The Journal of Scottish Yarns

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The Journal of Scottish Yarns A colourful and insightful view of all things yarn related, making connections, and joining threads.
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I was absolutely delighted to be part of the 900th anniversary celebrations of Edinburgh at the Castle this afternoon. A...
03/07/2024

I was absolutely delighted to be part of the 900th anniversary celebrations of Edinburgh at the Castle this afternoon. As you can see from this photo King Charles and Queen Camilla were engaged and smiling - taking their time to chat to people.

Thanks to I was there along with who (after a busy morning with a lovely group from ) were showing off British wool and Scottish textiles, and with a couple of their lambs- and many others from whiskey to cheese to dance and interfaith groups. Despite the weather it was a joyous occasion.

When your knitting matches the dog's ball.... That's Arthurs Seat and the East Lothian coast in the distance.Knitting is...
01/07/2024

When your knitting matches the dog's ball....

That's Arthurs Seat and the East Lothian coast in the distance.

Knitting is the from issue 3, designed by and I'm using 2 bases in Tink colourway 🧚

I've had the pleasure of using 's Scottish Merino (aka Bowmont) wool this week. It is so soft!Scottish merinos have a s...
30/06/2024

I've had the pleasure of using 's Scottish Merino (aka Bowmont) wool this week. It is so soft!

Scottish merinos have a small amount of Shetland cross bred into the line so that they can cope with our climate (including wet feet...). As well as being kept for their wool, Rachel uses their rotational grazing on a rich diet of grasses and herbs sown to restore the land and in the process support the wildlife - including curlews illustrated on the labels. Win win ❤️

Hopefully I can show you what I was using it for soon 😉

I come across some fascinating facts when I'm researching articles for the journal!This is Captain Charles Stuart Cochra...
29/06/2024

I come across some fascinating facts when I'm researching articles for the journal!

This is Captain Charles Stuart Cochrane who is credited with bringing the spinning of cashmere and merino yarn to Scotland.

The Scottish Board of Trustees for the Encouragement of Arts and Manufactures (established in 1727 with the aim of dispersing grants to encourage growth in the fishing and manufacturing industries) offered large rewards to the first entrepreneurs able to spin cashmere and merino in Scotland based on the French system. Cashmere had been woven in Scotland using French yarn up to that point very successfully...

So in 1831, after an unsuccessful spell in the copper-mining and pearl-fishing industries in Columbia, and eighteen months pretending to be a Spanish minstrel before revealing himself in Edinburgh, the well-travelled and colourful Captain Charles Stuart Cochrane had 'gathered' enough information to receive a Scottish patent for the process which he then sold to Henry Houldsworth & Sons, who began producing cashmere yarn in Glasgow the following year and, in 1833, won the reward.

Captain Cochrane had also learnt the secrets to spinning merino yarn from his time in Paris winning the award for this in 1834. He went on to establish a merino spinning mill, also in Glasgow, until his untimely death. This process was apparently also continued by Henry Houldsworth & Sons but I haven't found any more information on this yet!

Sources: The New Statistical Account of Scotland, Volume VI from 1854
Picture: From Cochrane's "Journal of a Residence and Travels in Columbia During the years 1823 and 1824"

Did you see that the Seeded Fern Wrap designed by Meg Rodger of has been released as a separate pattern today?Originall...
28/06/2024

Did you see that the Seeded Fern Wrap designed by Meg Rodger of has been released as a separate pattern today?

Originally designed for issue 3 and shown in colours Cowrie, Crotal and Haar here, the single pattern is available via Meg's website - and still available as part of issue 3 (which includes the extremely popular , which has also released as a separate pattern).

The way it works is: I commission designs for the journal and have the rights for 12 months from publication. Thereafter the designer gets them back and can issue the patterns separately. So if there's ever a design you'd like to make but don't fancy the whole issue do give the designer a look and a nudge. It will help them to know there's interest.

Models: & Olivia
Photos:
Hair & Make-up:

This is the beautiful Seawrack Sweater by Flora Kennedy. It takes just 2 skeins of a DK like the long colour transitio...
26/06/2024

This is the beautiful Seawrack Sweater by Flora Kennedy. It takes just 2 skeins of a DK like the long colour transitions of Reothart or Calma to make.

We used one of the photos to illustrate the story in issue 5 of Uist Wool and I keep going back to look at it. This design was very popular at where the sample was on display.

