Embedded Files
2023
Peg Loom Workshop day 17th July
The finished work of Grace Skill using her own homespun wool to produce this beautiful mat, now a centerpiece on her dining table!
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Glendale Children's Day 8th June 2023
2022
Weaving Workshop 22 August 2022 with Eta Ingham Lawrie
- Showtime -
Powburn Whittingham Glendale
Wet Felting Workshop 30th May 2022 with Anna Turnbull
Mike Oliver's talk 20th February 2022 on the history of spinning wheels
Jan wrote this in response to Mike Oliver's talk on the history of spinning wheels
"Thanks Mike for a brilliant history on spinning and seeing all your wheels. Thanks also to your helper (Anne Turnbull)".
2021
2021
Green, Balanced, Fractal, Blended, Raw, Useless, Haemian and Firework Challenges
Green, Balanced, Fractal, Blended, Raw, Useless, Haemian and Firework Challenges
Anne writes: Here is my sparkle challenge. I used my firework batt from last month to make a mobius collar. 300+ stitches on circular needle until I ran out of wool.
Anne writes: Here is my sparkle challenge. I used my firework batt from last month to make a mobius collar. 300+ stitches on circular needle until I ran out of wool.
Jan writes: At last finished this Christmas jumper/gansy for Tim, just in time. However, made the arms gorilla length so had to unpick and pull out some rows. Been spinning and knitting this for weeks. Weighed 900g and it is navy Shetland from World of Wool.
Jan writes: At last finished this Christmas jumper/gansy for Tim, just in time. However, made the arms gorilla length so had to unpick and pull out some rows. Been spinning and knitting this for weeks. Weighed 900g and it is navy Shetland from World of Wool.
Margaret looking very smart in her 'Hitchhiker' scarf. It takes just one ball of wool. This scarf took Margaret 5 years to complete because of other duties she had. Well worth the wait.
Margaret looking very smart in her 'Hitchhiker' scarf. It takes just one ball of wool. This scarf took Margaret 5 years to complete because of other duties she had. Well worth the wait.
Judy's beautiful landscaped cushion
Judy's beautiful landscaped cushion
..... and spun wool
..... and spun wool
.... and cute creatures
.... and cute creatures
...and woolly hat.
...and woolly hat.
I think we have captured the essence of Bonfire night.
I think we have captured the essence of Bonfire night.
Anne's November challenge: I asked Janet at The Threshing Barn to send me an art batt that I could use for this challenge.
Anne's November challenge: I asked Janet at The Threshing Barn to send me an art batt that I could use for this challenge.
She and Sara were doing a YouTube session on carding so they made it then.
She and Sara were doing a YouTube session on carding so they made it then.
It is a mixture of dyed merino, locks, nylon and angelina. I plied the black with the multicoloured to get the one skein.
It is a mixture of dyed merino, locks, nylon and angelina. I plied the black with the multicoloured to get the one skein.
Then I plied the remaining with some bonfire coloured wool for the smaller skein.
Then I plied the remaining with some bonfire coloured wool for the smaller skein.
Joan's August challenge: brown Shetland fleece to spun to spun wool.
Joan's August challenge: brown Shetland fleece to spun to spun wool.
Joan's September challenge: Alpaca first cut, a lovely spin and so soft. Unfortunately only 50g.
Joan's September challenge: Alpaca first cut, a lovely spin and so soft. Unfortunately only 50g.
Joan: waistcoat made with spun wool dyed with cochineal.
Joan: waistcoat made with spun wool dyed with cochineal.
Maureen's hat - started at the beginning of the first lockdown and finished at the beginning of the second lockdown. The brim used wool spun on a stick.
Maureen's hat - started at the beginning of the first lockdown and finished at the beginning of the second lockdown. The brim used wool spun on a stick.
Anne: my efforts on the theme of harvest for October. The mouse is knitted with dyed half bred wool, and black and white Jacob.
Anne: my efforts on the theme of harvest for October. The mouse is knitted with dyed half bred wool, and black and white Jacob.
One of 3 lockdown jumpers Jan has knitted.
One of 3 lockdown jumpers Jan has knitted.
Lorna writes: Here is a picture of the rug I have been making. I have just used up a lot of spare wool.
Lorna writes: Here is a picture of the rug I have been making. I have just used up a lot of spare wool.
Anne writes: my offering for the August challenge.
Anne writes: my offering for the August challenge.
It is camel tops, which was nice to spin. The photo doesn't do the colour justice, which is definitely camel coloured!
