBOBheHx6H9ctseiCDQth9AQ7RjfWxAvA3ECM4uacSKQ3oMPWMJVMLXhmWgQRU_nxv0Ede1ul4rbICpBjpIBtPCSG2rNACvHwXGARcByjCA2PyMOFupZcZGcW9_ez18sI/s1600/bettys_4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99cMfJAYHNK7BBOBheHx6H9ctseiCDQth9AQ7RjfWxAvA3ECM4uacSKQ3oMPWMJVMLXhmWgQRU_nxv0Ede1ul4rbICpBjpIBtPCSG2rNACvHwXGARcByjCA2PyMOFupZcZGcW9_ez18sI/s320/bettys_4a.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarntelier</td></tr>
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<b>Cashmere Lace</b></div>
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The three new shades are darker than their Gilli counterparts and are Night, Forest and Rosehip. Together they are deep and jewel-toned.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAUDTKPmfNbz6uDNLXFM7S9Pyl7HdimBCZ6lEshImBTuOlO6dz-aDtUeibRczJ-RnCBmWto6W9_us-7DQIFKvACCbZ26OrdsmdGjT2Tpzta_PLUbJ1wr0pN_KQCLnNF7mQBdKzNmUfjZZ/s1600/IMG_2231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAUDTKPmfNbz6uDNLXFM7S9Pyl7HdimBCZ6lEshImBTuOlO6dz-aDtUeibRczJ-RnCBmWto6W9_us-7DQIFKvACCbZ26OrdsmdGjT2Tpzta_PLUbJ1wr0pN_KQCLnNF7mQBdKzNmUfjZZ/s320/IMG_2231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Autumn/Winter accessory patterns to support Cashmere Lace are:</div>
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<a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/shop/thisbe" target="_blank">Thisbe</a>: this beaded edge shawl pattern costs £5 to download from Yarntelier. The model is wearing it in the shade Forest. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXXUm0v8gJSFYy9tvluPmZ3hvpMei5N5OpWCQ8UQtpnTEbLwGFBxkVmhq9aWIJzkhgavzBfcxKjG2REpqGOYjcQ3Q53iDw_DXD2W_APxOKx9Q6ADHQrDOv3tVnVcRmx8brJtO6Uvm3aRt/s1600/thisbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXXUm0v8gJSFYy9tvluPmZ3hvpMei5N5OpWCQ8UQtpnTEbLwGFBxkVmhq9aWIJzkhgavzBfcxKjG2REpqGOYjcQ3Q53iDw_DXD2W_APxOKx9Q6ADHQrDOv3tVnVcRmx8brJtO6Uvm3aRt/s320/thisbe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarntelier</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/shop/esota" target="_blank">Esota</a>: this diagonal tweed scarf is knitted using the new shade Night and the existing shade Ripple. As with the others the pattern costs £5 to download.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLQgrh7q6tSWFSZ76yrj19SoplvvZwB0RcI3FaSYs1_SS3rRmZZtPUMON0C-ic2nHj6n8Iuc5FJne2wb2GKuz6jt-XIzrp2DrGvls0zxqcqW73PfinurI6z58LZ6GYGcQeJ4a030XUOzg/s1600/Esota.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLQgrh7q6tSWFSZ76yrj19SoplvvZwB0RcI3FaSYs1_SS3rRmZZtPUMON0C-ic2nHj6n8Iuc5FJne2wb2GKuz6jt-XIzrp2DrGvls0zxqcqW73PfinurI6z58LZ6GYGcQeJ4a030XUOzg/s320/Esota.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarntelier</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.yarntelier.com/shop/annya" target="_blank">Annya</a>: this beaded lace cape is A Woolly Yarn's favourite of the new accessory patterns. It costs £5 to download and the model is wearing it in the new shade Rosehip.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Rr32eMlXvWyIDb_QJgXQYUq9gGsL64sDuOEzwp-YbK_hQ_ZkHHr6lBenPDc14yMGO6uZK0ghMAOwMcJKHR5082XTxn7Gkvdh2TxrGM_-31B0-9Pa-Ubl1QP5pOX00bHDFPnC_Z1dDWsr/s1600/annya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Rr32eMlXvWyIDb_QJgXQYUq9gGsL64sDuOEzwp-YbK_hQ_ZkHHr6lBenPDc14yMGO6uZK0ghMAOwMcJKHR5082XTxn7Gkvdh2TxrGM_-31B0-9Pa-Ubl1QP5pOX00bHDFPnC_Z1dDWsr/s320/annya.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarntelier</td></tr>
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Yarntelier fans may also like to know that Louisa Harding will be running a two-day workshop at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire on the weekend of 18th and 19th April 2020. The workshop costs £320 and Harding will demonstrate how to translate your creative ideas into an original design for a hand-knitted lace scarf or shawl. The price includes lunch on both days, yarn samples and a Yarntelier goody bag.<br />
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Which is your favourite out of the new shades and patterns? </div>
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A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-14300617239177867122019-11-18T14:32:00.000-08:002019-11-18T14:32:36.758-08:00Five Free Patterns For Christmas Jumper Day 2019<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl6tgQzz5fXIZPuktnY-5kJrE1_q7u2WJ5wEFya7ZRrV9KVFyZ2eHze2myMZdQxgqObvk-bLn8E9Jkq1WZVlY1E17S6yLMDgPHMKlwlKdG72DxY6ZG_r4NoI6D_B_y8jg6tmwcE6e0cZs/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl6tgQzz5fXIZPuktnY-5kJrE1_q7u2WJ5wEFya7ZRrV9KVFyZ2eHze2myMZdQxgqObvk-bLn8E9Jkq1WZVlY1E17S6yLMDgPHMKlwlKdG72DxY6ZG_r4NoI6D_B_y8jg6tmwcE6e0cZs/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Save the Children</td></tr>
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Save the date people - this year's Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for the charity <a href="https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/" target="_blank">Save the Children</a> is Friday 13th December.<br />
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Schools, workplaces and anyone else who wants to join in are encouraged to wear a seasonal sweater and donate to Save the Children to support its causes around the world.<br />
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Cheesy, classic or contemporary - it doesn't matter the type of jumper you wear as long as you take part and spare what cash you can.<br />
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Knitters know it's much better to knit your own jumper that will last for years and years rather than buy unsustainable fashion that will fall apart after a few washes. Here are five free pattern ideas:<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/free-pattern-knit-a-chunky-xmas-jumper-pattern/615563-1000" target="_blank">Hobbycraft</a> has a free download pattern for a woman's Christmas jumper complete with pom pom for Rudolph's nose!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkVn1lu1VjMAisYqd3AUd-4fy4NvkFibOY4NoAiqRi0zYkhlGd85Qxm5yxoqpR6nQLc3clAQlDqITtoEdffiaayfNgHk2-VlD0LtiAITshsEQIm0-MpaN3_leIUTpru9k8U5biVEASlGF/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkVn1lu1VjMAisYqd3AUd-4fy4NvkFibOY4NoAiqRi0zYkhlGd85Qxm5yxoqpR6nQLc3clAQlDqITtoEdffiaayfNgHk2-VlD0LtiAITshsEQIm0-MpaN3_leIUTpru9k8U5biVEASlGF/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Hobbycraft</td></tr>
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2. <a href="https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/sleigh-ride-sweater-in-paintbox-yarns-wool-mix-aran-downloadable-pdf" target="_blank">Lovecrafts</a> has a free download of a Painbox Yarns pattern for men featuring lots of Christmas trees.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXomWdR08yHNB4E1tSq8c453mJRCVmZ4MinQ7gLSLxIlVo0_qNGTnR1Oe036_yhbflLYRXNpS1VRq2-RnynnOCjTzfKSFaMeNm_FbIMeoD_VUmxQkTHzJGx-hCBxLXYgj3XUFPMOSwG0P5/s1600/1000x1000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXomWdR08yHNB4E1tSq8c453mJRCVmZ4MinQ7gLSLxIlVo0_qNGTnR1Oe036_yhbflLYRXNpS1VRq2-RnynnOCjTzfKSFaMeNm_FbIMeoD_VUmxQkTHzJGx-hCBxLXYgj3XUFPMOSwG0P5/s320/1000x1000.jpeg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Paintbox Yarns/Lovecrafts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. <a href="https://www.garnstudio.com/pattern.php?id=6710&cid=19" target="_blank">DROPS</a> design's free pattern has a festive silver stag yoke.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbD61Pd-2ySIvypaLV6mqwtn5Nv6QaC9e7HsdpEGZslPsN9kAuy19ren0VH1F_746ab7ls2V6Wsqt-xkP9G6GRPlniL-F66oUKuT7JKn2Xs79OPsuXEeXp3sRg5Dr9lErtga1figree4p/s1600/23-2_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbD61Pd-2ySIvypaLV6mqwtn5Nv6QaC9e7HsdpEGZslPsN9kAuy19ren0VH1F_746ab7ls2V6Wsqt-xkP9G6GRPlniL-F66oUKuT7JKn2Xs79OPsuXEeXp3sRg5Dr9lErtga1figree4p/s320/23-2_medium.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of DROPS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. <i><a href="https://www.letsknit.co.uk/free-knitting-patterns/childs-christmas-jumper" target="_blank">Let's Knit</a></i> magazine has a free download pattern for a unisex child's snowman jumper.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAHttdHh5BZ1nZzzlvfd0Nea5V1kVq6xKiCAsn8F0W0TUlSEBwRGyIMsN7n7JFO2CR3Xpc4EZWKo12p5s8IIxHHAyHtQR33y1OFt_0XnRTdaR7dhyphenhyphenHpcKnystbENb_TBFQjucunWw4yZg/s1600/Jolly_Jumpers_450_417_64_c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="450" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAHttdHh5BZ1nZzzlvfd0Nea5V1kVq6xKiCAsn8F0W0TUlSEBwRGyIMsN7n7JFO2CR3Xpc4EZWKo12p5s8IIxHHAyHtQR33y1OFt_0XnRTdaR7dhyphenhyphenHpcKnystbENb_TBFQjucunWw4yZg/s320/Jolly_Jumpers_450_417_64_c1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of <i>Let's Knit</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. <a href="http://www.theyarnloop.com/2013/10/free-christmas-jumper-pattern-merry-christmas-sweaters-knit" target="_blank">The Yarn Loop</a> has a free snowman pattern by Sue Stratford for adults who don't want to miss out on the fun!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF0fMM5KpNeK6p2VvcS-yXhwRvNzjy7wemya8CMVQE8SE14a5ReJwXq2bkmMCxb5_Bc2VPi0i11AwMPs6fwmMtD_V-PbXh0meMoUaGCI6927mTwSY2S5lZxUY_piUtjJjrcXD53pOTzCS/s1600/mcs2_909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF0fMM5KpNeK6p2VvcS-yXhwRvNzjy7wemya8CMVQE8SE14a5ReJwXq2bkmMCxb5_Bc2VPi0i11AwMPs6fwmMtD_V-PbXh0meMoUaGCI6927mTwSY2S5lZxUY_piUtjJjrcXD53pOTzCS/s320/mcs2_909.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of The Yarn Loop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now all you have to buy is that yarn, that's if you haven't got any hanging around in your stash that is!<br />
<br />
Delve into A Woolly Yarn's archive for more Christmas jumper pattern ideas:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2014/11/get-knitting-for-christmas-jumper-day.html" target="_blank">2014 - Get Knitting For Christmas Jumper Day</a></li>
<li><a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2015/11/christmas-jumper-patterns.html" target="_blank">2015 - Christmas Jumper Patterns</a></li>
<li><a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2017/12/seven-christmas-jumper-patterns-for-2017.html" target="_blank">2017 - Seven Christmas Jumper Patterns for 2017</a></li>
<li><a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2018/12/how-to-design-christmas-jumper.html" target="_blank">2018 - How To Design A Christmas Jumper</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
Which is your favourite Christmas jumper pattern?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-17646810850546941852019-11-15T12:40:00.000-08:002019-11-15T12:40:04.068-08:00Marie Wallin's Two New Pattern Books For Winter<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhartXHw-mxP4QwNBTTQJt5fwVHCvEVctsG8I-h0MJ36tLAajEZxcCo4cDZFnBNZNLzjH8Ee3hGYObMxjlEMmOrKDTL9p4Xa9ENkd5BGr2cRlk811eYClxKwIzwssOpq7Smy_HJByZ81T6A/s1600/meadow+cover+low+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhartXHw-mxP4QwNBTTQJt5fwVHCvEVctsG8I-h0MJ36tLAajEZxcCo4cDZFnBNZNLzjH8Ee3hGYObMxjlEMmOrKDTL9p4Xa9ENkd5BGr2cRlk811eYClxKwIzwssOpq7Smy_HJByZ81T6A/s320/meadow+cover+low+res.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow image courtesy of Marie Wallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's like waiting for a bus and then two come along at once! Fans of knitting designer Marie Wallin - who formerly worked for Rowan and now runs her own business - will be thrilled to know that she's releasing not one but two pattern books this winter.<br />
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<b>Meadow</b><br />
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<i><a href="https://www.mariewallin.com/meadow.html" target="_blank">Meadow</a></i> is already available and contains seven Fair Isle and textured stitch designs that are Wallin's speciality. The whole collection uses <a href="https://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jamieson's</a> Spindrift 4ply wool. Spindrift is a hardy wool with a sticky texture that makes it suitable for steeking - if you dare!<br />
<br />
Says Wallin about the patterns:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The designs in the Meadow collection are lightly inspired by traditional Fair Isle patterns and ornamental design. Many of the shapes are more contemporary in look and styling with some of them being easy to change to a different colour, if so desired."</blockquote>
Meadow costs £18 plus P&P from Wallin's website and she is donating £1 from each copy sold to the Shetland MRI scanner appeal. The island of Shetland is close to Wallin's heart and currently residents who need an MRI scan have to travel to the mainland.<br />
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All seven designs are available to browse on <a href="https://www.mariewallin.com/meadow.html" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, but here are A Woolly Yarn's top three favourites:<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cowslip-4" target="_blank">Cowslip</a></b><br />
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This cropped, boxy-shaped jumper is knitted flat in pieces and uses 16 different shades of Spindrift. Great for a challenge!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOQKifd41BtL233QXGPTR5U0kaMMOr1qC49-qN3Wrh-sDuMUUdwYKlGqWC5_5nPBQfX_pS1p5oZ0qmhBZe8dNPa5A1NNws1lnLJep0nH0Sl5CyXRRlSoWZ5ge9JUHjBkDc6HI971jdrNy/s1600/AE05FF55-690E-411D-80A7-E50D736DFD3D_small2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOQKifd41BtL233QXGPTR5U0kaMMOr1qC49-qN3Wrh-sDuMUUdwYKlGqWC5_5nPBQfX_pS1p5oZ0qmhBZe8dNPa5A1NNws1lnLJep0nH0Sl5CyXRRlSoWZ5ge9JUHjBkDc6HI971jdrNy/s1600/AE05FF55-690E-411D-80A7-E50D736DFD3D_small2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowslip image courtesy of Marie Wallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mallow-7" target="_blank"><b>Mallow</b></a><br />
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Wallin has used the shade 'Blue Lovat' for this jumper with three-quarter-length sleeves. The intricate stitch pattern is very striking.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3xlOgYDMNsRJqo475ee9CYOdoOWyrB_2RPZ_X6QzX69RMoVny-n11dTz37Uab3P3XbuV9Q80QxmcSUSmyBp1401CWGOISDQ9j5GeAH91WfW9ctVPm_9JXa3GSCU8jEZ0yMn_pA32bzBZ/s1600/98DD6E7B-6560-446E-862C-AF06D57547D1_medium2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="640" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3xlOgYDMNsRJqo475ee9CYOdoOWyrB_2RPZ_X6QzX69RMoVny-n11dTz37Uab3P3XbuV9Q80QxmcSUSmyBp1401CWGOISDQ9j5GeAH91WfW9ctVPm_9JXa3GSCU8jEZ0yMn_pA32bzBZ/s320/98DD6E7B-6560-446E-862C-AF06D57547D1_medium2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallow image courtesy of Marie Wallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/teasel-7" target="_blank">Teasel</a></b><br />
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Want a change from stranded colourwork yokes? This design places the colourwork around the waist instead.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8KnhZaY6mn8P90GOz6YLqnoKTJDVZ-4Eu72qSHp_t1AlzWRw_tgtVM5xVV2YX-vXFeJbbet6c0XjuCOCBRkD6ulGzcFA2Hiqq_TB70crpZ4dsr9ZCnNJEgoFrpTrlJZ2Zb8RQ1_NVTR-/s1600/25259080-771F-4EFB-8BF5-564E822B38A3_medium2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8KnhZaY6mn8P90GOz6YLqnoKTJDVZ-4Eu72qSHp_t1AlzWRw_tgtVM5xVV2YX-vXFeJbbet6c0XjuCOCBRkD6ulGzcFA2Hiqq_TB70crpZ4dsr9ZCnNJEgoFrpTrlJZ2Zb8RQ1_NVTR-/s320/25259080-771F-4EFB-8BF5-564E822B38A3_medium2.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teasel image courtesy of Marie Wallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Gentle</b><br />
<br />
Wallin's second pattern book of the season, <a href="https://www.mariewallin.com/gentle.html" target="_blank"><i>Gentle</i></a>, uses her own British Breeds yarn range, including four new shades that will launch on 1st December to coincide with the publication of the book. Gentle is available to pre-order for £19 plus P&P from <a href="https://www.mariewallin.com/index.html" target="_blank">Marie Wallin's website</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoK4sUCrj_tDHA4fAzs55UMbRaaczI2yEyDpvaZVKh4e8rhlOkxcXG0r6igm0ky5WoByHol-zlktRjFiColYDen87XO6LrSOH2Uzgf5rk7R9r_-_I3iNgELIk4jAe8MBZiMbUHefnXbHw/s1600/f714ace6-7cca-42e2-b217-61d233841ccf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoK4sUCrj_tDHA4fAzs55UMbRaaczI2yEyDpvaZVKh4e8rhlOkxcXG0r6igm0ky5WoByHol-zlktRjFiColYDen87XO6LrSOH2Uzgf5rk7R9r_-_I3iNgELIk4jAe8MBZiMbUHefnXbHw/s320/f714ace6-7cca-42e2-b217-61d233841ccf.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentle image courtesy of Marie Wallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Gentle</i> contains 12 designs and, after a sneak early peak of them all, here are A Woolly Yarn's top three favourites:<br />
<br />