I'll let you into a secret which I am so excited about I can't keep secret🤫😁
Flora is designing something for issue 6 using Uist Wool's biggest, boldest yarn: Beòthach (also known as the Beast 🐻) blends wool and alpaca fibre for a characterful and rustic chunky yarn. I couldn't find an emojii for SQUEEEEEEE 😄

Admiring the eyelet pattern on the back of my Pathfinder Top 😊Pattern in issue 5. Designed by and I'm using 4 colours o...
22/06/2024

Admiring the eyelet pattern on the back of my Pathfinder Top 😊

Pattern in issue 5. Designed by and I'm using 4 colours of Sweet Flax

Have you watched shop cast episode 227 yet? (Link in bio) I finally had a bit of time and courage! Corinne and I had a ...
19/06/2024

Have you watched shop cast episode 227 yet? (Link in bio) I finally had a bit of time and courage!

Corinne and I had a great chat about where this thing called The Journal of Scottish Yarns came from plus
and (the episode includes a postcard from Rachel there on Fair Isle - a regular feature) - story in issue 5

- story in issue 5 too
- story in issue 3
- story in issue 2

Plus mentions of .... we covered a lot! And the sheep 🐏

I was wearing a Seapink Top by and Robach Shawl by made in hand dyed yarn.

And it's true you can hear Corinne's Scottish accent come out, as one viewer commented 😊

You can order copies from 's website or direct from me or one of my other lovely stockists in the UK.

Progress on my Pathfinder Top, designed by for issue 5.Instead of using a single colour I'm using 4 of 's Sweet Flax. ...
18/06/2024

Progress on my Pathfinder Top, designed by for issue 5.

Instead of using a single colour I'm using 4 of 's Sweet Flax. I think it's working 😊

is open again! And stocked with issue 5 😊Their Edinburgh Sevens Tapestry features on the front cover and the whole stor...
17/06/2024

is open again! And stocked with issue 5 😊

Their Edinburgh Sevens Tapestry features on the front cover and the whole story is told inside. Enjoy!

Lisa very kindly dyed this zebra DK that I've had from Chester Wool for years in her Irn Bru inspired colourway from th...
15/06/2024

Lisa very kindly dyed this zebra DK that I've had from Chester Wool for years in her Irn Bru inspired colourway from the Glasgow Collection.

I absolutely love it and have already started a by

Thanks Lisa 🥰

Just back from hearing speak at the in Melrose courtesy of and the What a wonderful evening in great company - and P...
13/06/2024

Just back from hearing speak at the in Melrose courtesy of and the

What a wonderful evening in great company - and Patrick spoke so eloquently and passionately about British textiles:
..how it might be more expensive to buy local/Scottish/British but that money spent locally grows locally, ..how we need to pride ourselves in what we have (Scottish textiles and whiskey were mentioned in the same sentence which I like - we're world famous for both so let's celebrate that and grow it), ..how the trickle down effect doesn't work - pay people in jobs by making things (like NHS kit and armed forces uniforms) in the UK; don't give money to already rich people and expect it to miraculously trickle down...

We didn't have time to meet him at the book signing after but I did come away with his new book Less and bumped into .mill.cic.langholm !

I really looking forward to reading the book and hearing more. I may have left Patrick a copy of my 'love letter to Scottish textiles' 😊

Again beautifully modelled by my daughter - and claimed! - I finished my Hairst jumper from issue 4 by in 6 shades of ...
07/06/2024

Again beautifully modelled by my daughter - and claimed! - I finished my Hairst jumper from issue 4 by in 6 shades of Aran merino.

I'm delighted with it: it's fun and colourful and very comfortable. And I was able to say to my daughter lounging in it on the sofa, "That's 100% wool you're wearing" 😊 I'll have her in woolly wool one day 😆

Finished my Lammermuirs Top from issue 5 made from deep-stash Rowan Lenpur Linen. Designed by Samira Hill this is a top...
06/06/2024

Finished my Lammermuirs Top from issue 5 made from deep-stash Rowan Lenpur Linen. Designed by Samira Hill this is a top down crochet top with double crochet* yoke and interesting stitch pattern on the body and short sleeves.

Beautifully modelled by my daughter who has claimed it and requested another 😁

*British terminology, Single crochet otherwise

Spent a great day last week on their Cashmere Experience and I hear there are 3 last minute spaces for the day this Sat...
05/06/2024

Spent a great day last week on their Cashmere Experience and I hear there are 3 last minute spaces for the day this Saturday.

We met the very friendly goats, ate great food, chatted lots, learnt about processing fibre with hands on experience, and natural dyeing from Fred who blends and hand spins Lunan Bay Farm's cashmere with their own Shetland wool.