It is camel tops, which was nice to spin. The photo doesn't do the colour justice, which is definitely camel coloured!
Anne again: here is my useless bit of spinning for the September challenge.
Anne again: here is my useless bit of spinning for the September challenge.
It is Merino fleece which just wanted to be spun fine so took forever. I haven't a clue what it will be used for, but it is just nice to handle while I ponder.
It is Merino fleece which just wanted to be spun fine so took forever. I haven't a clue what it will be used for, but it is just nice to handle while I ponder.
Margaret: a friend gave me a Valais Blacknose fleece in April
Margaret: a friend gave me a Valais Blacknose fleece in April
Washed and on the line in July
Washed and on the line in July
Lots of lovely locks but the wool is really only used for carpets or felting
Lots of lovely locks but the wool is really only used for carpets or felting
My attempt at a designer needle felted cushion. May try to spin some and see what happens.
My attempt at a designer needle felted cushion. May try to spin some and see what happens.
Ann C - rainbow dyed wool
Ann C - rainbow dyed wool
Ann C - Lockdown shawl knitted on the bias
Ann C - Lockdown shawl knitted on the bias
Anne's blended wool.
Anne's blended wool.
' A little black goes a long way'
' A little black goes a long way'
Inspired by the talk given by the Uist Wool Mill at Felton, who were blending Cheviot and Zwarte Bleu, I wanted to take the glare off a white fleece. I started with 8:2 white with black. It was too dark, then tried 9:1, which was still too dark. Eventually I was happy with 10:1.
Inspired by the talk given by the Uist Wool Mill at Felton, who were blending Cheviot and Zwarte Bleu, I wanted to take the glare off a white fleece. I started with 8:2 white with black. It was too dark, then tried 9:1, which was still too dark. Eventually I was happy with 10:1.
Chris: Blended coloured fleece, mixed breeds, spun and then plied in different ways with synthetic fibres to create art yarn.
Chris: Blended coloured fleece, mixed breeds, spun and then plied in different ways with synthetic fibres to create art yarn.
Chris: I used a few techniques: Spirals, granny stacks, coils and twists, wrapping and adding tails of long staples. I will probably use them for weaving.
Chris: I used a few techniques: Spirals, granny stacks, coils and twists, wrapping and adding tails of long staples. I will probably use them for weaving.
Catherine: I spun four, 1oz balls using one eighth of a braid plied with two sixteenth of a braid.
Catherine: I spun four, 1oz balls using one eighth of a braid plied with two sixteenth of a braid.
.
Fractal spun wool.
Fractal spun wool.
Then I knitted a ten stitch square spiral with one ball and mounted it onto a cushion cover. I think you can see the effect quite well.
Then I knitted a ten stitch square spiral with one ball and mounted it onto a cushion cover. I think you can see the effect quite well.
My attempt at blending. It is more wool with little 'neeps' of silk added, but I like the result.
My attempt at blending. It is more wool with little 'neeps' of silk added, but I like the result.
Joan: June challenge - silk & merino
Joan: June challenge - silk & merino
Joan: spun the fractal way
Joan: spun the fractal way
Karen : my chunky, clunky knitting with the very first wool I have spun. I have dyed it and it is now almost ready to become a little cushion cover.
This is brown alpaca spun with random texel/blue faced Leicester which I dyed in yellow, pink and blue. The idea was to brighten up the alpaca. I’m quite pleased with the result but I was itching as I knitted the sample so I’m not sure if a hat is a good plan!
Joan: Green challenge - thoughts of grass and flowers of summer
Joan: Green challenge - thoughts of grass and flowers of summer
Joan: Knitting before fractal
Joan: Knitting before fractal
Joan: Knitting after fractal
Joan: Knitting after fractal
Jan: I have had a go at the latest challenge and mixed 4 shades of purple merino and added bits of pink and blue silk. However, I think I should have added lots more silk which would have shown up better.
Jan: I have had a go at the latest challenge and mixed 4 shades of purple merino and added bits of pink and blue silk. However, I think I should have added lots more silk which would have shown up better.
Also, hurray at last knitted up in lockdown my 'bubblegum' wool (bulky carded Corriedale) and it was so lovely to spin. Another chunky sweater which took 550g.
Also, hurray at last knitted up in lockdown my 'bubblegum' wool (bulky carded Corriedale) and it was so lovely to spin. Another chunky sweater which took 550g.
Dyeing
Dyeing
Jill has been collecting lichen from fallen branches as she's been out walking over the winter and spring. She's soaked it for many weeks and used it to dye hanks of Shetland wool.