Honeysuckle - a beautifully-shaded Fair Isle cardigan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKPeHpo5LQQZ68MX496sfgIfv3JoDRVHjoqiQDzE4CWcs0K5k9-zVtrjEm3r7P6V7I7EZsOirVp7pl7l2cIsGsP0TSf9BIrJeC52f0iClvbutRxi4fuKVkJsA9Mm2MxWjEZH9w8OXpuPM/s1600/b22e3d7b-db55-4d96-98a8-fa0ea05f39b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKPeHpo5LQQZ68MX496sfgIfv3JoDRVHjoqiQDzE4CWcs0K5k9-zVtrjEm3r7P6V7I7EZsOirVp7pl7l2cIsGsP0TSf9BIrJeC52f0iClvbutRxi4fuKVkJsA9Mm2MxWjEZH9w8OXpuPM/s320/b22e3d7b-db55-4d96-98a8-fa0ea05f39b6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeysuckle image courtesy of Marie Wallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Veronica Cowl - a smaller project suitable for stranded colourwork learners.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb8GYtic9UxP4JHT9U-YkFGFEsHDqqpnSi4HoYzLe8RrePbqw8vwtuhXeZ2RDHMHWkIgKhRMC6x-xSQ6LGgUqvKB3glf-8_5EuhZjT3eEwMDW0THbx-3Ki6inS-4_pcn6aDh8ZgxLOZ-s/s1600/1d8776e0-2296-4e33-9cb4-23c3564aa065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb8GYtic9UxP4JHT9U-YkFGFEsHDqqpnSi4HoYzLe8RrePbqw8vwtuhXeZ2RDHMHWkIgKhRMC6x-xSQ6LGgUqvKB3glf-8_5EuhZjT3eEwMDW0THbx-3Ki6inS-4_pcn6aDh8ZgxLOZ-s/s320/1d8776e0-2296-4e33-9cb4-23c3564aa065.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veronica image courtesy of Marie Wallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mistletoe Tam - a seasonally-named hat that's almost too beautiful to wear!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9VmUkvg9ijo6N3ffHhh4_-7M-CyENBAmqzci8etlYpQo6yHX9_D63l89PBA3UxbJQFBxwcIkvQNEos1DhjrAFO5vmoL-5ItfYJ54UQ4nrp-x_1xA1tsm9LzA-2_V-XdLyBaZQXSxWCHs/s1600/mistletoe+tam_shot_09_076-crop-u77703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="347" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9VmUkvg9ijo6N3ffHhh4_-7M-CyENBAmqzci8etlYpQo6yHX9_D63l89PBA3UxbJQFBxwcIkvQNEos1DhjrAFO5vmoL-5ItfYJ54UQ4nrp-x_1xA1tsm9LzA-2_V-XdLyBaZQXSxWCHs/s320/mistletoe+tam_shot_09_076-crop-u77703.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Which is your favourite? Dare you steek or do you opt for designs you don't have to cut? Let us know in the comment box or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn" target="_blank">A Woolly Yarn's Facebook page</a>.A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-15977573322824442572019-11-06T08:06:00.000-08:002019-11-06T08:06:20.337-08:00Fashionistas Hail Knitted Power JumpersReading this week's <a href="https://graziadaily.co.uk/" target="_blank">Grazia magazine</a> one very woolly story popped out at me. Apparently knitted power jumpers are set to be all the rage: "No longer assuming a solid supporting role to coats and boots, cardis and sweaters are making a play for the limelight this winter". The article was accompanied by photos of jumpers with prices reaching up to a whopping £684, much, much more than the hand-knitted Vinterskov jumper by Karie Westermann that I happened to be wearing whilst reading the article.<br />
<br />
It got me thinking that fashionistas are rather slow on the knitted jumper uptake. Knitters love a statement jumper that they've made themselves - we've been practicing slow, sustainable, eco-friendly fashion for years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z28NE99ZzkAXIVn0TiD7QIGH-JktltOPU3i2uO4OW284PzZELQ8-kzyqV1JY-gBB37BfEwwKEltJQILjEOaZU5H44dHQ6PeoI-90Tf4ZQxTrCWiqEgl4NUwhSXykjEsfIEH4IxAYsuRh/s1600/DSC_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z28NE99ZzkAXIVn0TiD7QIGH-JktltOPU3i2uO4OW284PzZELQ8-kzyqV1JY-gBB37BfEwwKEltJQILjEOaZU5H44dHQ6PeoI-90Tf4ZQxTrCWiqEgl4NUwhSXykjEsfIEH4IxAYsuRh/s400/DSC_0921.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinterskov image courtesy of Karie Westermann</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During my childhood I was told to put a jumper on rather than turn the heating up and I love this time of year when the clocks go back, the nights get darker, the days cooler and crisper and it's officially cosy sweater season. I finished my version of Westermann's Vinteskov back in April this year and it's only in the last couple of weeks that it has been cold enough to wear it. My version is mainly knitted in a one-off hand-dyed yarn by <a href="https://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eden Cottage Yarns</a> along with some leftover plum aran for the trees that matched the dark speckles exactly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zezXfA8BRNpaOZK48QycKRmsB1J8CbGoDT8DI7AcpXV_cTffOGgfq6viyPv5gfILCPY0ChekWiF_YTDo3Qy0vTX_esPSwMCXN2CkWnLCOHdhLgVAG1s_i-W-ahrPFcoklmMPYky79rTv/s1600/IMG_1823_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zezXfA8BRNpaOZK48QycKRmsB1J8CbGoDT8DI7AcpXV_cTffOGgfq6viyPv5gfILCPY0ChekWiF_YTDo3Qy0vTX_esPSwMCXN2CkWnLCOHdhLgVAG1s_i-W-ahrPFcoklmMPYky79rTv/s400/IMG_1823_medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version of Vinterskov </td></tr>
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Knitters have known for centuries that woolly jumpers are can be both practical and fashionable. Grazia says that a power knit "should simply look compellingly cosy and as if it has - and will be - in your wardrobe for years."<br />
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One jumper that fits the bill, which I finished a couple of months ago, is the cover pattern from Shetland Wool Week's 2018 Annual: Alyssa Maggie's Tree Yoke.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSJehR4TZ3yfifDiIv06Ly-lipdR9yIkKqDKyWx8xBXxQykbMayfb4wC161CUz7TYSLHal_Kyxlk9yvOmgd7d5mZR4MuZwXBNlLU6mhkPKSSyUzCkclAzCxcBQf6FzBf6XjlILzkPyki8/s1600/tree_yoke_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="542" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSJehR4TZ3yfifDiIv06Ly-lipdR9yIkKqDKyWx8xBXxQykbMayfb4wC161CUz7TYSLHal_Kyxlk9yvOmgd7d5mZR4MuZwXBNlLU6mhkPKSSyUzCkclAzCxcBQf6FzBf6XjlILzkPyki8/s320/tree_yoke_medium2.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Alyssa Maggie</td></tr>
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My version is knitted using <a href="https://susancrawfordvintage.com/collections/excelana-4-ply" target="_blank">Susan Crawford's Excelana 4ply,</a> with a darker grey and lighter yellow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXZIQyYSMCxNb6xz6FWgtPdIzBnKqZk0ywmB8il0mLGHEbuV_IumwlvwN2EH13uveOp9t87_YLdgsVbL66bNxiFXVQPCV06Dd9TwANMUQkKViiDVYHOVo-J934BlBiENe0IOTmKE0h3Xh/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXZIQyYSMCxNb6xz6FWgtPdIzBnKqZk0ywmB8il0mLGHEbuV_IumwlvwN2EH13uveOp9t87_YLdgsVbL66bNxiFXVQPCV06Dd9TwANMUQkKViiDVYHOVo-J934BlBiENe0IOTmKE0h3Xh/s400/IMG_2080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My other 'power jumper' this year is Marna Gilligan's The Simpler Sinister Sweater. Marna's original is knitted in yellow and grey:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPk0nE8LcYbN2-SQqNTBEECZTOzzU22_cbybx29m-K0SiHe7AvPBGCjQrkIo7hpFjrBJnnfNqtxIFMgwHiMudG2TOpSO77uuUBX_L_xgDkhtqsUb6VdYugl7wKgzLmT_klbw3PdPxdNDU/s1600/yellow2_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPk0nE8LcYbN2-SQqNTBEECZTOzzU22_cbybx29m-K0SiHe7AvPBGCjQrkIo7hpFjrBJnnfNqtxIFMgwHiMudG2TOpSO77uuUBX_L_xgDkhtqsUb6VdYugl7wKgzLmT_klbw3PdPxdNDU/s320/yellow2_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Marna Gilligan</td></tr>
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I opted for yarn from the <a href="https://www.kettleyarnco.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kettle Yarn Co.</a> in brighter colours:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI7TE3EtoHoIMdcNbstPNM11o_rWcp6VOQdhy5gSgBw7fFIBqGm7JZh3QuT-OKRpbdk7Y02oUOVBX6qoYaQIB7Za8WTcm-sMFScwELDtK859mRPWnACYD8-ypNy1A6oqBJaPzJKPhW-NO/s1600/IMG_1887_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI7TE3EtoHoIMdcNbstPNM11o_rWcp6VOQdhy5gSgBw7fFIBqGm7JZh3QuT-OKRpbdk7Y02oUOVBX6qoYaQIB7Za8WTcm-sMFScwELDtK859mRPWnACYD8-ypNy1A6oqBJaPzJKPhW-NO/s320/IMG_1887_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Coming soon to my needles is a fabulous new power jumper pattern by Mrs Moon using super chunky wool:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYNwgHn_J2d8w0hHsj8qHbMHmoyPkvfKvvxbGaUjsyf2W3EkfSqtZuLJKQ2yGvB8bF7o9I8_qiFsMIkXanuAM_bYvidb0wmRr5GQ7c6l6klZOmTC5TuaLo5icUd-DAtj1OtDIsdsbaNZF/s1600/DSC_2867_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYNwgHn_J2d8w0hHsj8qHbMHmoyPkvfKvvxbGaUjsyf2W3EkfSqtZuLJKQ2yGvB8bF7o9I8_qiFsMIkXanuAM_bYvidb0wmRr5GQ7c6l6klZOmTC5TuaLo5icUd-DAtj1OtDIsdsbaNZF/s400/DSC_2867_medium2.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossy jumper image courtesy of Mrs Moon</td></tr>
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It's going to be a Christmas gift for a relative and I'm hoping that because it's knitted on 10mm needles I'll get it finished way before December 25th!<br />
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What's your favourite hand-knitted power jumper? Or which are you planning to knit over the months? Tell all in the comments below or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn" target="_blank">A Woolly Yarn's Facebook page</a>.</div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-19587641122169409062019-10-28T07:29:00.000-07:002019-10-28T07:29:36.915-07:00Review Of Shetland Wool Week Annual 2019<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N7ldP-KRsQv_82r-Pnog1LRe-yEJEQnfOWpz1yGKMI0RO9-G30n2ce-Xa3llRt1Qiih4U644E_mxGXLdjx_tHdOIt8Y7Nzqsobj13ojAIoICRawlMmBgPuqAelGcLycd8sAoDz-t56dn/s1600/SWWA_2019_cover_small-768x964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N7ldP-KRsQv_82r-Pnog1LRe-yEJEQnfOWpz1yGKMI0RO9-G30n2ce-Xa3llRt1Qiih4U644E_mxGXLdjx_tHdOIt8Y7Nzqsobj13ojAIoICRawlMmBgPuqAelGcLycd8sAoDz-t56dn/s320/SWWA_2019_cover_small-768x964.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Shetland Wool Week</td></tr>
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This year's Shetland Wool Week was another success attracting visitors from all around the world to the small Scottish island renowned for its woolly heritage.<br />
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For those of us who didn't get a chance or couldn't afford to go there the <i><a href="https://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/annual/" target="_blank">Shetland Wool Week Annual 2019</a></i>, priced at £24 plus P&P, is a great souvenir and opportunity for a spot of armchair travelling. A Woolly Yarn received a review copy but all opinions are our own.<br />
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As well as containing 16 patterns inspired by Shetland (15 are knitting and one, by Marie Wallin, is crochet) the annual celebrates the tenth anniversary of Wool Week. An article looks into the history of official hat pattern releases for the festival - this year's is Oliver Henry's Roadside Beanie -<br />
there's a left of support from HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothsay, who initiated the Campaign for Wool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKktkKOyk_QNGDH1rBMdSIP1inuTQ6QZNWfuH2KWiCrHF35pqfNVr9DhQDpQcD3ZdFQp5yq-Mt-h7QGcM6guYXptK2Qvta_nXG_773PVd9lVBJi6tnbo5m42CYHwAlw_m3833qpWiQbFw/s1600/J_S_small2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKktkKOyk_QNGDH1rBMdSIP1inuTQ6QZNWfuH2KWiCrHF35pqfNVr9DhQDpQcD3ZdFQp5yq-Mt-h7QGcM6guYXptK2Qvta_nXG_773PVd9lVBJi6tnbo5m42CYHwAlw_m3833qpWiQbFw/s1600/J_S_small2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Oliver Henry and Sandra Manson</td></tr>
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Sumptuous photography, not only of the garments and accessories included in the patterns but also of scenes around Shetland, really give the reader a feel of the islands. There are also four features covering native sheep, Fair Isle knitting, natural dyes and how the landscape inspires craft.<br />
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The most familiar pattern in the annual, because it was released back in March to promote this year's Wool Week, is this year's patron Oliver Henry's Roadside Beanie. It's knitted using <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jamieson and Smith's</a> 2ply jumper weight wool.<br />
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Henry explained the inspiration for the hat: "My roadside beanie features two common roadside sights in Shetland: Shetland sheep and fishing boats. Both of them have loomed large in my life as a Shetlander."<br />
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The annual contains two more hat patterns to choose from: Felicity Ford's Shetland Muse<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs4Rz4WDzE7aFJrgPIyQDQXFNFlfZ4C6QVqJL2aTA_LAeN_1SxS1KWF84Vsv1qz5rlgJWfUwofww2cEJXR0aYX9EaOnyL5rQJh27B7eKOi9uBXqXj7xULZbMF-L0_SQCVJptU2VXHxICV/s1600/shetlandmuse_small2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs4Rz4WDzE7aFJrgPIyQDQXFNFlfZ4C6QVqJL2aTA_LAeN_1SxS1KWF84Vsv1qz5rlgJWfUwofww2cEJXR0aYX9EaOnyL5rQJh27B7eKOi9uBXqXj7xULZbMF-L0_SQCVJptU2VXHxICV/s320/shetlandmuse_small2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Felicity Ford</td></tr>
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and the Stavaness Toorie by Terri Malcolmson.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1p3xjoVBD31b1I_Jxt24cG-4BXIA_NBwmhpxIohxhAwhPqYTMKFrvSOvVZO-BoqTzDEPibvzFZ9-CxxgVVksc2unCpJ6H6zcCM935335zFhOehyphenhyphenbRwm1cVGzm5d-Yl1lZWkyJNEVaRdm/s1600/7779411D-C7FE-4165-AFB6-B62069C70E16_small2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1p3xjoVBD31b1I_Jxt24cG-4BXIA_NBwmhpxIohxhAwhPqYTMKFrvSOvVZO-BoqTzDEPibvzFZ9-CxxgVVksc2unCpJ6H6zcCM935335zFhOehyphenhyphenbRwm1cVGzm5d-Yl1lZWkyJNEVaRdm/s1600/7779411D-C7FE-4165-AFB6-B62069C70E16_small2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Terri Malcolmson</td></tr>
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If you have something to keep your head warm you'll also be wanting to keep your hands warm too. The Annual has three options, my favourite being Donna Smith's Nancy's Gloves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB88UrIt9Q8pV3Rq5QBh2Z7joMxu9tp8-GVfQm6_A_eZjg0oBtQCbm7283SmAYSbvHzX3buKRMFOGBjflUg2Do5kkAqRnHBELIPHPftHekfyaXeNMx-40x_iTzPlsaC6QdNGZs1rcUuEt/s1600/Gloves_1_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB88UrIt9Q8pV3Rq5QBh2Z7joMxu9tp8-GVfQm6_A_eZjg0oBtQCbm7283SmAYSbvHzX3buKRMFOGBjflUg2Do5kkAqRnHBELIPHPftHekfyaXeNMx-40x_iTzPlsaC6QdNGZs1rcUuEt/s1600/Gloves_1_small2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Donna Smith</td></tr>
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Shawls are intrinsic to Shetland's knitting history and The Annual contains patterns for two plus one for a stole. Of course Fair Isle and stranded colourwork techniques are also synonymous with the islands.<br />
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Linda Shearer's Bonhoga Cardigan (meaning place of one's childhood') will test knitters' skills with its modern twist on a vintage 1950s-60s design.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4AagelxuEucjRV9Ecqpnzl4Au1q8VRofWV-2uCuSb3YCW7WLhfplZ2kyeWRH0EN41uvZHNlpMTfAEgZzkpNHmWgUkdLtNfp2vNeUWBdiozamwjSn3Z8P7ETtHPNHxJBoiLzM5rxxohmB/s1600/bonhoga_cardigan_small2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4AagelxuEucjRV9Ecqpnzl4Au1q8VRofWV-2uCuSb3YCW7WLhfplZ2kyeWRH0EN41uvZHNlpMTfAEgZzkpNHmWgUkdLtNfp2vNeUWBdiozamwjSn3Z8P7ETtHPNHxJBoiLzM5rxxohmB/s1600/bonhoga_cardigan_small2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Linda Shearer</td></tr>
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Ella Gordon's Mattie Yoke is a child's jumper with colours and motifs inspired by Taatit rugs - traditional pile bedcovers of Shetland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtZ33u5gFnBhrX9gRgz7bnLfC_r8bKsXUFtoEvfpfH8bTJtoJ5p7CRsXERqRyxvnn6U3ScM4hdlmd2WRmfAglwyrq18lzoxsYlyOO-M38oG7qb2veBr963ROTV9q0nOsrNcOoUq405xiD/s1600/mattie_yoke_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtZ33u5gFnBhrX9gRgz7bnLfC_r8bKsXUFtoEvfpfH8bTJtoJ5p7CRsXERqRyxvnn6U3ScM4hdlmd2WRmfAglwyrq18lzoxsYlyOO-M38oG7qb2veBr963ROTV9q0nOsrNcOoUq405xiD/s1600/mattie_yoke_small2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Ella Gordon</td></tr>
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All the garments and accessories featured in <i>Shetland Wool Week Annual 2019</i> are available to see on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/shetland-wool-week-annual-2019/patterns" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>.<br />
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The Annual is a great keepsake. Which pattern do you want to knit first? Let us know in the comments below or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn" target="_blank">A Woolly Yarn's Facebook page</a>.A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-6182198495038669902019-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:002019-10-17T09:07:06.788-07:00Which Colours Are On Trend For 2020?I know, I know, we haven't even had Bonfire Night yet, never mind Christmas, so it feels way too early to be thinking of the New Year. Yarn companies and other businesses such as paint manufacturers, however, work at least six months in advance and its their job to make a prophecy on the colours that customers will be wanting in the future, based on the zeitgeist, fashion trends and, well, probably clutching at straws in the wind.<br />