Of course some had to come home with me which I just keep staring at, its so special 😍 AND we were given a gift box of some of Fred's hand dyed yarn which I'm going to make into a from issue 1.

And a dip in the North Sea, right on the doorstep of the farm is an optional extra, under the expert guidance of Carol. I did it and still can't believe I did 😊

So all in all, highly recommend the day if you can manage it.

One of my trusted helpers aka husband I couldn't do it (any of it.... except maybe the knitting 😁) without his support ...
04/06/2024

One of my trusted helpers aka husband

I couldn't do it (any of it.... except maybe the knitting 😁) without his support 🥰

Some photos from the wonderful - this was towards the end of yesterday when things were quieter so vendors chatting and...
02/06/2024

Some photos from the wonderful - this was towards the end of yesterday when things were quieter so vendors chatting and taking the chance to sit down.

What a fabulous, warm, inspiring community we share 🥰

I'm a bit tired now.... 🫠

A few rows on my Gala Water shawl by on the way to day 2 of I will actually take some photos today to share.... yester...
01/06/2024

A few rows on my Gala Water shawl by on the way to day 2 of

I will actually take some photos today to share.... yesterday was awesome: great chat, atmosphere, weather, coffee (thanks 😍)....

The story of .mill.cic.langholm is also featured in issue 5, a fascinating insight into what one organisation is doing t...
29/05/2024

The story of .mill.cic.langholm is also featured in issue 5, a fascinating insight into what one organisation is doing to help local employment, rural isolation, and teaching craft skills to children of all ages (including adults 😁) and finding new uses for textiles surplus and waste in their Scrap Store.

From fine motor skills through weaving to nursery kids, to supporting youth groups and the local Academies with fashion and textile skills, leading to potential employment at the thriving small textiles businesses based in Langholm.

Langholm grew up around the textile industry and was once the flourishing home to 15 woollen mills. , FTS Dyers, part of the group, are some of the current businesses innovating while building on decades of textiles heritage and experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Creation Mill and Langholm and am looking forward to seeing .mill.cic.langholm Scrap Store with at on Friday and Saturday 🧶

On the train from Edinburgh to Arbroath: what is behind these doors?
29/05/2024

On the train from Edinburgh to Arbroath: what is behind these doors?

We had a lovely gathering to launch issue 5 today! Despite the dreich weather we had 4 designers: and 3 yarns featur...
26/05/2024

We had a lovely gathering to launch issue 5 today!

Despite the dreich weather we had 4 designers:
and
3 yarns featured: and
Plus Madeleine who is featured in one of the stories, who wrote the story of the Edinburgh Sevens tapestry which is on the cover and Nicky (layout designer extraordinaire) and Jo who modelled.

🥰

Lovely morning for launch of 's Short-row Colorwork Knitting book. Just hanging out with yarnie folk 🧶 ❤️ Now bac...
26/05/2024

Lovely morning for launch of 's Short-row Colorwork Knitting book.

Just hanging out with yarnie folk 🧶 ❤️

Now back to Edinburgh for issue 5 launch 🎉

Look what arrived on a very rainy day!Issue 5 preorder discount (free UK postage) will remain until I get all the orders...
23/05/2024

Look what arrived on a very rainy day!

Issue 5 preorder discount (free UK postage) will remain until I get all the orders despatched so you still have opportunity to keep me busy 😊

Join us at the launch on Sunday 26th 3-5pm at and then to squish all the samples and get your copy!

Every issue of The Journal of Scottish Yarns comes with a gift: a postcard of one of the 10 native sheep breeds of Scotl...
21/05/2024

Every issue of The Journal of Scottish Yarns comes with a gift: a postcard of one of the 10 native sheep breeds of Scotland. For issue 5 it's the Cheviot: isn't he handsome!

Cheviots were the source of wool (and food) for the Borders abbey's run by agricultural innovators, Cistercian monks. Excess wool was the basis of a thriving wool trade in the 15th century with Melrose wool being asked for by name. Their cousins, The North Country Cheviot, were pictured in issue 4's postcard.