Jill has been collecting lichen from fallen branches as she's been out walking over the winter and spring. She's soaked it for many weeks and used it to dye hanks of Shetland wool.
Jill writes: The bottom 3 in the photo were from what I believe to be Oak Moss and that has produced very attractive shades of tan. Definitely not the purple described in the books! The top 2 used a similar but different species and that has produced a more gold brown.
Jill writes: The bottom 3 in the photo were from what I believe to be Oak Moss and that has produced very attractive shades of tan. Definitely not the purple described in the books! The top 2 used a similar but different species and that has produced a more gold brown.
I’ve now got the bug and I’m looking round the garden for more ideas! I have my eye on a large patch of nettles but I suspect the result would be dirty green.
I’ve now got the bug and I’m looking round the garden for more ideas! I have my eye on a large patch of nettles but I suspect the result would be dirty green.
Catherine writes: The work in progress is for March - I found instructions for dyeing with avocados using soya milk as a mordant, which I thought would be 'green', however I have now lost the instructions, but they will turn up, in the mean time I am still eating avocados.
Catherine writes: The work in progress is for March - I found instructions for dyeing with avocados using soya milk as a mordant, which I thought would be 'green', however I have now lost the instructions, but they will turn up, in the mean time I am still eating avocados.
Balanced skein of spun wool from Catherine
Balanced skein of spun wool from Catherine
Jill's green challenge - It is merino plied with silk and the knitted sample is in moss stitch which gives quite a nice tweedy effect. My plan is to spin enough to make a cushion.
Jill's green challenge - It is merino plied with silk and the knitted sample is in moss stitch which gives quite a nice tweedy effect. My plan is to spin enough to make a cushion.
Anne writes for her fractal spinning -There is one skein, and two swatches, knitted on 24 and 50 stitches, which show the difference the number of stitches makes to the colour changes.
Anne writes for her fractal spinning -There is one skein, and two swatches, knitted on 24 and 50 stitches, which show the difference the number of stitches makes to the colour changes.
Anne's swatches thanks to Charlotte and Emma's BFL plaits
Anne's swatches thanks to Charlotte and Emma's BFL plaits
Lizzy's crochet bugs in the front garden.
Lizzy's crochet bugs in the front garden.
Sheila made 6 treadles to balance this Ryeland.
Sheila made 6 treadles to balance this Ryeland.
The April challenge, glad I'm not late with this one, balanced yarns spun from local Shetland fleece in natural colours.
The April challenge, glad I'm not late with this one, balanced yarns spun from local Shetland fleece in natural colours.
Anne Wheeler
Anne Wheeler
Here is my green challenge for March (sorry only 3 weeks late). A wizard, who started life as a shepherd, then turned into a green man! His hair is natural dyed with weld, using garden plants and over-dyed in an indigo vat. Blue faced Leicester tops, randomly dyed with acid dyes were used to knit the tunic, along with a driftwood body and staff. Green, as in the fleece and natural dyes are locally sourced along with driftwood collected from Whitley Bay beach. Anne Wheeler
Well balanced white unlike its green neighbour. Anne Turnbull
Well balanced white unlike its green neighbour. Anne Turnbull
Balanced green silk - Margaret
Balanced green silk - Margaret
Lizzy's yarn bombing
Lizzy's yarn bombing
Lizzy's front garden
Lizzy's front garden
Lizzy's crocheted moths and butterflies
Lizzy's crocheted moths and butterflies
They're breeding!!
They're breeding!!
Sheila writes: I have only spun a Cheviot/Suffolk fleece and have finally finished it. I had some green merino tops which I bought for felting so I laid strands on the Cheviot/Suffolk and spun the two together. This is the first time I have mixed any wools. I rather like it, I don’t know what I will do with it, perhaps use it as a coaster.
Sheila writes: I have only spun a Cheviot/Suffolk fleece and have finally finished it. I had some green merino tops which I bought for felting so I laid strands on the Cheviot/Suffolk and spun the two together. This is the first time I have mixed any wools. I rather like it, I don’t know what I will do with it, perhaps use it as a coaster.
Margaret says: Green wool (although it looks quite blue/grey in the photo) from Masham several years ago. Now I know why it was cheap - hairy and not as soft as it seemed to be. Destined for weaving.
Margaret says: Green wool (although it looks quite blue/grey in the photo) from Masham several years ago. Now I know why it was cheap - hairy and not as soft as it seemed to be. Destined for weaving.
Charlotte says: Here is a picture of my ‘green’ yarn - local wool dyed with plants from the garden - almost zero clothes miles!