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The website LoveCrafts and paint company Dulux have both revealed the colours they think will be popular in 2020.<br />
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<b>Greeny-Grey</b><br />
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Dulux's pick is Tranquil Dawn, a greeny-grey shade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6M_8_I1Dsf8pCQ7N2AQpNKeCYh37F0UWOVUe5FeBuNjAmfB7rPYtuubarH5HMhO77-akvW0CDNfueDQQdZgUXjM4YZaPA-dQkU9ehVUGKrYmvheKQOwAZ7QyDd5CHbydwxSSi-5ePPFP/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6M_8_I1Dsf8pCQ7N2AQpNKeCYh37F0UWOVUe5FeBuNjAmfB7rPYtuubarH5HMhO77-akvW0CDNfueDQQdZgUXjM4YZaPA-dQkU9ehVUGKrYmvheKQOwAZ7QyDd5CHbydwxSSi-5ePPFP/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of nda.ac.uk</td></tr>
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According to <a href="https://www.dulux.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dulux</a> the neutral shade "reflects a growing desire to understand what it is to be human at a time when advances in technology are making us feel increasingly disconnected from each other."<br />
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It's certainly a relaxing colour with echoes of nature. I found it very difficult to find wool resembling this shade, because the ones I came across veered towards being more green or more grey.<br />
<br />
Rowan's Pure Wool Worsted in the shade Fern is similar, but watch out because it's superwash. For more details about the damaging environmental process involved in making wool superwash see A Woolly Yarn's previous blog post <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2019/07/should-knitters-avoid-superwash-wool.html">Should Knitters Avoid Superwash Wool?</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoTV-L1sOsW6hB_yjpHq3RAfhJIZvWg1xg2ftmWfBSK4QByZ3bbYHzRdJO8NEH09S53KbktEVyUYvh9Em5Ou0yghGdwD4OzJU5FlPOXs0XWyH1eb4GjgSUqGS3gXurx0z7-HCujWPBEdt/s1600/9802170-00193_B.tif_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoTV-L1sOsW6hB_yjpHq3RAfhJIZvWg1xg2ftmWfBSK4QByZ3bbYHzRdJO8NEH09S53KbktEVyUYvh9Em5Ou0yghGdwD4OzJU5FlPOXs0XWyH1eb4GjgSUqGS3gXurx0z7-HCujWPBEdt/s320/9802170-00193_B.tif_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fern image courtesy of Knit Rowan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Rowan's Summerlite 4ply in the shade Green Bay is also similar:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoTV-L1sOsW6hB_yjpHq3RAfhJIZvWg1xg2ftmWfBSK4QByZ3bbYHzRdJO8NEH09S53KbktEVyUYvh9Em5Ou0yghGdwD4OzJU5FlPOXs0XWyH1eb4GjgSUqGS3gXurx0z7-HCujWPBEdt/s1600/9802170-00193_B.tif_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoTV-L1sOsW6hB_yjpHq3RAfhJIZvWg1xg2ftmWfBSK4QByZ3bbYHzRdJO8NEH09S53KbktEVyUYvh9Em5Ou0yghGdwD4OzJU5FlPOXs0XWyH1eb4GjgSUqGS3gXurx0z7-HCujWPBEdt/s320/9802170-00193_B.tif_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Bay image courtesy of Knit Rowan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Caramel</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/" target="_blank">LoveCrafts</a> suggests that caramel will be a popular colour on knitters' needles in 2020 (as well as 1980s neons but we'll pass that one by - been there, done that, not knitted the colours).<br />
<br />
Debbie Bliss' Toast 4ply in the Gold shade is on the vibrant side of caramel:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeFrVfzaKecIP-hzgy8BLpZWd6ko4tX_cU2m1prR_WtS_Ez4gS8yffM4dFERrYA4vwcsvNRLlFtuOhqWMn8mMoVWoO8_7_fS5B9V0r9nfxSDxIXmzjqkEEp-RmsxIAGiA21vUF0rEhSvu/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeFrVfzaKecIP-hzgy8BLpZWd6ko4tX_cU2m1prR_WtS_Ez4gS8yffM4dFERrYA4vwcsvNRLlFtuOhqWMn8mMoVWoO8_7_fS5B9V0r9nfxSDxIXmzjqkEEp-RmsxIAGiA21vUF0rEhSvu/s320/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of LoveCrafts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whereas Sublime's Extra Fine Merino in the caramel shade is more muted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise_Ktimfn5J4ApLhn3wYx6h0d17IJ8G3cn3J8x7k0LLSNhIFLGaLXlI_tzkX0EOLSOzxFTMmguxpf1vZj7oko8QtO1ikyuDnImi0Sg-zXRAxMMLrBDWE3aSljoMJz57xunJIgzbtYhEoD/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="227" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise_Ktimfn5J4ApLhn3wYx6h0d17IJ8G3cn3J8x7k0LLSNhIFLGaLXlI_tzkX0EOLSOzxFTMmguxpf1vZj7oko8QtO1ikyuDnImi0Sg-zXRAxMMLrBDWE3aSljoMJz57xunJIgzbtYhEoD/s320/images-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of thewoolfactoryonline.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Or if you're more pumpkin-shade orientated then try West Yorkshire Spinners' Bluefaced Leicester Aran:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdztnVPCbXCI4ZvCXLnwrDNU0fFKfBuSDBNqHenSOBxBrZrzeYWOhttIHfOALkL5dQvhSwvA84FIInld0waRUo_7cLLvKB6vmiu3BVQW8xX1q6SH-RGh8Bv4hUwin_l6MjJfcOkDi0FbW/s1600/BFL-Aran---Burnt-Orange-192x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="192" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdztnVPCbXCI4ZvCXLnwrDNU0fFKfBuSDBNqHenSOBxBrZrzeYWOhttIHfOALkL5dQvhSwvA84FIInld0waRUo_7cLLvKB6vmiu3BVQW8xX1q6SH-RGh8Bv4hUwin_l6MjJfcOkDi0FbW/s320/BFL-Aran---Burnt-Orange-192x250.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of West Yorkshire Spinners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Which trend do you prefer or do you usually reach for the tried and testers colours you like? Let us know in the comments below or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn" target="_blank">A Woolly Yarn's Facebook page</a>.A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-49263474179929178192019-10-09T09:04:00.001-07:002019-10-09T09:04:31.931-07:00UK Wool Week 2019 Says 'Check It's Wool'Is it wool or a yarn with plastic in such as acrylic? That's what this year's Campaign for Wool is urging buyers to ask when they're shopping for clothes and hand-knitting yarn.<br />
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This year's campaign, whose patron is HRH The Prince of Wales, began on October 7th and runs until October 20th. It is focussing on the 'natural performance qualities' and ecological benefits of wool as biodegradable in a drive to reduce plastic and micro-fibre pollution.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGqhQTj9ZEVzEcJvZRTnY2uEShw_y8e5-nD_lY7HfeEI3awelxYvGwR2_I8PhOaQ8b5W_Ekm7UR9V0Ka3i0WjzSx4XgDqlZhfGPy-8zu4dUSbBmfUOSbfRV1CIKJEOOgT_pUMeRyXcGix/s1600/IMG_5081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1120" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGqhQTj9ZEVzEcJvZRTnY2uEShw_y8e5-nD_lY7HfeEI3awelxYvGwR2_I8PhOaQ8b5W_Ekm7UR9V0Ka3i0WjzSx4XgDqlZhfGPy-8zu4dUSbBmfUOSbfRV1CIKJEOOgT_pUMeRyXcGix/s400/IMG_5081.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of The Campaign for Wool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The famous woolly character Shaun The Sheep is getting involved, tying in with the release on October 18th of Aardman's latest film <a href="https://www.farmageddonmovie.co.uk/" target="_blank">Shaun The Sheep Farmageddon</a>. The campaign says: "a short special edition animation film has been created that is being used an education platform for wool's Super Natural Benefits. Products to allow children to experience the softness and skin benefits of wool for themsleves are being provided from Smalls and Mama Owl."<br />
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Fashion company Brora is joining the campaign by selling a limited edition jumper designed for Wool Week by Jasmine Cook, a student at Jordanstone College of Art and Design. The jumper costs £145 and is available in Brora stores and on the <a href="https://www.brora.co.uk/cw1900kf9951" target="_blank">Brora website</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4eJoDOL_94q80lI9Q5x-mXzcU0zCm2pGfyhYlHJpOOLhN-hOcfttRpaVEZrKSQReEWF8xwJ3CiNSXrc2D3EK-Q6fRCyqqNrUHWBfLzxoxJRdlfmyeXGi_ZE6HqXT0GnJ3YtWXeQ5Vxje/s1600/SS38510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4eJoDOL_94q80lI9Q5x-mXzcU0zCm2pGfyhYlHJpOOLhN-hOcfttRpaVEZrKSQReEWF8xwJ3CiNSXrc2D3EK-Q6fRCyqqNrUHWBfLzxoxJRdlfmyeXGi_ZE6HqXT0GnJ3YtWXeQ5Vxje/s400/SS38510.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Brora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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London company <a href="https://www.sheepinc.com/" target="_blank">Sheep Inc</a> is launching the world's first 'carbon negative' jumper. The campaign says: "the wool jumper takes out 10 times as much greenhouse gases as was used in its making - and includes adopting a sheep from which the wool was taken. The supply chain is so transparent that a NFC chip on the hem of the jumper can be scanned using a smartphone allowing the owner to trace the wool back to the actual sheep from which it was sheared."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugE5X_aMExMEHsi_dZvce-6LF4KujjkZOsGceV1K3QhEcCfZUgODs2J05QRRO46yCwoK6owLUWS8rwmvMGK_Z385E_xcfFfHeF600MwyvNnmUJpyHu1Yyi3MrCBDGyJkT4CEX4qgYtKaB/s1600/Sheep-Inc_Sweater-Red_Top-Back_04-Neutral.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugE5X_aMExMEHsi_dZvce-6LF4KujjkZOsGceV1K3QhEcCfZUgODs2J05QRRO46yCwoK6owLUWS8rwmvMGK_Z385E_xcfFfHeF600MwyvNnmUJpyHu1Yyi3MrCBDGyJkT4CEX4qgYtKaB/s400/Sheep-Inc_Sweater-Red_Top-Back_04-Neutral.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of The Campaign for Wool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Other events for Wool Week include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A launch on October 15th of John Hudson and Anderson & Sheppard wool survival sweater, available in three colours</li>
<li>The knitwear company John Smedley is releasing a three piece range of knitwear using Bluefaced Leicester wool, with an event on October 17th featuring ex-Blur bassist and now farmer Alex James</li>
<li>Finistere, an outdoor apparel company, has launched an eco-friendly fleece made from recycled wool and manmade fibres</li>
<li>An exhibition at Salts Mill in Yorkshire called 'Weaving The Future'.</li>
</ul>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-80208600841318256432019-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:002019-10-07T13:02:56.937-07:00Six Yarn Advent Calendars Still Available To Order For ChristmasAlthough Christmas is still more than a couple of months away some companies believe it or not have already sold out of their advent yarn calendars. In the past couple of years they have become a popular alternative to their chocolate cousins, offering 24 samples of wool usually based on a theme which doesn't necessarily have to be Christmassy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ty4s9nsA_bj-n-8yJaV5V-0gn8lBcB8F1amsKcuiHgFhgI7IoewbOlh21GJcN9qeADxcj8YDsoEawRXLhTV6Tl4xliE680N8QM_ugzxe9XXqs4fdgsOWr_x_a40oR6h4mWOouPibDdrk/s1600/pexels-photo-717988.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ty4s9nsA_bj-n-8yJaV5V-0gn8lBcB8F1amsKcuiHgFhgI7IoewbOlh21GJcN9qeADxcj8YDsoEawRXLhTV6Tl4xliE680N8QM_ugzxe9XXqs4fdgsOWr_x_a40oR6h4mWOouPibDdrk/s400/pexels-photo-717988.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many yarn dyers offer different price options where you can choose the amount of wool you want to unwrap each day, whether it's 10g, 20g or even more. Most also offer a few mystery treats on the way such as sweets and stitch markers.<br />
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Here's a round up of six woolly advent calendars still open for orders but be quick, orders will close soon to give the companies enough time to hand-dye the yarn before December!<br />
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<b><a href="https://vickibrowndesigns.com/products/the-yarn-advent-2018" target="_blank">Vicki Brown Designs</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>There are two options for this calendar: 24 x10g hand-dyed mini skeins in sock or DK weight for £65, or 24 x 20g mini skeins in sock or DK weight for £100. The price includes UK postage and some extra treats behind some of the doors.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt70LPs3OWTJWIDoU40M_rxV4a-d4uHDP8IvsdCu41ZBOISdUopaSaa904stk1tt-HeUHSrg6HDemHP0NXHO7cZSD-M8iozhKP4-VsGrtvgXJk6_UXqhZbB7lOJOa25C8E45blYgeQlQl/s1600/image_2dea8ed9-9e6e-42f3-ab44-471851b10b65_360x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt70LPs3OWTJWIDoU40M_rxV4a-d4uHDP8IvsdCu41ZBOISdUopaSaa904stk1tt-HeUHSrg6HDemHP0NXHO7cZSD-M8iozhKP4-VsGrtvgXJk6_UXqhZbB7lOJOa25C8E45blYgeQlQl/s320/image_2dea8ed9-9e6e-42f3-ab44-471851b10b65_360x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Vicki Brown Designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><a href="https://www.woolistheanswer.co.uk/product-page/pre-orders-yarn-advent-calendar" target="_blank">Wool Is The Answer</a></b><br />
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Their yarn advent calendar costs £55 and includes free shipping. In the handmade advent calendar will be 17 micro skeins of 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon 4ply yarn in tonal solid and multi colours, plus seven 10g mini skeins of 75% superwash merino, 20% nylon and 5% stellina in tonal solids and multi colours.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDskgwO0CMBaWmlEq8IsjnARCeMWK-KyQrC7mHmhK4_Ja4wIKJCS8YouWhPGg0B7qbjMLKhjNdr1aysqfHgyjc1n3ESNhvOjooUseOxtmmgTwnsX8AkRkXOQ6ry_k7pUwksLYiK11_PK54/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDskgwO0CMBaWmlEq8IsjnARCeMWK-KyQrC7mHmhK4_Ja4wIKJCS8YouWhPGg0B7qbjMLKhjNdr1aysqfHgyjc1n3ESNhvOjooUseOxtmmgTwnsX8AkRkXOQ6ry_k7pUwksLYiK11_PK54/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Wool Is The Answer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><a href="https://www.bluebellyarns.co.uk/product-category/british-yarn-advent-calendar/" target="_blank">Bluebell Yarns</a></b><br />
<br />
Bluebell Yarns non-Christmas-themed advent offering consists of hand-dyed Bluefaced Leicester 4ply. There six options to choose from depending on whether you want 10g or 20g skeins in sock yarn, 4ply or DK. Prices range from £45 to £82. Go for the low packaging option for a reduction. Shipping is free.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AYOIWjGfD_s2o7jAtr4F-Aq_xB5f7hOE0C5ZaK1okmwEAJERkXvyOpGZa9KKySPnViG7Lm2b-szMFsyw0ihIG8mnuMTC0jnMIQ2BZ8L2w70nEQy2CHgBS2Sr6ZXKh8bga2jSIwAD5Vhn/s1600/il_794xN.2047338237_inyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AYOIWjGfD_s2o7jAtr4F-Aq_xB5f7hOE0C5ZaK1okmwEAJERkXvyOpGZa9KKySPnViG7Lm2b-szMFsyw0ihIG8mnuMTC0jnMIQ2BZ8L2w70nEQy2CHgBS2Sr6ZXKh8bga2jSIwAD5Vhn/s320/il_794xN.2047338237_inyl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Bluebell Yarns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><a href="https://strawberryfieldsyarns.com/collections/frontpage/products/2019-advent-calendars-rainbow-or-books-themee" target="_blank">Strawberry Fields Yarns</a></b><br />
<br />
Choose the rainbow or books theme for this advent calendar. The hand-dyed skeins are available in 24 x 5g mini skeins for £32, 24 x 10g mini skeins for £60, or 24 x 20g mini skeins for £82. Shipping in the UK is an extra £3.50.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZaHanRwTRNFk8PG4CiuiuPlQevkDxVllvyKh0TjNgGPLFROQWR7DEELriiZnYs3IribPSRMxHUDsFM0sjiV76HYEaYP-_MdXBE0k8qi5HZ57JWsSONmUanTYfsBW_vdDCpYdoocnQG22/s1600/20190916-103832-0000_1024x1024%25402x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZaHanRwTRNFk8PG4CiuiuPlQevkDxVllvyKh0TjNgGPLFROQWR7DEELriiZnYs3IribPSRMxHUDsFM0sjiV76HYEaYP-_MdXBE0k8qi5HZ57JWsSONmUanTYfsBW_vdDCpYdoocnQG22/s320/20190916-103832-0000_1024x1024%25402x.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Strawberry Fields Yarns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://duckydarlingsyarns.com/" target="_blank"><b>Ducky Darlings</b></a><br />
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For £95 Ducky Darlings' advent calendar includes 24 x 20g mini skeins of hand-dyed 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon 4ply sock yarn. Second class postage within the UK is included.<br />
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This year's theme is flora and fauna. The calendars will also contain a few mystery treats including chocolate.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy6TfF_Fhfb3ePdOGCNfx9cIkuxNVX-kVM1i_CqNj68tGsCAUDYn-i-bj2TQtHe4_pkowNehgaF7S752EiKy-mYBYnTGwPl6c32ZSaCqsHhIKsMVc6lD3_t-goqHkku8fb-3j5c8IlHuv/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="242" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy6TfF_Fhfb3ePdOGCNfx9cIkuxNVX-kVM1i_CqNj68tGsCAUDYn-i-bj2TQtHe4_pkowNehgaF7S752EiKy-mYBYnTGwPl6c32ZSaCqsHhIKsMVc6lD3_t-goqHkku8fb-3j5c8IlHuv/s320/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Ducky Darlings</td></tr>