Charlotte says: Here is a picture of my ‘green’ yarn - local wool dyed with plants from the garden - almost zero clothes miles!
Anne says: Both green Gaywool dyed half bred, and a skein of cotton from the workshop.
Anne says: Both green Gaywool dyed half bred, and a skein of cotton from the workshop.
Maureen writes: An interesting experiment in stick spinning unprocessed, unbleached cotton. It is so light it sometimes felt there was nothing in my hand to draw. The coaster is definitely not for use with coffee or red wine - strictly gin only.
Maureen writes: An interesting experiment in stick spinning unprocessed, unbleached cotton. It is so light it sometimes felt there was nothing in my hand to draw. The coaster is definitely not for use with coffee or red wine - strictly gin only.
Lorna says: This is my effort for the March challenge. I have plied together carpet thrums for my next rug. Best wishes.
Lorna says: This is my effort for the March challenge. I have plied together carpet thrums for my next rug. Best wishes.
Sue writes: Here's my green challenge. I did it when I first started spinning so very lumpy and I have no idea what to do with it or what sort of sheep it came from.
Sue writes: Here's my green challenge. I did it when I first started spinning so very lumpy and I have no idea what to do with it or what sort of sheep it came from.
Marilyn says: I’m sending you a picture of my March challenge. It’s a bit of a cheat as I had spun the yarn some time ago (merino and silk mix) but the challenge galvanised me into knitting it up into a wrap.
Marilyn says: I’m sending you a picture of my March challenge. It’s a bit of a cheat as I had spun the yarn some time ago (merino and silk mix) but the challenge galvanised me into knitting it up into a wrap.
Wool Marketing Board, Galashiels
Wool Marketing Board, Galashiels
14 October 2019
14 October 2019
A very interesting and informative visit to Galashiels to see fleeces from all over Scotland and the north of England being graded for sale. Every breed of sheep was represented in the mill and we saw some very high quality wool. Nothing goes to waste - even the poorest fleece has some use. A truly green and environmentally friendly product.
A very interesting and informative visit to Galashiels to see fleeces from all over Scotland and the north of England being graded for sale. Every breed of sheep was represented in the mill and we saw some very high quality wool. Nothing goes to waste - even the poorest fleece has some use. A truly green and environmentally friendly product.
Glendale Show
Glendale Show
26 August 2019
26 August 2019
A lovely summer Bank Holiday Monday with lots of interest in the stall .... and we won a rosette.
A lovely summer Bank Holiday Monday with lots of interest in the stall .... and we won a rosette.
15 July 2019
15 July 2019
Ann showing the group her dyed wool from an on-line workshop. Excellent results in an array of lovely colours. Everyone was fantastically impressed.
Ann showing the group her dyed wool from an on-line workshop. Excellent results in an array of lovely colours. Everyone was fantastically impressed.
Copeland Castle
Copeland Castle
25 June 2019
25 June 2019
Haddington Spinners joined us for a spinning session at Copeland Castle. A shared lunch and donations to Riding for the Disabled
Haddington Spinners joined us for a spinning session at Copeland Castle. A shared lunch and donations to Riding for the Disabled
Hay farm Heavy Horse Event
Hay farm Heavy Horse Event
5 May 2019
5 May 2019
Stick Spinning workshop II
Stick Spinning workshop II
15 April 2019
15 April 2019
Debbie Zawinski returned to Powburn following her successful workshop last year and did the whole thing again! Everyone was very attentive and produced a mini skein of plied hand spun wool using a stick. Debbie's engaging manner and enthusiasm for wool and spinning made a thoroughly enjoyable day. Dog walkers in our group now have the challenge to keep control of their dogs and stick spin as they walk along!
Debbie Zawinski returned to Powburn following her successful workshop last year and did the whole thing again! Everyone was very attentive and produced a mini skein of plied hand spun wool using a stick. Debbie's engaging manner and enthusiasm for wool and spinning made a thoroughly enjoyable day. Dog walkers in our group now have the challenge to keep control of their dogs and stick spin as they walk along!
Masham Sheep Fair
Masham Sheep Fair
29 September 2018
29 September 2018
Masham Sheep Fair gave everyone a chance to participate in a fantastic rural event - a sheep show, sheep racing, wool craft stalls, fleeces for sale, demonstrations, duck and geese herding, flower festival, brewery tours, tasty eateries and a friendly Yorkshire welcome. And a lot more .......