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<b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/702390079/hand-dyed-sock-yarn-advent-calendar?ref=shop_home_active_24&crt=1" target="_blank">Sheepish Fibre Art</a></b><br />
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This last option is more of a budget buster but great for knitters who want a Christmassy theme. The calendar contains hand-dyed sock yarn with colours inspired by Charles Dickens' novel <i>A Christmas Carol</i>.<br />
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There are two calendars to choose from. The first is 25 x 20g mini skeins for £105 and the second is 24 x 20g mini skeins plus one 100g ball. Postage in the UK is an extra £4.95.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU2a4MK57Q72zjV_KT3DeCpAdHkOeyKVoFNuXJZuGzgPJEYiS425Eqz0lmjHXezynWXjqAun_-eV9iFhIKtPJf6KqGPC4s-20PmqoIcrnvaHah8oIi50l2LMTA36cBV72gCHsFd1kAU1N/s1600/il_794xN.1861160244_ssof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="794" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU2a4MK57Q72zjV_KT3DeCpAdHkOeyKVoFNuXJZuGzgPJEYiS425Eqz0lmjHXezynWXjqAun_-eV9iFhIKtPJf6KqGPC4s-20PmqoIcrnvaHah8oIi50l2LMTA36cBV72gCHsFd1kAU1N/s320/il_794xN.1861160244_ssof.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Sheepish Fibre Art</td></tr>
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Which yarn advent calendar is your favourite? Or do you think they're a waste of money and you'd rather buy balls of wool you've chosen yourself? Have your say on A<a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn" target="_blank"> Woolly Yarn's Facebook page</a>.<br />
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<br />A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-67293717027633341342019-10-04T04:57:00.004-07:002019-10-04T04:57:57.970-07:00Review Of This Golden Fleece By Esther Rutter<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwJsaD1apr1EPK52Wkdmwd6vUS4avWCoq2jfTHKKPcJ48sPZYLyT1Qv69ElNr_svpcwcbvjZSJAnsP0qZWrSYpXolcwCfOU0ZeedXThLd3Nyuj2-LJ_vnplqLNxNbA0UD8mCTCEMeR_Wb/s1600/9781783784356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwJsaD1apr1EPK52Wkdmwd6vUS4avWCoq2jfTHKKPcJ48sPZYLyT1Qv69ElNr_svpcwcbvjZSJAnsP0qZWrSYpXolcwCfOU0ZeedXThLd3Nyuj2-LJ_vnplqLNxNbA0UD8mCTCEMeR_Wb/s320/9781783784356.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover image courtesy of Granta</td></tr>
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Imagine quitting an unsatisfying office job to spend a whole year to spend travelling around the British Isles to find out about the country's wool history and local patterns and traditions. That's what Esther Rutter did, and in doing so traced the meaning of thousands of years of Britons, right back to the Stone Age, spinning the hair of sheep and goats to knit and weave cloth and clothes.<br />
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Each chapter is centred around a particular garment Rutter decides to knit. She traces the history of it and its relationship with an area place or tradition, showing how people's use and affinity with wool has differed culturally depending on where they lived. </div>
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Rutter, who has been a knitter for more than 20 years, writes lyrically, immediately drawing the reader into her descriptions of time and landscape. See her musings on some Shetland Heritage yarn she received the Christmas before her journey: </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I took a sniff. A strong outdoor smell, rich and greasy, caught my nostrils. It was as unmistakably sheep funk, the same scent fro Heald Brow wood. Woolly fibres waved and snaked away from the yarn's central strand, black flecked with white, cream specks on brow. This was soft and study Shetland <i>oo</i>, the <i>w</i> and <i>I</i> clipped off the English word."</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJksKN4aVCCztZrpQiTjZHRhh_tPzcMvCy6TFqPa0B1xAmHXVg136yDx52OlK_ZgNuW9jTyazcsRXUoWKnPsLv7rh42wjH96_ylo6RSxhQ5DZprvF3RVhVakH2A4EPX2Qia61v6d1C5FQ/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJksKN4aVCCztZrpQiTjZHRhh_tPzcMvCy6TFqPa0B1xAmHXVg136yDx52OlK_ZgNuW9jTyazcsRXUoWKnPsLv7rh42wjH96_ylo6RSxhQ5DZprvF3RVhVakH2A4EPX2Qia61v6d1C5FQ/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author image courtesy of Jenny Brown Associates</td></tr>
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Since the Bronze Age much of the country's wealth has come from sheep's fleece. Rutter begins her journey in the Wordsworth Museum in Cumbria looking at exquisitely patterned gloves knitted by Dentdale knitters, a place that falls within both the county of Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Dent knitters use a speed style called swaving, knowing that the more items they produced the more they got paid.<br />
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She goes on to more locations with her personal challenge to knit a different item a month including the Gansey - although the name hails from the Channel Islands it was worn by fisherman in many communities across Britain although local same-colour patterns would differ - a knitted bikini inspired by the knitted undergarment history of Hawick in the Borders, and a Monmouth cap.<br />
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During her journey Rutter discovers facts such as that the Soay is Britain's oldest native sheep breed dating back to the Iron Age; the writer Virginia Woolf used knitting to help her during periods of mental distress; that the spinning wheel was invented in China or India over a thousand years ago; and the earliest knitted item found in Britain is the Coppergate Sock from York, dating from the tenth century AD.<br />
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This is a great, well-written book that knitting and history lovers will enjoy. The RRP is £16.99. Thanks to Granta for the review copy - all views are A Woolly Yarn's own. </div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-20924024040151920492019-09-27T05:45:00.000-07:002019-09-27T05:45:30.870-07:00West Yorkshire Spinners' Christmas Sock Yarn 2019 RevealedJust like putting the tree up and leaving mince pies out for Santa there's a relatively new festive tradition in town: knitting a pair of socks in this year's West Yorkshire Spinners' Christmas sock yarn.<br />
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WYS designs a self-striping yarn each year to add to its Signature 4ply range blended from 75% wool and 25% nylon. This year's design is ....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RXAU-DbvTZb2ZH4evlxLllHQQpQKt_KE2lS7387MW744mfGAFWbnaq4mqKbG-lSZaYtXBCv5hgKmkflH95HUTvSOeK-DaWCbQDQum0R-41WwFqKdXbngKEvmXdiVqYkqFr6rxxfbCSXF/s1600/IMG_2062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RXAU-DbvTZb2ZH4evlxLllHQQpQKt_KE2lS7387MW744mfGAFWbnaq4mqKbG-lSZaYtXBCv5hgKmkflH95HUTvSOeK-DaWCbQDQum0R-41WwFqKdXbngKEvmXdiVqYkqFr6rxxfbCSXF/s400/IMG_2062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Robin!<br />
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The yarn has brown, red, white, grey and yellow/orange speckles reminiscent of its festive bird namesake.<br />
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Once again sock knitting pattern designer Winwick Mum has collaborated with WYS to publish a pattern especially for the yarn. The pattern comes free with every yarn purchase and is in the form of a Christmas card:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxQxXLzluG7Bn63eDX2jPCvTXEXh_9WeLsOJNfUebrFCylEqP7aUpue9t51YoKw_23qQukdcSyivFPzfkM_wtJvQT_WvBaDra1TTS4EYJKir2SsskwtYtoO3zkicEO1mFnWZ0X-ZhxVT8/s1600/IMG_2063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxQxXLzluG7Bn63eDX2jPCvTXEXh_9WeLsOJNfUebrFCylEqP7aUpue9t51YoKw_23qQukdcSyivFPzfkM_wtJvQT_WvBaDra1TTS4EYJKir2SsskwtYtoO3zkicEO1mFnWZ0X-ZhxVT8/s320/IMG_2063.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I haven't had time yet to knit up the socks. Let's put it this way, I still haven't finished the second sock knitted with last year's Fairy Lights special edition. Thankfully WYS has a pair knitted up and here is what the socks look like in all their finished glory:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3Kc0dICEuCJovK57CcE2wLJP0jslsX7_NZast5DY95tOahQC_ZhE8mLTgXe3DJ7IkBNKUx9H0v0bep84hOLi_k1LllkIlZAnU-ov1ezvhkzap4XBJOBFRhE1eyzOy5zEHWxQJyExD8EC/s1600/WYS00403+_+Social+_+2-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3Kc0dICEuCJovK57CcE2wLJP0jslsX7_NZast5DY95tOahQC_ZhE8mLTgXe3DJ7IkBNKUx9H0v0bep84hOLi_k1LllkIlZAnU-ov1ezvhkzap4XBJOBFRhE1eyzOy5zEHWxQJyExD8EC/s400/WYS00403+_+Social+_+2-600x600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of West Yorkshire Spinners</td></tr>
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Each 100g ball costs £7.50 and should be available from your local yarn store. If yours doesn't stock it then you can <a href="https://www.wyspinners.com/bluefaced%20leicester%20yarn/4%20Ply/4%20Ply%20-%20Christmas%202019">order directly from WYS</a>.<br />
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Here are details of previous WYS Christmas sock yarns:<br />
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<a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2018/10/blogger-exclusive-west-yorkshire.html">WYS' 2018 Christmas sock yarn - Fairy Lights</a><br />
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<a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-gifts-for-knitters-2017.html">Christmas Gifts For Knitters 2017 - Contains Candy Cane WYS Sock Yarn</a><br />
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<a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/search?q=holly+berry">WYS' 2015 Christmas sock yarn - Holly Berry</a><br />
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Which is your favourite?A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-39554454392306366492019-09-24T08:26:00.001-07:002019-09-24T08:26:43.455-07:00Five Favourite September Jumper/Cardigan PatternsIt's the season to start knitting winter woolies and UK companies are busy competing with each other to get your custom. Here's a round-up of the cream of this month's jumper and cardigan patterns they hope will entice you to part with your cash.<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/no-frills-pullover">No Frills Pullover</a><br />
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Perfect for in-between weather, this short-sleeved pullover by the company Mrs Moon is knitted with their own Plump DK yarn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_yjHibH1tWk-SkSJ49aBRAlvcvg2Mnr6_wzmm-CReL-V6qFIdKnYVE7GUX8eC5FRypB82AjVlBKVrUsHlPWSQfFOlI7Kqwepn7et-Kfa6ld6JEL7zAMkP6ByiVXobMWEjHDNYxM0ei4J/s1600/9b06ff61-aabb-409a-a5e6-fc3bcb23acc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_yjHibH1tWk-SkSJ49aBRAlvcvg2Mnr6_wzmm-CReL-V6qFIdKnYVE7GUX8eC5FRypB82AjVlBKVrUsHlPWSQfFOlI7Kqwepn7et-Kfa6ld6JEL7zAMkP6ByiVXobMWEjHDNYxM0ei4J/s400/9b06ff61-aabb-409a-a5e6-fc3bcb23acc9.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Mrs Moon</td></tr>
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The pattern costs £5.50 downloadable from Ravelry.<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wythop?utm_source=The+Fibre+Co.+Public+Newsletter&utm_campaign=14f59b5719-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_03_01_19_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d2c70bb02a-14f59b5719-28018019&mc_cid=14f59b5719&mc_eid=5c97830723">Wythop</a><br />
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Sari Nordlund's delightful jumper with a rosebud bobble and lace design on the yoke is one of the designs from The Fibre Co's Foundations Autumn-Winter 19/20 collection. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgETgMv6BHRqVyFN8SEcSrOhXoZ1VVGvLcB4M1D6jVQOUmOUPqRAsErN8Py5zQVV2oVm_mfA4lmWT42ehJnaF8yFu8dQ9U0FoZi_OatVjeSyP4Z8cBeQuTQ-Mbjnw153yUQhfVPIA-g6XN/s1600/DSC_6076_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgETgMv6BHRqVyFN8SEcSrOhXoZ1VVGvLcB4M1D6jVQOUmOUPqRAsErN8Py5zQVV2oVm_mfA4lmWT42ehJnaF8yFu8dQ9U0FoZi_OatVjeSyP4Z8cBeQuTQ-Mbjnw153yUQhfVPIA-g6XN/s400/DSC_6076_medium2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of The Fibre Co.</td></tr>
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It's knitted with The Fibre Co's own Arcadia yarn and the pattern is approximately £7.03 on Ravelry.<br />
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3. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cascadia-cardigan">Cascadia</a><br />
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Originally published in a knitting magazine, Cascadia by EastLondonKnits is now available to buy from Ravelry for £7.20.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wzUp_Bi3tA0rTvB4tU842OxGTdqvR2SJslmkYGj_T2eBJoXfHOOjE7FtVWGXHPv97gEn6k5LWb3Kr84GcrQg75dXvf3rCSKGH3X-PhauvFgd319qdpF48xbUGv4o-A6nq5R6q133hqqI/s1600/8a489259-0693-4829-bc8b-bd644d75cc8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wzUp_Bi3tA0rTvB4tU842OxGTdqvR2SJslmkYGj_T2eBJoXfHOOjE7FtVWGXHPv97gEn6k5LWb3Kr84GcrQg75dXvf3rCSKGH3X-PhauvFgd319qdpF48xbUGv4o-A6nq5R6q133hqqI/s320/8a489259-0693-4829-bc8b-bd644d75cc8f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of EastLondonKnits</td></tr>
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The yarn used is <a href="https://www.daughterofashepherd.com/collections/yarn">Daughter of a Shepherd</a>'s 100% British Ram Jam worsted.<br />
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4. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dexter-3">Dexter</a><br />
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Baaramewe, the Yorkshire company whose Leeds store closed this month but which is continuing as an online business, is promoting German designer Isabell Kraemer's Dexter cardigan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7AWQxMi9JyBpn9DJVfREuXQqsZ4WG4qQWPzS9_tTHrHCzpJhDcUwQKcAPlHnr2gzbUy60fQWOKqX0U8YYL5QTlCg-u2M5DGIMThLEzNR59L9-eoQosqIF1uatEY964RqvQHxkxS5fSoa/s1600/Dexter_2_02b6b2f5-5845-4bb0-84c9-7bec31948ebe_large.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="349" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7AWQxMi9JyBpn9DJVfREuXQqsZ4WG4qQWPzS9_tTHrHCzpJhDcUwQKcAPlHnr2gzbUy60fQWOKqX0U8YYL5QTlCg-u2M5DGIMThLEzNR59L9-eoQosqIF1uatEY964RqvQHxkxS5fSoa/s400/Dexter_2_02b6b2f5-5845-4bb0-84c9-7bec31948ebe_large.JPG" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of baaramewe</td></tr>
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Dexter showcases broken seed stitch and is knitted using baaramewe's 4ply British wool Titus. The pattern on Ravelry costs £5.08.<br />
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5. <a href="https://www.wyspinners.com/The%20Croft%20-%20Shetland%20Country%20Pattern%20Book">Flora</a><br />
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Mary Henderson's stranded colourwork yoke jumper is part of West Yorkshire Spinners' latest The Croft collection, called Shetland Country. The book costs £9.90 plus P&P.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeAKyMeFllwktXaEUst-cj0Q0VIxALmRQAznrzln4JHpjoTMQHCaZvPP2N5UJoHJOw7btG6CekgJCpai1dwGDeBGs1VSN_zWS8NDUIbneL7gLwMq4BeeUkjPG9N5ABL7JSe21CBqolceT/s1600/70634846_2430260153755303_664126360574230528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeAKyMeFllwktXaEUst-cj0Q0VIxALmRQAznrzln4JHpjoTMQHCaZvPP2N5UJoHJOw7btG6CekgJCpai1dwGDeBGs1VSN_zWS8NDUIbneL7gLwMq4BeeUkjPG9N5ABL7JSe21CBqolceT/s400/70634846_2430260153755303_664126360574230528_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of West Yorkshire Spinners</td></tr>
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Flora uses both existing and new shades of The Croft, which is an aran weight yarn. We hope to review the yarn and collection soon on A Woolly Yarn.<br />
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Which is your favourite and are there any new releases you think should be included? Let readers know in the comments box below or on A Woolly Yarn's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn">Facebook page</a>.<br />
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<br />A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-33944141604603511362019-09-20T04:36:00.000-07:002019-09-20T04:36:08.322-07:00First Look At Blacker Yarns' 14th Birthday Yarn Cornish GardenIt's 20th September and it's launch day for <a href="https://www.blackeryarns.co.uk/">Blacker Yarns</a>' limited edition 14th birthday yarn Cornish Garden. Here's what we know about it already ...<br />
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<b>There will be two weights available</b><br />
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Says Blacker Yarns, 'Like all our birthday yarns Cornish Garden is woollen spun to achieve a light, fluffy, bulky yarn with a strong memory to increase elasticity and resilience. This year we have used fine fibres, so have been able to make a fine 3ply yarn as well as a thicker sport weight yarn.'<br />
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<b>Cornish Garden will come in six shades</b><br />
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Here's the shade card. There are four vibrant colours - Bononnoc Pink, Trebah Blue, Heligan Green and Cotehele Gold - along with two more neutral shades of Hepworth Natural and Tremenheere Dark Grey. All are named after Cornish gardens.<br />
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<b>Each 100g skein contains a whopping 460m of wool</b><br />
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To make the blend, Blacker Yarns says 'we have combined some soft fine and rare English merino with a few other special things. The yarn is blended from 40% natural white and fawn English Merino plus 17% fawn and grey Shetland, 26% Blue-faced Leicester and, to add some texture and help the planet, we have also recycled 17% pale nails from our frosted combing processes.<br />
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<b>There will be pattern support</b><br />
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Blacker Yarns told A Woolly Yarn that there will be two new patterns especially for Cornish Garden. One is a pair of socks using two colours of sport weight, and the other is a shawl knitted in the 3ply yarn.<br />
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<b>It passes the squish test</b><br />
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A Woolly Yarn received two sample skeins for review in the shades Hepworth Natural and Heligan Green. All opinions are our own.<br />
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First impressions are that the Heligan Green is a vibrant, jewel-like shade and Hepworth Natural is a solid shade of grey - not too light or dark.<br />
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The wool is squishy and bounces back to the touch. There's a satisfying slight sense of sheep reassuring the consumer that the yarn is all wool.<br />
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Cornish Garden has a slight halo and is woollen spun. One thing to bear in mind is that I snapped the fibre easily. Knitters with tight tensions beware!<br />
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<b>What we don't yet know</b><br />
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The price. This will be revealed at launch on Blacker Yarns' website and local yarn stores.<br />
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Interested in Blacker Yarns' previous birthday yarn launches? Delve into the A Woolly Yarn archive:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2018/09/blacker-yarns-launches-tor-collection.html">Tor Collection</a></li>
<li><a href="http://awoollyyarn.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/blacker-yarns-bonanza-cornish-tin-2-st.html">Cornish Tin II</a></li>
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A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-64030301801081666522019-09-16T07:44:00.000-07:002019-09-16T07:44:08.563-07:00Exclusive Interview With The Woolist's Zoe Fletcher<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Zoe Fletcher</td></tr>
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She's the queen of sheep after dedicating her PhD research to British breeds and their fleeces' properties. A Woolly Yarn met Zoe Fletcher at this year's Edinburgh Yarn Fest and we're thrilled that she has since taken some time away from all things sheepy to answer our nosey questions!<br />
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<b>Q1. How did your PhD research come about?</b><br />
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A. I've always loved making things and studied Textile Design for Fashion at Manchester School of Art for my BA. I became increasingly aware of how using different materials in hand and machine knitting affected my design outcomes.<br />
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I wanted to explore this further. Whilst studying for my Masters at London College of Fashion I focussed on finding out more about the ethics and sustainability of my raw materials and their journey - 100% wool is great, but the more I know of their properties and backstory the more I can be in control of the yarn and design outcome.<br />
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After graduation I worked in industry for a few years before deciding to continue my test for further understanding the different qualities of wool from different British breeds, undertaking an AHRC-funded PhD at Manchester School of Art. My practice-based research aim was to find out more about these pure breeds of sheep, which have all been developed over generations for specific land, weather and breed management practices. So I set my self a challenge. I wanted to collect a sample of yarn (and fleece) from each of the 72 pure breeds I had amassed. I met with designers, knitters, farmers and production mills amongst others and began to build up my collection. I sampled and documented each stage of the journey, with the aim of creating a practical database of knowledge.<br />
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<b>Q2. What were the highs and lows of the project?</b><br />
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A. Getting to meet so many amazing people and connecting with farmers, producers, makers, designers and attending shows and fairs across the country was really exciting, and I gathered so much knowledge and collected such great data.<br />
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However I was still tied to the constraints of the PhD format and writing up in the last year was quite a lonely and challenging experience - continuing to sample and thinking through my practice work helped me (along with my really supportive supervisor team and the support of all the contributors I had met along the way!)<br />
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<b>Q3. Why do you think hand knitting is so important?</b><br />
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A. Hand knitting connects you to the whole process of making - you are in full control of how the 'fabric' and 'end-product' will turn out. Each and every stitch is considered and due to it being such a tacit experience you get to understand the qualities, handle and feel of the different properties of the wool as you are manipulating each stitch. I do machine knit as well and this has its own set of positives and challenges when working with the different materials.<br />
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<b>Q4. Most people think that wool is wool. How do different British breeds differ in their knitted up qualities?</b><br />
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A. There are 72 pure breeds of different British sheep found across the UK today. They have been farmed for generations and adapted to different geographical locations that vary in weather conditions, soil quality and land management. They have been bred to highlight different qualities - some farmers want easy-to-rear breeds, some want good mothering abilities, some want fast growers for meat, some want to keep the traditional qualities alive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wool samples image courtesy of Zoe Fletcher</td></tr>
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From the hardy Herdwicks of the Lake District with their distinct 'teddy bear' like face and grey tonal wool (which has a high micron count, so relatively thick fibres which can feel a bit harsh, sometimes prickly because of the kemp, next to the skin - but keeps the sheep nice and dry thus these qualities are transferred to the knitted qualities), to the fine Southdown with its dense and short-stapled fleece (said to be one of the finest clips) which creates a crisp, fine yarn. So they all have different colourings, handle qualities, staple lengths (that affect the processing of Woollen or Worsted spinning), elasticity and fineness that depict how differently the knitted stitches will turn out.<br />
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<b>Q5. Do you have a favourite wool?</b></div>
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A. It depends what I want to use it for! Each wool has a purpose, but if you wanted to make a beautiful draped silky scarf a Scottish Blackface's wool would not highlight these qualities, whereas using Blueface Leicester wool would. So I can't choose a favourite as it would depend too much on what I wanted to make it into!</div>
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<b>Q6. What do you think will happen in the next ten years to the British sheep industry and the hand knitting industry?</b></div>
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A. Looking at it positively, hopefully with the public's awareness of welfare standards, natural fibres and renewable/sustainable principles being challenged and heightened (we have seen it in the food industry with locally-sourced, organic and fair trade being more widely available) and their awareness of the damaging impact the fast fashion industry has across the world, we'll begin to see the benefits of slowing down the fashion cycle and investing in quality 'local' products that benefit the communities they are grown/produced/made in as well in the consumer - that's in the perfect world!</div>
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Digital media as a positive tool can be (and is being0 used to connect people - giving them access to patterns, materials, communities, information that doesn't always have to be about fast consumption but connecting with like-minded people who can take inspiration from each other and find out about individuals and small companies doing amazing things with local wool that might have been hard to find before Hopefully this will continue to be positively strengthened.</div>
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<b>Q7. Is there a favourite jumper/accessory pattern you like to be knitted up with British wool?</b></div>
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A. You can't beat a nice thick pair of stripy stocks for Winter - one of my favourite patterns is a Winwick Mum DK one. I use up all the different colours I can't resit buying and mix them with all my leftover DK weight naturally coloured yarns!</div>
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<b>Q8. What's the current state of The Woolist Project?</b></div>
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A. The Woolist Project is continuing to be worked hard upon behind the scenes. Summer has been a great time for getting out and about to different shows and fairs and talking to lots of different people about future ideas. Now that Autumn is creeping in it's time to get hibernating and start getting all these things online. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Woolist exhibition on tour image courtesy of Zoe Fletcher</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">There are a couple more big outings of the practical research before Christmas - workshops and pop-up exhibitions of work and products across the UK which I update for Instagram (@thewoolist).</span></div>
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<b>Q9. What are you aiming for for the future?</b></div>
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A. To develop and create an online resource that allows people to find out more about British wool, that can act as a bridge to connect people wanting to learn more and use more local materials, and materials with a significant historical story, to producers, makers and designers who are using them today.</div>
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Thanks so much Zoe for answering A Woolly Yarn's questions! Find out more about the project at <a href="https://thewoolist.co.uk/">The Woolist</a> website.</div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-47887576071858471532019-09-06T08:48:00.000-07:002019-09-06T08:48:48.775-07:00Toft Turns To Earthy Shades For Autumn 2019 Knit Collection<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixw20KstBLEjAzKO-z5PAqDPcnxakDIVHEj5OUJIyOHLcyMkRXmfkaHzOEj9bB-1-Yj6WLhE34iNTvf7R_ZK1ygQ48m0MFN6nfp5DdS1YveAvTzCUDN6l-09xnUD6hbIT-d7tIK-nSOz6X/s1600/toft_quarterly_autumn_2019_pattern2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="210" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixw20KstBLEjAzKO-z5PAqDPcnxakDIVHEj5OUJIyOHLcyMkRXmfkaHzOEj9bB-1-Yj6WLhE34iNTvf7R_ZK1ygQ48m0MFN6nfp5DdS1YveAvTzCUDN6l-09xnUD6hbIT-d7tIK-nSOz6X/s200/toft_quarterly_autumn_2019_pattern2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Toft</td></tr>
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Toft, based in Warwickshire, has announced its Autumn knit and crochet collection to correspond with the latest publication of its Quarterly magazine.<br />
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These days the company is probably best known for its crocheted animals range but its own brand 100% wool is brilliant for garments and accessories too. The wool comes in a multitude of natural colours, such as greys, beiges and browns, plus there are a few bright colours in 25g balls, which although they are intended to be used for the crocheted animals are also great for stranded colourwork and Fair Isle.<br />
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For its Autumn/Winter knitwear patterns Toft has chosen to go for a very autumnal beige and brown colour palette - though of course if brown isn't your thing you can knit them in silver, cream or black instead.<br />
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Here are the new designs. Buy <a href="https://www.toftuk.com/PD.aspx?product=new//-TOFT_Quarterly_Magazine__Autumn_2019">Toft Quarterly Autumn 19</a> at £8 plus P&P for the patterns only or alternatively each is available as a yarn and pattern kit:<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.toftuk.com/PD.aspx?product=Autumn_19//-Dovecote_Jumper">Dovecote Jumper</a></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTGuOZ9BA_Vq-t93Pl8xmtgrwcQg7zt3PfMvRQNt927sl86ZndpK_N58ZAyI13a_0HM2I8nXwMBV2o5_jKK9F2brOqTKMLcIwrfh_mbfofJzKqhC9g9tbHUeq98EWNpDjZnNauDYOyoOM/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="198" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTGuOZ9BA_Vq-t93Pl8xmtgrwcQg7zt3PfMvRQNt927sl86ZndpK_N58ZAyI13a_0HM2I8nXwMBV2o5_jKK9F2brOqTKMLcIwrfh_mbfofJzKqhC9g9tbHUeq98EWNpDjZnNauDYOyoOM/s320/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Toft</td></tr>
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This is my favourite from the collection because I'm very partial to a decorative yoke. Toft has used the shades stone, cream and cocoa in this design.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.toftuk.com/PD.aspx?product=Autumn_19//-Mill_Headband">Mill Headband</a></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg70cFcG9K7D6W04W4oCl-Co6-jM8JGsVR0Q27pjfbpPbIvDGmvWfr7leZnYeRANZ3mwFjHL1HMnhMbMv67uejwhbr8xuxtpXHwO5NXfoHHGyW72Iua-JXKeOPHc0G90_aIdi21u4Q7B9/s1600/mill_headband_knitting_pattern_autumn_toft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg70cFcG9K7D6W04W4oCl-Co6-jM8JGsVR0Q27pjfbpPbIvDGmvWfr7leZnYeRANZ3mwFjHL1HMnhMbMv67uejwhbr8xuxtpXHwO5NXfoHHGyW72Iua-JXKeOPHc0G90_aIdi21u4Q7B9/s320/mill_headband_knitting_pattern_autumn_toft.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Toft</td></tr>
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More stranded colourwork with the shades mushroom, cocoa and stone to keep your head warm this Autumn.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.toftuk.com/PD.aspx?product=Autumn_19//-Linhay_Hat">Linhay Hat</a></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuD972PrkKoRgjW61dc5O2uHQ_Jl6R0dvjITDFI1YgNsvhleTmpumYNZAbsNo2alMG7RoeeefGWYYilQwuZoQdmkad5Qaep9L33YlsbLJ1C7J_Sh75hScdopfaSbcVUZwz5zHInk-ThFq/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuD972PrkKoRgjW61dc5O2uHQ_Jl6R0dvjITDFI1YgNsvhleTmpumYNZAbsNo2alMG7RoeeefGWYYilQwuZoQdmkad5Qaep9L33YlsbLJ1C7J_Sh75hScdopfaSbcVUZwz5zHInk-ThFq/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Toft</td></tr>
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Geometric colourwork using the colours cream and cocoa. Make your own pom pom or buy a ready made one from Toft for an extra £10.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.toftuk.com/PD.aspx?product=Autumn_19//-Granary_Shawl">Granary Shawl</a></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSoQu4bzTnI1CzcrawOekm1gNnqcOKghf5RVq0jS8J5QvqJf6GzsVGWgqCW1s4zY0xbch0-GAFy3dPykA0uUp3kf8diHRAsU1qEALi4SaVBbAmTGvXNQEMEqT8hz44T-MQ3Z5gY0aa5zC/s1600/granary_shawl_knitting_pattern_toft_quarterly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSoQu4bzTnI1CzcrawOekm1gNnqcOKghf5RVq0jS8J5QvqJf6GzsVGWgqCW1s4zY0xbch0-GAFy3dPykA0uUp3kf8diHRAsU1qEALi4SaVBbAmTGvXNQEMEqT8hz44T-MQ3Z5gY0aa5zC/s320/granary_shawl_knitting_pattern_toft_quarterly.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Toft</td></tr>