Masham Sheep Fair gave everyone a chance to participate in a fantastic rural event - a sheep show, sheep racing, wool craft stalls, fleeces for sale, demonstrations, duck and geese herding, flower festival, brewery tours, tasty eateries and a friendly Yorkshire welcome. And a lot more .......
Glendale Show 2018
Glendale Show 2018
The spinners had another successful day at Glendale Show with a lot of interest in all aspects of wool and spinning. The sheep bunting received many favourable comments.
The spinners had another successful day at Glendale Show with a lot of interest in all aspects of wool and spinning. The sheep bunting received many favourable comments.
Coupland Castle
Coupland Castle
The spinners had another grand day out on 10 May 2018 at Coupland castle where they demonstrated spinning to a group from Newcastle who were touring the castle and gardens. £125 was raised for Riding for the Disabled. A big thank you to Mike and Sue for their excellent arrangements and a delicious pooled lunch. This was followed by a guided tour of the castle a few weeks later to see the fantastic artwork and hear about the fascinating history and architecture. Thanks to Fiona.
The spinners had another grand day out on 10 May 2018 at Coupland castle where they demonstrated spinning to a group from Newcastle who were touring the castle and gardens. £125 was raised for Riding for the Disabled. A big thank you to Mike and Sue for their excellent arrangements and a delicious pooled lunch. This was followed by a guided tour of the castle a few weeks later to see the fantastic artwork and hear about the fascinating history and architecture. Thanks to Fiona.
Stick spinning workshop
Stick spinning workshop
19 February 2018
19 February 2018
Author Debbie Zawinski came to Powburn on 19 Feb. One summer, Debbie travelled to all corners of Scotland to gather fleece from 10 Scottish sheep breeds. She spun the fleece on her spinning stick as she went along. Debbie then designed and knitted socks to reflect the characteristics of each breed and her travels. The result became 'In the Footsteps of Sheep', a wonderful read for any knitter, spinner or country lover. Debbie gave a very successful workshop on stick spinning to the North Northumberland spinners. She will return - watch out for dates.
Author Debbie Zawinski came to Powburn on 19 Feb. One summer, Debbie travelled to all corners of Scotland to gather fleece from 10 Scottish sheep breeds. She spun the fleece on her spinning stick as she went along. Debbie then designed and knitted socks to reflect the characteristics of each breed and her travels. The result became 'In the Footsteps of Sheep', a wonderful read for any knitter, spinner or country lover. Debbie gave a very successful workshop on stick spinning to the North Northumberland spinners. She will return - watch out for dates.
Glendale Show
Glendale Show
28 August 2017
28 August 2017
The spinners had a very successful day at Glendale Show. The sheep bunting had its first outing.
The spinners had a very successful day at Glendale Show. The sheep bunting had its first outing.
Then we won a rosette for our stall being [nearly] the best in Show!
Then we won a rosette for our stall being [nearly] the best in Show!
Coupland Castle
Coupland Castle
The spinners had a grand day out on 15 June 2017 at Coupland castle where they demonstrated spinning and toured the castle and gardens. Together with a group of historians from Newcastle, £133 was raised for Riding for the Disabled. A big thank you to Mike and Sue for their excellent arrangements and a delicious lunch.
The spinners had a grand day out on 15 June 2017 at Coupland castle where they demonstrated spinning and toured the castle and gardens. Together with a group of historians from Newcastle, £133 was raised for Riding for the Disabled. A big thank you to Mike and Sue for their excellent arrangements and a delicious lunch.
Late Shows - Newcastle
Late Shows - Newcastle
Three of our members took part in the Late Shows, Newcastle in 2016. WILD WOOL is a performance art piece that merges Chinese dance, martial arts and gesture to articulate an intimate landscape, expressed with the raw material. Click on the link to watch some of the performance: https://vimeo.com/168802675
Three of our members took part in the Late Shows, Newcastle in 2016. WILD WOOL is a performance art piece that merges Chinese dance, martial arts and gesture to articulate an intimate landscape, expressed with the raw material. Click on the link to watch some of the performance: https://vimeo.com/168802675
Wild wool performance 2016 Apple Yang at Powburn Wild Wool Performance 2016
Super coils workshop with Jennie Howes from Skybluepink Designs, November 2015
Super coils workshop with Jennie Howes from Skybluepink Designs, November 2015
Examples of Super coils and Core spinning
Examples of Super coils and Core spinning
Children's Countryside day June 2016 Alnmouth Arts Festival June 2016
Children's Countryside day June 2016 Alnmouth Arts Festival June 2016
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with our new banner
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