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Knitted in the shade stone, this shawl can be worn in the traditional fashion with the point at the back or instead with the point at the front to keep your neck warm!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.toftuk.com/PD.aspx?product=Autumn_19//-Oast_Scarf">Oast Scarf</a></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcwyvcktq_p8O90WqQ8O13XizTc2j5AXbCXbM21QWttN7PUApYugV5HVs5-rBzzfECL6WOqizvmPXMEIZHYCGUXSJCfBYLnhSXbpHxqsvnasXtwd5g7DdQhEDg3kwPxS_YphnBUKUSGZA/s1600/oast_scarf_autumn_knitting_pattern_toft_quarterly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcwyvcktq_p8O90WqQ8O13XizTc2j5AXbCXbM21QWttN7PUApYugV5HVs5-rBzzfECL6WOqizvmPXMEIZHYCGUXSJCfBYLnhSXbpHxqsvnasXtwd5g7DdQhEDg3kwPxS_YphnBUKUSGZA/s320/oast_scarf_autumn_knitting_pattern_toft_quarterly.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Toft</td></tr>
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This is a great project for beginner knitters. The scarf uses the shades mushroom, cocoa and cream.<br />
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There are lots of pattens and wool being launched for Autumn from many knitting companies - keep an eye out on A Woolly Yarn for the latest news.<br />
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A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-51898975269845078502019-09-02T12:40:00.000-07:002019-09-03T06:40:18.976-07:00Why Is September A Top Month For Knitting Shows? As knitting as a hobby continues to soar in popularity you can nowadays find a knitting show to go to every month, or even every weekend in the summer months (I've never heard of someone visiting two shows in one day but it's hypothetically possible!)<br />
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A Woolly Yarn's blog post back in January listed the <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2019/01/yarn-shows-to-look-out-for-in-2019-top.html">bigger shows to look out for in 2019</a>. We've already enjoyed some of the big names, including Edinburgh Yarn Festival in March (sadly taking a break in 2020) and Wonderwool Wales in April. September though is host to two huge knitting show favourites that have become much-loved over the last few years: <a href="https://yarndale.co.uk/">Yarndale</a> and <a href="https://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/">Shetland Wool Week</a> (which runs from 28th September to 6th October).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXB1M2J_bZYOzP98iVA841FHcaUh7YWILTh2C_m0kZLNuJFWscNKo_zv2Gg9LBh7Zo8uH3TbMQAMlOI5XreUZQSvDi7s36PARBEIkfHt8HTn41p2EwwcGAYpvrXT38nkskRkaXh0OkymC/s1600/yarn2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="443" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXB1M2J_bZYOzP98iVA841FHcaUh7YWILTh2C_m0kZLNuJFWscNKo_zv2Gg9LBh7Zo8uH3TbMQAMlOI5XreUZQSvDi7s36PARBEIkfHt8HTn41p2EwwcGAYpvrXT38nkskRkaXh0OkymC/s320/yarn2019.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Yarndale</td></tr>
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Smaller, local knitting shows tend to showcase local talent, mainly consisting of small businesses and people who combine working with yarn along with a regular job. The bigger shows like Yarndale, although they also support small businesses, have the pull to entice bigger indie businesses that knitters can usually only buy from online, such as Toft, Di Gilpin, Moel View Yarn, John Arbon Textiles and Baa Baa Brighouse. There will be over a whopping 200 exhibitors at Yarndale this year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQZ8RD8QJVM7r5kmesauRBZs6xANqnrJX83qMTJk2Jd-gq9Q9_uAfFwsuMm1UzAC3zvKlPabVKtfzsZK21eryVTQMe10zgk0bqAte3somKmPJbGf0ui2Z1_BxQL4Z3NGpza0-FciPlK7B/s1600/wool-week-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="76" data-original-width="400" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQZ8RD8QJVM7r5kmesauRBZs6xANqnrJX83qMTJk2Jd-gq9Q9_uAfFwsuMm1UzAC3zvKlPabVKtfzsZK21eryVTQMe10zgk0bqAte3somKmPJbGf0ui2Z1_BxQL4Z3NGpza0-FciPlK7B/s320/wool-week-logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shetland Wool Week's USP on the other hand is its classes and events based both in the capital Lerwick and also around the island. Rather than just buying products from stallholders - although with the wonderful quality of wool Shetland produces there's plenty to buy and pack in your suitcase - it's a destination event. As well as learning new knitting skills Wool Week gives an opportunity to explore the culture and hospitality of the area.<br />
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<b>Why September?</b><br />
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The summer holidays are over, the climate in Shetland is still promising and, more importantly, with colder weather moving in knitters' thoughts turn to knitting jumpers and accessories. Plus it's the time to start planning knitting Christmas gifts.<br />
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A few yarn companies launch their Autumn/Winter season in August (see our post on <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2019/08/rowan-autumnwinter-2019-launches-part-1.html">Rowan</a>), but the majority do so in September. New products tempt knitters to increase their pattern and yarn stash and exhibiting at knitting shows is a great way to reach out to new and existing customers. Expect to see businesses saving their launches for Yarndale, and at Shetland Wool Week there being a plethora of yarns, kits and other souvenirs available especially for the event.<br />
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If you can't make Skipton for Yarndale or Scotland for Shetland Wool Week there's also the <a href="https://perthfestivalofyarn.uk/">Perth Festival of Yarn</a> on 7th/8th September and <a href="https://www.thehandmadefair.com/hampton-court">The Handmaid Fair</a> at Hampton Court from 13th - 15th September.</div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-83066201041196851422019-08-28T09:18:00.001-07:002019-08-28T09:18:47.038-07:00Review of Kate Davies' Bold Beginner KnitsPopular knitwear designer Kate Davies has turned her attention to beginners for her latest pattern book. Not just beginners though - <b>bold</b> beginners who already can cast on and off, knit and purl, increase and decrease plus knit in the round.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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Davies trailed the patterns online over a few weeks to encourage pre-orders for £15 including free postage and packing. Although I would describe myself as an intermediate-level knitter I bought one for myself, attracted by the prospect of simplish patterns that look more complicated than they actually are!</div>
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The paperback book contains six patterns, which are:<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/corryvreckan">Corryvreckan</a></b><br />
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Slipped-stitches create graphic waves on this three-colour hat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3OuYDnztLtkdL9_JkOolXQh3t8XBqxX4lr3PaPjiCqgVZ48Y4mir2b_Q-yTaM4UvkJk0h_8Cfkb5SSNIeQ-yBjlHmyditvMRytU8s_rZmQQZ4WN6FRn-9zmZKaJjGkIH5NAwxtWgfKtg/s1600/Blob_small2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3OuYDnztLtkdL9_JkOolXQh3t8XBqxX4lr3PaPjiCqgVZ48Y4mir2b_Q-yTaM4UvkJk0h_8Cfkb5SSNIeQ-yBjlHmyditvMRytU8s_rZmQQZ4WN6FRn-9zmZKaJjGkIH5NAwxtWgfKtg/s1600/Blob_small2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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There's a very handy chart in colour to explain when to slip stitches and after reading the pattern the design certainly looks more difficult to knit than it actually is. I'm not sure though when I was a beginner I could have managed knitting in the round, changing colours and slipped stitches all at the same time.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/upstream-7">Upstream</a></b><br />
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You've practiced on the hat, now transfer those skills to knitting the jumper Upstream (which surprisingly is before Corryvreckan in the book).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_FtIiphizzMLHQdDGflQiTgxV2Pj-yk7lJRU7lyrgGo96m6nQRbZ05hWuzyR4PtME3BTzwn3IFmHT8Vb0nDn-46AmmejeJXq7a87xauvG3PMDJeG4SrGayvcE40EE-FFA0vcCyBNJLUw/s1600/Blob_medium2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_FtIiphizzMLHQdDGflQiTgxV2Pj-yk7lJRU7lyrgGo96m6nQRbZ05hWuzyR4PtME3BTzwn3IFmHT8Vb0nDn-46AmmejeJXq7a87xauvG3PMDJeG4SrGayvcE40EE-FFA0vcCyBNJLUw/s320/Blob_medium2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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Upstream is knitted from the bottom up, meaning that jumper-knitting newbies will get to practice their stocking stitch until they reach the more complicated part of adding in the sleeves and knitting the yoke. Again there's a very helpful coloured chart.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/footfall">Footfall</a></b><br />
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Is it a scarf or is it a wrap? The beauty of this one-size design is that it can be either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3G7cCmcXamn5GTJo42BuEZCETRcTkVb0OdSH05olWrVmqUnCwyp_jbpf0y8YGL0umOLD_Q620Hie2yxtQfjNRSHV0D77KOYBrl-k4OSH6m9RPV8NJGI-wzndnuc3iWXKh0-SmY4M2X1m/s1600/Blob_medium2-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3G7cCmcXamn5GTJo42BuEZCETRcTkVb0OdSH05olWrVmqUnCwyp_jbpf0y8YGL0umOLD_Q620Hie2yxtQfjNRSHV0D77KOYBrl-k4OSH6m9RPV8NJGI-wzndnuc3iWXKh0-SmY4M2X1m/s320/Blob_medium2-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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However the construction of triangular shawl knitting is new to me and, combined with the lace design and reading from the chart, I think a beginner would have to be extremely bold to attempt to knit Footfall. Perhaps it's a pattern to try last once you've conquered the other five.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/skep-4">Skep</a></b><br />
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I love the colours in the blanket and its modern, hexagonal design.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbT7cZt2ioaLjRB4vWEMIUHOe9YGCC_J2frAyO7YWGOk_urWOp34o8XD9xcWOY6uv986o7fRDl8sWBAzPd6ujQD5OZ_gtx1SNj1Wl4tfASu-rgB05CYGIcGW3LvRvGLCIqCmUeD_SEfYP/s1600/Blob_medium2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbT7cZt2ioaLjRB4vWEMIUHOe9YGCC_J2frAyO7YWGOk_urWOp34o8XD9xcWOY6uv986o7fRDl8sWBAzPd6ujQD5OZ_gtx1SNj1Wl4tfASu-rgB05CYGIcGW3LvRvGLCIqCmUeD_SEfYP/s320/Blob_medium2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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It's garter stitch only and each of the 36 hexagons are knitted individually before being sewn together in strips and then the strips together to form the blanket. The pattern is relatively simple.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midstream-2">Midstream</a></b><br />
<br />
One size fits all (hopefully, though not me being rather short) for this textured shrug. The pattern requires knowledge of the three-needle bind-off technique and the ability to follow a chart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiinNrGGxMfs18T-ZTbL1NH90sRH5VXCjvQlj00d3yjhKePc0ayONmZ5j2pChAxV5uhyRw8RdxDqQF9c_4TkLLt_8cnPPlG0qL2FqIQO3ma0LgcOymHV4-v1RaoJzS5vEpQHfm5psaG2b/s1600/Blob_medium2-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiinNrGGxMfs18T-ZTbL1NH90sRH5VXCjvQlj00d3yjhKePc0ayONmZ5j2pChAxV5uhyRw8RdxDqQF9c_4TkLLt_8cnPPlG0qL2FqIQO3ma0LgcOymHV4-v1RaoJzS5vEpQHfm5psaG2b/s320/Blob_medium2-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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Again, this pattern requires a very bold beginner to follow the rectangle construction which is then folded, secured and a border added.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/downstream">Downstream</a></b><br />
<br />
I've saved my favourite pattern until last. Downstream is the reason I bought <i>Bold Beginner Knits</i>. I have some aran yarn in my stash and can see me getting a lot of wear out of this cardigan, with or without a decorative safety pin at the front to hold it together.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnyKvvnFpAab-PC_-_redrsstQeugi4rC48PZe0qLXhyECJwN7TaJBcXcqWN0pSNw9DENxUTX533eAMxL_jXndM-0OZ9ms0_KJOVWYgsaWT4J8oPdKwVrUMNKRvnU7wxacpfoS-mAygIU/s1600/Blob_medium2-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnyKvvnFpAab-PC_-_redrsstQeugi4rC48PZe0qLXhyECJwN7TaJBcXcqWN0pSNw9DENxUTX533eAMxL_jXndM-0OZ9ms0_KJOVWYgsaWT4J8oPdKwVrUMNKRvnU7wxacpfoS-mAygIU/s320/Blob_medium2-3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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Davies says you can knit Downstream with or without the stripes. It's knitted from the top down and there are five sizes to choose from.<br />
<br />
<b>What's the verdict?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It's a beautifully-photographed, well set out book with a foreward from Davies herself who says that learning to work from a chart is important in expanding your knitterly horizons.<br />
<br />
The book was inspired by Davies' friend and employee Jane Hunter (the model in <i>Bold Beginner Knits</i>) who had taught herself to knit but was unsure how to progress from the basics. Davies believes that beginners shouldn't be put off by patterns that look difficult, "even if a project seems beyond your skill level, you are more likely to surprise yourself with your own resourcefulness and ingenuity in the face of knitterly frustration than you are likely to every truly fail."<br />
<br />
Davies places great importance on swatching and finding the right needle size for your tension. Therefore she doesn't give needle sizes to use but rather specifies 'gauge' and 'below' gauge where you might be expecting 4mm and 3.25mm. Not great if you usually skip swatching and hope for the best but it's certainly a good habit to get into.<br />
<br />
This is not a book for absolute beginners, I'd recommend that they start with Pom Pom Press's <a href="https://www.pompommag.com/books/"><i>Knit How</i></a>, but it's certainly a reasonably-priced one for bold beginners and intermediate knitters to add to their collection.<br />
<br />
Lastly, a word about the yarn specified for the patterns.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn-2OQvCL1bedIo9rKrc73yQTCfOhF4FSKsOiHJ8HEstOKj8lCIC_GYmu8RZvrj8ER6uOhlkK1dITWk0SkMNtbixvQODBProvirun5Ahx0dJtOS_GVx_Yji6nZ970ZpxpM5P_V4XSrfyo/s1600/ard-thir-sample-pack-yarn-srgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1600" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn-2OQvCL1bedIo9rKrc73yQTCfOhF4FSKsOiHJ8HEstOKj8lCIC_GYmu8RZvrj8ER6uOhlkK1dITWk0SkMNtbixvQODBProvirun5Ahx0dJtOS_GVx_Yji6nZ970ZpxpM5P_V4XSrfyo/s400/ard-thir-sample-pack-yarn-srgb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of KDD & Co</td></tr>
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All the patterns in <i>Bold Beginner Knits</i> use Davies own aran-weight yarn <a href="https://www.shopkdd.com/ard-thir">Ard Thir</a>, a blend of 60% Peruvian wool and 40% alpaca. I've not seen the yarn myself and it certainly sounds good quality but at £8 per 50g skein it's not cheap. Beginners may not want to spend that much (for example Downstream requires 12 skeins) if they're not sure they'll be able to complete the project to a wearable standard.<br />
<br />
Cheaper alternatives could include West Yorkshire Spinners' <a href="https://www.wyspinners.com/bluefaced%20leicester%20yarn/Aran/bluefaced-leicester-yarn-aran-thickness">Aran Bluefaced Leicester</a> wool, at £8.69 per 100g skein, or Blacker Yarns' <a href="https://www.blackeryarns.co.uk/limited-edition-tor-3401.html">Limited Edition Tor Lanlavery Aran</a><span id="goog_2117239277"></span><span id="goog_2117239278"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>, currently on special offer at £6 per 100g skein.<br />
<br />
Which is your favourite pattern in <i>Bold Beginner Knits</i>? Tell us in the comments section below or on A Woolly Yarn's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/awoollyyarn">Facebook page</a>. </div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-21149892108471461032019-08-19T10:32:00.000-07:002019-08-19T10:32:24.946-07:00What To Do If You've Spent All Your Cash On Your Yarn StashSome women like to buy shoes, some clothes, some handbags. I do have a penchant for a retro-style handbag but for me my spending triggers are books and yarn. Books because, well, they're educational aren't they? I have piles of novels in my bookshelf and teetering on top of my bedside table just waiting to be read. As the author of a novel, which I hope to find a publisher for, I tell myself that my profligate book habit is market research.<br />
<br />
Then there's wool. For this blog I follow designers and the latest trends, the result being that I have a huge favourites list on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. I see patterns I love and don't resist temptation to buy the yarn for them, particularly if the wool is limited edition, hand-dyed and won't be available next year, despite the fact I have a chest full of unstarted projects already along with about five sweaters and accessories I've already begun and switch between as my fancy takes me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ww2b3BSsMI42l4v2fl5DvYdtaf2FdM-I9LWZH2UVzbHHsUliIxQsKZbH7w_BS27FP3yqiFHmI3KFriV8E8hQolW5X45eGBUo7diBdjXc8Tn_NaFCRRlpc33-TE-TYQro6QfxcnS_QVPs/s1600/IMG_1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ww2b3BSsMI42l4v2fl5DvYdtaf2FdM-I9LWZH2UVzbHHsUliIxQsKZbH7w_BS27FP3yqiFHmI3KFriV8E8hQolW5X45eGBUo7diBdjXc8Tn_NaFCRRlpc33-TE-TYQro6QfxcnS_QVPs/s320/IMG_1846.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stash costs cash!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But now it's reckoning time. I hit this with books last year when there was just no more space on the shelves or available wall to put a new bookcase against and I felt frustrated every time I saw my huge pile of books, which resembled the leaning tower of Pisa, on the floor. The moment came for me to 'woman up' and have a cull, selling online or donating to charity those I knew I wouldn't read again or hadn't read and didn't really want to. It was tough but I did it and made a reasonable sum in the process. Yet I slowly but surely kept discovering something new I wanted to read and now there are again very few spaces again in my shelves. In attempt to keep my reading habit under control I've now rejoined the local library and am starting again borrowing books for free.</div>
<br />
Now it's time to do so with my yarn. Previously I have periodically sorted through my stash and sold or given away anything I know I'm not going to use. I donated all the odds and ends of balls I'd kept to charity. I matched my yarn with patterns I own and have even a few balls MORE so I'd have enough to knit the top I wanted (talk about false economy!) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ46SJNJTlF2QD9U-nROsuce5luTyKrFRC7OjwVGpxfky6upehy4FwKQKhODW4-eatUD4zLgPMQVudQbtJ3KRbbmp3bPP5Xad9zIw6bF83OxUpwb_Kxc7vtknB2B4ZHlsJrnZQ5dRvlpAH/s1600/IMG_1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ46SJNJTlF2QD9U-nROsuce5luTyKrFRC7OjwVGpxfky6upehy4FwKQKhODW4-eatUD4zLgPMQVudQbtJ3KRbbmp3bPP5Xad9zIw6bF83OxUpwb_Kxc7vtknB2B4ZHlsJrnZQ5dRvlpAH/s320/IMG_1870.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought the kit to knit this jumper at The Wool Monty</td></tr>
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Yet there's no more room. My wardrobe nearly has more bundles of yarn in it than clothes. Zipper bags contain the jumpers and tops I've knitted already. I've more than enough jumpers to keep me warm for the next ten winters and then add on top the ones I haven't knitted and I'll be about up to point of being able to wear a different sweater or top every day for a couple of months.<br />
<br />
So I don't need any more yarn. Wanting, however, is a different kettle of fish. Patterns launch that scream 'knit me!' and indie dyers and makers bring out a glorious range of new yarns. The free time I have to spend knitting can't catch up with my intake of projects. My bank account is shouting at me to stop. It's time to go cold turkey.<br />
<br />
When I first heard about Marie Kondo and her theories of tidying and throwing stuff out, I was rather sniffy about her concept. I'm not a minimalist. I want to have things in my house that bring back memories whether it's a photo in a frame, a souvenir brought back from holiday or a cross stitch I crafted on a wall. Yet Kondo advises to ask whether something you have 'sparks joy'. At first that phrase sounded far too hippyish for my liking, but, after mulling on it for a while, I saw where she was coming from. The photo of my husband and I on holiday makes me smile every time I see it because we look so happy and I remember the fabulous time we had. The pile of magazines, flyers and bills waiting to be filed on the kitchen worktop, however, pricks me with annoyance every time I see it; partly because it looks a total mess and partly because it's my fault I haven't got round to doing the household admin yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY00279x5rfSejXrNtV0uJ_CnW6tYZ82XVZmGQysuwHvtQsabsUzNWjOUPMqGReZYu50F8XZf5GF4guhVh1OtZuD-hVnmGf4QeHCreYFW-ijGvibOHaJOxkoSGhTp5784FDqnUaQAzwL7/s1600/IMG_1824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY00279x5rfSejXrNtV0uJ_CnW6tYZ82XVZmGQysuwHvtQsabsUzNWjOUPMqGReZYu50F8XZf5GF4guhVh1OtZuD-hVnmGf4QeHCreYFW-ijGvibOHaJOxkoSGhTp5784FDqnUaQAzwL7/s320/IMG_1824.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 'buy now or you'll miss out' balls of hand-dyed yarn in my stash</td></tr>
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The last time I had a clearout of my yarn stash, mentioned above, I did get rid of everything I knew I wasn't lusting to knit. Now, since I've bought more, it's time to put a lock on my purse and follow these self-made rules:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Don't buy any more patterns or yarns this year. No ifs, no buts.</li>
<li>'Favourite' any patterns I really like in Ravelry. They'll still be there when my yarn and pattern ban is lifted.</li>
<li>When tempted to buy more yarn open my wardrobe and remind myself THERE'S NO MORE ROOM. </li>
<li>Don't be sucked in by the promise of one-off yarns. There will be other one-off yarns produced next year that I'll love just as much.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Will it work? Hopefully by next Summer I'll have thoroughly enjoyed knitting up most of the stash I do have and will feel super-smug with more room in my cupboards and a bigger bank balance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course then I'll probably treat myself for being so good by going to one of the larger knitting shows and blowing it all on more yarn ...</div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-34667716435203060892019-08-15T08:19:00.000-07:002019-08-15T08:19:21.583-07:00Review Of Art Deco Knits By Jemima Bicknell<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXCm_O3z3R9HdFJw2wOBaaGD1ZlaWjAX_OsM-o_D4JIzgmD_VnyNrKq_GSNcu1nIyv1-REsz8B4Mr3PFDfjC59p_T5gtxtoeJB8QgUs6VRyu3i-7M3oR6npbU9PuM4VQvrRiyVPRsJT8u/s1600/Art+Deco+Knits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1369" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXCm_O3z3R9HdFJw2wOBaaGD1ZlaWjAX_OsM-o_D4JIzgmD_VnyNrKq_GSNcu1nIyv1-REsz8B4Mr3PFDfjC59p_T5gtxtoeJB8QgUs6VRyu3i-7M3oR6npbU9PuM4VQvrRiyVPRsJT8u/s320/Art+Deco+Knits.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of The Crowood Press</td></tr>
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The 1920s and 30s were a golden age in knitting, with Art Deco's decorative style adding a distinctive look to handmade clothing. Jemina Bicknell's in-depth and informative guide to the period includes essays on fashion history and knitting techniques as well as a range of patterns written for modern knitters.<br />
<br />
Bicknell writes that the book "aims to encourage this joy and self-expression in the modern knitter who is drawn to the glitter of the 1920s and the elegance of the 1930s."<br />
<br />
A Woolly Yarn received a digital copy for review from The Crowood Press. All opinions are our own.<br />
<br />
Bicknell obviously loves and has thoroughly researched her subject. <i>Art Deco Knits</i> has lots of pages interspersed with both photographs of the garments whose patterns you'll find in the book and period illustrations of fashions of the time.<br />
<br />
The book is split into three parts. Bicknell explains it well in <i>Art Deco Knits</i>' introduction:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The first section, 'Style and Materials', introduces the fashionable silhouettes and design details fo the 1920s and 30s, and shows how they were interpreted in the knitting patterns of the period. The second section, 'Techniques', covers everything you need to know to create beautifully patterned and embellished fabrics, and includes a stitch dictionary of Art Deco-inspired stitch patterns. Finally there are nine patterns inspired by various aspects of the period. These patterns are designed as a starting point for your own creativity."</blockquote>
I was particularly interested in the description of fabrics and colours popular in the period and the changing silhouettes that hand knitters aspired to create.<br />
<br />
Bicknell gives tips on combining vintage style with modern-day wardrobes, including adjusting styles such as the dropped waist to suit your figure. Embellishments, such as with beads, were a key element of Art Deco style, and the book gives tips and ideas of how to add these into your knitwear, plus the very comprehensive stitch directory shows how lace and cables can also create the signature look.<br />
<br />
<b>Patterns</b><br />
<br />
In section three Bicknell gives nine patterns, including garments and accessories, to start your hand knitted Art Deco collection. Here are two to whet your appetite.<br />
<br />
The <b>Margaret Cardigan </b>pattern is inspired by the straight intersecting lines of Art Deco architecture. The 4ply wool used is John Arbon's Devonia.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqzy4Pl9L5PbYQLVSpqo_H62N79eenO_a82tUIoZR7XCfXbzhVCLKRl90hmvfrmS7TUwgFO8sD-hG-jeKv7LRlTygKg37BnLqw5PQmMT8897jsYRUfuKI6U13eNk_2EK9bevW75jHgQqV/s1600/Art+Deco+Knits+P.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqzy4Pl9L5PbYQLVSpqo_H62N79eenO_a82tUIoZR7XCfXbzhVCLKRl90hmvfrmS7TUwgFO8sD-hG-jeKv7LRlTygKg37BnLqw5PQmMT8897jsYRUfuKI6U13eNk_2EK9bevW75jHgQqV/s400/Art+Deco+Knits+P.31.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret Cardigan image courtesy of The Crowood Press</td></tr>
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<br />
The <b>Parelli Shawl </b>can be knitted with or without beads. It's inspired by evening shawls from the 1920s and uses lace weight yarn.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5szxcG5NbmlKiMO2vkuIsBkO-pN9i9mYXmrUA9Y9l8hWItsg7FciZPYZvrYJe2tJZlbsqQg4qF-1D8TBJKe9qZj31HxFoFulUgbcLDXhjOJpa_0msu02m1zVfIj3ZPqcpEmpWNy-AfRH/s1600/Art+Deco+Knits+P.28%252C+Casual+Wrap+Scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5szxcG5NbmlKiMO2vkuIsBkO-pN9i9mYXmrUA9Y9l8hWItsg7FciZPYZvrYJe2tJZlbsqQg4qF-1D8TBJKe9qZj31HxFoFulUgbcLDXhjOJpa_0msu02m1zVfIj3ZPqcpEmpWNy-AfRH/s400/Art+Deco+Knits+P.28%252C+Casual+Wrap+Scarf.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parelli Shawl image courtesy of The Crowood Press</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<i>Art Deco Knits</i> is a very satisfying read with sections to dip in and out of. The recommended retail price is £25 but it can be bought <a href="http://www.crowood.com/details.asp?isbn=9781785005497&t=Art-Deco-Knits---Creating-A-Hand-Knit-Wardrobe-Inspired-by-the-1920s---1930s">direct from the publisher</a> for £20 plus P&P or £20 for the ebook edition. </div>
A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-27393985998808191552019-08-07T12:19:00.000-07:002019-08-07T12:19:12.006-07:00Rowan Autumn/Winter 2019 Launches: Part 1 PatternsAlthough it is still early August Rowan has been quick off the mark in launching its yarns and patterns for the Autumn/Winter 2019 season. In Part 1 of this post we look at the pick of patterns - <i><a href="https://knitrowan.com/en/publications/rowan-brochures/british-made">British Made</a></i>, with patterns designed by Lisa Richardson. Look out for part 2 where we'll be reviewing Rowan's new British yarn Island Blend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSdhPXlymTJydDFkMxcf8TsEVF6xFcZXDqabkvzl3MZKxEBXqNBwTyXCNH9XH5NBrclrB3llppRCyPANVHd0_HiWjidXa6ECDgXNcDCM2fb2Bakvyc4-lhSrsIIzqC5cT1VTRmIBUxmXj/s1600/Unknown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="505" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSdhPXlymTJydDFkMxcf8TsEVF6xFcZXDqabkvzl3MZKxEBXqNBwTyXCNH9XH5NBrclrB3llppRCyPANVHd0_HiWjidXa6ECDgXNcDCM2fb2Bakvyc4-lhSrsIIzqC5cT1VTRmIBUxmXj/s320/Unknown.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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What's exciting about <i>British Made </i>is that all the patterns use Rowan's British wool and not yarns sourced from abroad. The two featured yarns Rowan's British yarns Valley Tweed, pure wool which is spun and dyed in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, and Moordale, a blend of British wool and alpaca.<br />
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The full collection of 13 patterns costs £12, or each pattern can be bought individually for £4. A Woolly Yarn received a review copy on request but all opinions are our own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HxEgkb26Q__qxxewdbmRUH7Kco3DFNgW2Z2umSUlKwWOWa5Pz0IfUJwIxrWDN7UUboe97Sslygxo5AQwMsgKhh5z2MU5vAptmHvuWc-1NEcWLrvLpLTo8MNWiSfZy2_v6F2h1dYHmm3Q/s1600/cover_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HxEgkb26Q__qxxewdbmRUH7Kco3DFNgW2Z2umSUlKwWOWa5Pz0IfUJwIxrWDN7UUboe97Sslygxo5AQwMsgKhh5z2MU5vAptmHvuWc-1NEcWLrvLpLTo8MNWiSfZy2_v6F2h1dYHmm3Q/s400/cover_L.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>British Made</i> image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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<i>British Made</i> is a beautifully-photographed paperback book. The photos were takin in a North Yorkshire village called Malham and for those who like to cosy up in the countryside (think stone walls, hedges and thick, woolly knits) the book contains great patterns across the knitting ability range.<br />
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There are a couple of slight drawbacks with <i>British Made</i>. The first is that the charts are in black and white and are rather small. You may want to buy a digital download version so you can scale up the chart to print out. The second is that Rowan is now owned by the German company MEZ Crafts and half the book is in English whilst the other half, including the same patterns, is in German. It fools you into thinking you're getting a lot more for your money - perhaps Rowan would have been better printing separate copies for each language.<br />
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<b>The patterns</b><br />
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Yet it's a big thumbs up to the patterns.. My favourite? It's a toss up between the Glamarama scarf, knitted in six shades of Moordale (you couldn't fail to feel happy wearing all these colours):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5XOB-R8Y4DnXGSiHkLwBimJqI5t1y7a28Nc1sMlUr_zHQbfF2JcEilJfMcSXlB7EEPsZUYDyoWZUXV8n_Wm8EmYgfnlhoITmJvONpNvwPUlI8NPW7MhoWPHtBC8WgyfFxIPATstq2fWK/s1600/Glaramara_+Bowfell+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5XOB-R8Y4DnXGSiHkLwBimJqI5t1y7a28Nc1sMlUr_zHQbfF2JcEilJfMcSXlB7EEPsZUYDyoWZUXV8n_Wm8EmYgfnlhoITmJvONpNvwPUlI8NPW7MhoWPHtBC8WgyfFxIPATstq2fWK/s400/Glaramara_+Bowfell+2.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Glamarama image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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Or the Helvellyn cardigan, again using Valley Tweed, with just enough stranded colourwork to make it interesting but not too much to put off knitters new to the skill:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixywCcYS1L7c1f6wyj2a9Nsl0GhBuk0PVg22eI2xKtrI5IcUyFaDTW0Mp3Uc0BSWBgKy1CeAdsc4OOJEE2hYTpA7mCkeZ3bYNfDipD2TUKHirsnp7kRAoMWW6IDqVzbGylK7MOevMtoRhf/s1600/Helvellyn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixywCcYS1L7c1f6wyj2a9Nsl0GhBuk0PVg22eI2xKtrI5IcUyFaDTW0Mp3Uc0BSWBgKy1CeAdsc4OOJEE2hYTpA7mCkeZ3bYNfDipD2TUKHirsnp7kRAoMWW6IDqVzbGylK7MOevMtoRhf/s400/Helvellyn+2.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Helvellyn image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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The patterns are all fashion-proof, being interesting in a timeless way. Here are the rest of the bunch:<br />
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<b>Fleetwith</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMspqMAONmIWxWNeWDwYHP6h6YMWNF2PyaGSxW2-ebXx8mSkiZR0zJ0WdsYJOVSU_xohvkBRrPgsYUu3LQXAYpGz63Zui5Ei65477STw5_ljAtR8qXGLodADUBglUUwfM9n4727fY3pccv/s1600/Fleetwith+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMspqMAONmIWxWNeWDwYHP6h6YMWNF2PyaGSxW2-ebXx8mSkiZR0zJ0WdsYJOVSU_xohvkBRrPgsYUu3LQXAYpGz63Zui5Ei65477STw5_ljAtR8qXGLodADUBglUUwfM9n4727fY3pccv/s400/Fleetwith+3.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleetwith image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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An oversized sweater good for lots of layering.<br />
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<b>Scafell</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6BdvWpKNYg6lRpI_di9p7PZr7JbXe4xvFqenPxVLU3BCFZ3wpQgmvfjpTklAm1_DF5vZQqUiv49qS2HNWXd16ZV4vBM4r3LUMmW-Cqk0EQHjBLv2pYkt1VBj__Ao5naGMpJ3UgdTSn8M/s1600/Scafell+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6BdvWpKNYg6lRpI_di9p7PZr7JbXe4xvFqenPxVLU3BCFZ3wpQgmvfjpTklAm1_DF5vZQqUiv49qS2HNWXd16ZV4vBM4r3LUMmW-Cqk0EQHjBLv2pYkt1VBj__Ao5naGMpJ3UgdTSn8M/s400/Scafell+1.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scafell image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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This hat aimed at beginner knitters uses up two balls of Valley Tweed.<br />
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<b>Grisedale</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhrOldQIy4hnJ2y7y9IVjiC6JoYmD4XsnHvi5J4N9DsER4UQ8C_KqaPTPihmzPm2d2NJ7KagXt9Da-eTWFD_MLnAZatmR-RkRxAtnJienj8ys5_zLJN8RqofUgbjl9RIWSsPDlKBtqpEv/s1600/Grisedale+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhrOldQIy4hnJ2y7y9IVjiC6JoYmD4XsnHvi5J4N9DsER4UQ8C_KqaPTPihmzPm2d2NJ7KagXt9Da-eTWFD_MLnAZatmR-RkRxAtnJienj8ys5_zLJN8RqofUgbjl9RIWSsPDlKBtqpEv/s400/Grisedale+2.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleetwith image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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There are four shades of Moordale used in this long, v-neck cardigan, which is a more challenging knit.<br />
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<b>Wetherlam</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq95nElS7CuyrxCyXL8UaX5cSs79P7vkqKZSu3iDRuhfAMchyHBQ6Q_biCY-y-IA0l5350WPNQ14oHUz1S5niam-U9TMIWBihszobuAGOnBjHRsyqI4NtYbYbcVpgQ1UcbF9NeWpVAgNF/s1600/Wetherlam+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq95nElS7CuyrxCyXL8UaX5cSs79P7vkqKZSu3iDRuhfAMchyHBQ6Q_biCY-y-IA0l5350WPNQ14oHUz1S5niam-U9TMIWBihszobuAGOnBjHRsyqI4NtYbYbcVpgQ1UcbF9NeWpVAgNF/s400/Wetherlam+3.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wetherlam image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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Who wouldn't want to wear this knitted hoodie on brazing country walk?<br />
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<b>Grasmoor</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9r3LtEto54A29Iwe0dkd0h5izGonVtlka9Z8xY9FwGN6r9SvriAX41_X5ghlAxDyWP7QIupxUoTVKjcXvmgeh4yOvykp_uuUXiW_IA09zCLk552eXtCOBSEeHMYJRctQveybQcBwu00m/s1600/Grasmoor+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9r3LtEto54A29Iwe0dkd0h5izGonVtlka9Z8xY9FwGN6r9SvriAX41_X5ghlAxDyWP7QIupxUoTVKjcXvmgeh4yOvykp_uuUXiW_IA09zCLk552eXtCOBSEeHMYJRctQveybQcBwu00m/s400/Grasmoor+1.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasmoor image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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The cable pattern on this long scarf is much easier to knit than it looks - there are no charts to follow.<br />
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<b>Lingmoor</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YBroQHFJsqRLpSPuQziVcKlV_Hmmgpr8F3LiXQZtki0hNyikl-qjG-IeIxOMEvgUBUm2bIUrk3Kux15KDQTzHkFtuQOexbQHk-k-0w_zuZ4cHBaUNICDxtztaZKPapM2wXklP6Kll6N4/s1600/Lingmoor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YBroQHFJsqRLpSPuQziVcKlV_Hmmgpr8F3LiXQZtki0hNyikl-qjG-IeIxOMEvgUBUm2bIUrk3Kux15KDQTzHkFtuQOexbQHk-k-0w_zuZ4cHBaUNICDxtztaZKPapM2wXklP6Kll6N4/s400/Lingmoor+2.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingmoor image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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The intarsia technique is used to create the pattern on this cowl.<br />
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<b>Bowfell</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8BA9jCbG2OFVP2xpva6o0EY4g8Y0kCrberhyphenhyphenyk9SurJEyi4FNwaPH6O7s44FUsIy4X9xatCO7WooW_jx9sCRqlYs-pL9YTCjKBQOJOfOeqSVmsIAwxRO9yQTpTNH-dq7HW3EuxcnCsbq/s1600/Bowfell+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8BA9jCbG2OFVP2xpva6o0EY4g8Y0kCrberhyphenhyphenyk9SurJEyi4FNwaPH6O7s44FUsIy4X9xatCO7WooW_jx9sCRqlYs-pL9YTCjKBQOJOfOeqSVmsIAwxRO9yQTpTNH-dq7HW3EuxcnCsbq/s400/Bowfell+3.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowfell image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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An oversized sweater with a unisex look.<br />
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<b>Whinlatter</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dT-9i9yBBpybsWRhctaSuHBX0h2W7Z_IhL80hDJd5b9eXSGr13fxj7w6brKgHo4_pW_SzyjuEO0BIisjNl2tnUkv_jkw_Ne52YWUoK7R0Nb0UUnYybnZAYdt6dLkDUPPDsw54JKCcHOh/s1600/Whinlatter+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dT-9i9yBBpybsWRhctaSuHBX0h2W7Z_IhL80hDJd5b9eXSGr13fxj7w6brKgHo4_pW_SzyjuEO0BIisjNl2tnUkv_jkw_Ne52YWUoK7R0Nb0UUnYybnZAYdt6dLkDUPPDsw54JKCcHOh/s400/Whinlatter+1.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whinlatter image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Knitted with Moordale, this fitted sweater is aimed at beginners.<br />
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<b>Skiddaw</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uvUqZVoUB0ks-RfLciI7LdA4tiFPEb-4s8Mv8aGSTqaJDL9Xx2T2aJfZpxjEynQgrpXQ5nMlRehGD-0jkjLGjTOKtjzA7x8LKq5XyHz0vNiNc4HOwlyFvTiRb-Wz1r4xNYLi3Z-3CrVW/s1600/Skiddaw+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uvUqZVoUB0ks-RfLciI7LdA4tiFPEb-4s8Mv8aGSTqaJDL9Xx2T2aJfZpxjEynQgrpXQ5nMlRehGD-0jkjLGjTOKtjzA7x8LKq5XyHz0vNiNc4HOwlyFvTiRb-Wz1r4xNYLi3Z-3CrVW/s400/Skiddaw+2.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiddaw image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even on a grey day you'll be full of colour wearing these boot toppers.<br />
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<b>Lingmell</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ChSBmINw3Zj3PH5f7kKc1apCdUTAEPVPcJXf5wMElYQP5wKzz6t_VOAnUqkmLn3vKPGLDk8CmpdAv28U1jTlIgq6daIy_Gu6cihfHJMQ_T0lauq6i6ap7PmTBxbj1KVluO_dK8EX1Jri/s1600/Lingmill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ChSBmINw3Zj3PH5f7kKc1apCdUTAEPVPcJXf5wMElYQP5wKzz6t_VOAnUqkmLn3vKPGLDk8CmpdAv28U1jTlIgq6daIy_Gu6cihfHJMQ_T0lauq6i6ap7PmTBxbj1KVluO_dK8EX1Jri/s400/Lingmill+1.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingmell image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A long jumper with a Fair Isle pattern down the centre.<br />
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<b>Catstye </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSgj-Gi8KAwNiXTXV8_uVGrXIzYH4zTE9BbRgtimTJuCLvxjSIjNNTTntigrp-fBJkLN_Ct45ctNzIePYp-TDqz0vz_LUsJuxaMVxPIw8n7DVsGbPMZ8mWnJyk2aQi_2lei0GXngkkzkL/s1600/Catstyle+1_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSgj-Gi8KAwNiXTXV8_uVGrXIzYH4zTE9BbRgtimTJuCLvxjSIjNNTTntigrp-fBJkLN_Ct45ctNzIePYp-TDqz0vz_LUsJuxaMVxPIw8n7DVsGbPMZ8mWnJyk2aQi_2lei0GXngkkzkL/s400/Catstyle+1_0.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowfell image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This cowl is knitted in muted shades of Moordale.<br />
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Which pattern is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below or on A Woolly Yarn's <a href="http://facebook.com/awoollyyarn">Facebook page</a>.<br />
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To see all of Rowan's new season launches, including new patterns from Kaffe Fassett, go to <a href="https://knitrowan.com/en">Knitrowan</a>.<br />
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A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-44712997643850424132019-08-06T15:52:00.002-07:002019-08-10T05:55:58.900-07:00Rowan Autumn/Winter 2019 Launches: Part 2 YarnIn <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/">Part 1of this post we reviewed <i>British Made</i></a>, Rowan's new pattern book using its British yarns. Now it's the turn of its latest British yarn Island Blend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Island Blend image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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Apart from its long-missed British Sheep Breeds range, Yorkshire mega yarn brand Rowan has been pretty poor in recent years when it comes to offering wool from its own country. That changed in January when the company launched a British wool and alpaca blend called <a href="https://awoollyyarn.blogspot.com/2019/01/rowan-launches-100-british-woolalpaca.html">Moordale</a>. Now, as part of Rowan's extensive yarn and pattern launch for the Autumn/Winter 2019 season, fans of British wool have even more to be happy about.<br />
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A Woolly Yarn received a review skein of their latest product Island Blend, a yarn made from British-governed Falkland Island wool, baby alpaca and silk. All opinions are our own.<br />
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Rowan says Island Blend "will create insulating and cosy knits with a subtle sheen". There are ten shades in the range and each 50g skein is approximately 125 metres long. I couldn't find the name of the shade on the label but, researching online, I think this chocolate-brown hue is 'leather'. It certainly passes the squish test, being soft and springy. It's strong too and Rowan is right about the soft sheen.<br />
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This is not a budget yarn, with stores selling each skein around the £14.95 mark, making it a more luxury purchase. I'm looking forward to knitting it up. As yet I can only find one supporting pattern book: <i><a href="https://knitrowan.com/en/designs-patterns/calm">Rowan Focus - Natural Fibres</a></i>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan Focus- Natural Fibres image courtesy of Rowan</td></tr>
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There are three patterns in the book using Island Blend. However the yarn is DK weight and should substitute well with other patterns. Watch this space to discover what I knit with it!<br />
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To see all of Rowan's new season launches, including new patterns from Kaffe Fassett, go to <a href="https://knitrowan.com/en">Knitrowan</a>.A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869229830192009008.post-11126080439779489562019-07-30T13:44:00.000-07:002019-07-30T13:45:14.117-07:00Should Knitters Avoid Superwash Wool?Every now and then I learn something that seems so obvious I wonder why I've never realised it before. The latest occurrence was when I read <a href="https://kddandco.com/2019/07/18/for-me-europe-means-connection-yasmin-harper-laines-des-iles/">Kate Davies' blog post</a> featuring an interview with Yasmin Harper, owner of the French knitting store Laine des Iles (roughly translated as Island Wool).<br />
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In the interview, talking about the wool she stocks, she says:<br />
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"I am certainly not in favour of superwash yarns. I find it quite frustrating that there is no requirement to label a yarn as super wash or for manufacturers to explain on their labelling what this means (essentially, that it is plastic coated). I still find a lot of customers who react with surprise when I tell them this - they just don't know."</blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superwash image courtesy of Patons</td></tr>
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I didn't know either. I knew that superwash wool tended to be softer and machine-washable, but I never gave a thought as to WHY.<br />
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So I did some online research to find out what exactly goes on to turn wool into superwash. This is what I found from <a href="https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/machine-washable-superwash-wool-2116163">The Spruce Crafts</a>:<br />
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"Superwash wool can be made using an acid bath that removes the scales from the fibre, or it can be made by coating the fibre with a polymer that keeps the scales from being able to join together and cause shrinkage."</blockquote>
The American website <a href="https://www.knittingthenaturalway.com/superwash-yarns">Knitting The Natural Way</a> says that chlorine is used in acid baths and because of that the waste water is not accepted by the majority of water treatment facilities in the USA. So where does it go? It's sent to be processed in other countries including China and the UK. Lucky us taking other countries' toxic waste.<br />
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Quite a lot of wool brands sell superwash yarn whether it's labelled as such or not. Clues that your wool may be superwash are that it feels slicker and denser than regular wool and looks slightly shiny.<br />
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If you're choosing to knit with wool because it's a natural fibre and you've purposefully avoided man-made yarns such as acrylic and polyester due to them being produced from oil, then buying superwash flushes those environmental principles straight down the loo.<br />
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I asked Jess James-Thomson, prolific knitter, yarn dyer and owner of Edinburgh yarn store <a href="https://gingertwiststudio.com/">Ginger Twist Studio</a>, for her opinion on the matter. She says prefers to go for non-superwash wool whenever possible because it is environmentally-friendly and she likes the way it takes the dye.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splendor 4ply image courtesy of Ginger Twist Studio</td></tr>
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Fans of superwash wool say that it's easier to wash and is softer against the skin, particularly for babies. Arguments against this are that superwash garments can stretch when machine-washed. Also there are lots of non-superwash yarns on the market tailored for babies, including <a href="https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/debbie-bliss-eco-baby">Debbie Bliss Eco Baby</a> and <a href="https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/sublime-baby-cashmere-merino-silk-dk?gclid=CjwKCAjwpuXpBRAAEiwAyRRPgUMIW76FWTaQPjO1kUbx7sKjVmGu92Lyf9E6k_nRxPOLMH-QQqTMjBoC5WYQAvD_BwE&country=GB&sku=YSB001_002&ev_chn=shop&ef_id=CjwKCAjwpuXpBRAAEiwAyRRPgUMIW76FWTaQPjO1kUbx7sKjVmGu92Lyf9E6k_nRxPOLMH-QQqTMjBoC5WYQAvD_BwE:G:s&gclid=CjwKCAjwpuXpBRAAEiwAyRRPgUMIW76FWTaQPjO1kUbx7sKjVmGu92Lyf9E6k_nRxPOLMH-QQqTMjBoC5WYQAvD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_gb">Sublime Baby Cashmere</a>.<br />
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Sock knitters may like superwash wool so the socks can be easily washed to get rid of foot pongs, but again there are non-superwash wool yarns on the market, a leader being <a href="https://www.wyspinners.com/bluefaced%20leicester%20yarn/4%20Ply/4%20Ply%20-%20The%20Florist%20Collection">West Yorkshire Spinners' Signature 4ply</a>.<br />
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To those who say non-superwash wool is itchy, think of the multitude of wool and fibre blends to choose from. James-Thomson says that "my Splendor 4ply is a mix of non-superwash merino and silk, and I would challenge anyone to find that itchy!"<br />
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There is an alternative to superwash but few wool producers use it, as Yasmin Harper points out on her own <a href="https://www.lainedesiles.com/blogs/news/pas-plus-de-superwash-no-more-superwash">blog</a>. "A new superwash treatment called EXP that has been developed by Schoeller Wool in Germany - a GOTS certified treatment that does not involve chlorine washing, and only minimal amounts of ecological polymer. However it is currently used by only a very small number of knitting yarn companies."<br />
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If you want to avoid superwash and aren't sure if your chosen wool has been treated then ask the yarn retailer. If they don't know then don't buy it. The more people who raise the issue at their local yarn store the better, as to stay competitive yarn companies have to produce what the public want to buy.<br />
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Now what else don't I know that's blatantly obvious??A Woolly Yarnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01468867568715073749noreply@blogger.com0