Illustration by

Join us at 6pm uk time tomorrow for an Instagram Live all about the Fleece Market at aka and I will chat about all t...
19/05/2024

Join us at 6pm uk time tomorrow for an Instagram Live all about the Fleece Market at

aka and I will chat about all things fleece, what you can expect to find, and is it 16 or 17 different breeds' fleece that will be available on the 31st May and 1st June? 🤩

The Kin Jumper Design by in issue 5 crocheted using Preorders of issue 5 area available now (link in bio)Model: Marnie...
16/05/2024

The Kin Jumper
Design by in issue 5 crocheted using

Preorders of issue 5 area available now (link in bio)

Model: Marnie
Photo:
Hair & make-up:

So why was I researching the history of Fair Isle knitting for issue 5? Because there is also an article about Rachel Ch...
15/05/2024

So why was I researching the history of Fair Isle knitting for issue 5? Because there is also an article about Rachel Challoner, a crofter based on Fair Isle who has her pure Shetland wool made into yarn by 🧶

Rachel, like many islanders has lots of other jobs including showing visitors around the Fair Isle museum and has recently started a research project to create a visual archive of knitted items made on Fair Isle. Follow her . I very much look forward to following up on her progress 🐏

Photos by Rachel Challoner

Continuing the theme of heritage crafts, Fair Isle knitting isn't currently classed as an endangered craft. Should it be...
14/05/2024

Continuing the theme of heritage crafts, Fair Isle knitting isn't currently classed as an endangered craft. Should it be? Is it endangered in its place of origin?

While researching an article for issue 5, I read that there have been attempts to gain protected geographical status for Fair Isle knitting from Fair Isle (the latest attempt in 2011) but wasn't successful because Fair Isle is now so widely used to describe stranded knitting.

This widespread use could be viewed as something to celebrate but the connection between product and place is also to be celebrated and cherished. So, do you think Fair Isle knitting from Fair Isle and Shetland should be examined as a heritage craft? Maybe it has been already?

Let me know what you think it the comments.

Photo taken by me at Wilma Malcolmson's (The Shetland Designer) studio during Shetland Wool Week 2023.

Following my post yesterday here is the larger of the two versions of Da Slockit Light shawl designed for issue 5.Eliza...
13/05/2024

Following my post yesterday here is the larger of the two versions of Da Slockit Light shawl designed for issue 5.

Elizabeth named her design after the 'Song by Shetland Fiddler Tom Anderson about the gradual trend of migration away from the Shetland Islands. 'Da Slockit Light' was inspired by the depopulation of the area of Eshaness where he was born. The song reflects his impression that each time the occupants of another croft moved out, or died, another light was 'slockit' (Shetland for extinguished).' (Source: )

Made in Shetland laceweight wool, this version is wider with a knitted on border. The smaller version is pictured on the left on the second photo and was first experience of knitting Shetland lace 😊

It is different to lace I've knitted before because of the garter stitch ground and because the lace pattern is on every row - but once I got into it I loved the flow, and appreciating the continuation of a traditional craft (plus memories of beautiful Shetland).

In issue 5 (available for preorder now 😊) Elizabeth Williamson writes about her family's history with Shetland lace knit...
12/05/2024

In issue 5 (available for preorder now 😊) Elizabeth Williamson writes about her family's history with Shetland lace knitting.

Classed as Endangered by The Heritage Crafts Association , this means that there are 'sufficient craftspeople to transmit the craft skills to the next generation, but there are serious concerns about their ongoing viability.'

You can learn the skill from Elizabeth who runs regular online courses, and try your hand at Shetland lace knitting by making her design included in issue 5.

In issue 4 I introduced the topic of Kiltmaking, also endangered, and will return to these subjects, sharing stories and projects to contribute to keeping these crafts alive.

Photo by Elizabeth Williamson taken at Ollaberry during Shetland Wool Week 2023.

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Join Lara and Sunshine @atbirkhillhousecic and Samira @tangledgalashiels plus some alpacas and Herman the peacock to hear all about the Fleece Market which will be in the Scout Hall in Galashiels at n the 31st May and 1st June, part of the wonderful Tangled Galashiels Fibre Festival #tangledgalashiels2024 #scottishyarnfestivals

Quick tour…. Aiming to run round the other 2 rooms @glasgowschoolofyarn today too!

Quick tour of the @regenerative_textiles_scotland exhibition on today at @dovecotstudios Edinburgh from 12-3pm

Issue 1 of ‘Yarn’ is out now! Get your copy direct from our website (yarnjournal.com - link below) or one of our stockists. The Journal of Scottish Yarns is a new bi-annual print and digital journal: colourful and insightful view of all things yarn related, making connections, joining threads, telling stories past, present and future (oh and some very nice patterns to make) 180 pages split between features on Scottish yarn related people, ventures, history and projects, and specially commissioned designs for knitting, crochet and crewel work with full patterns instructions. #yarnjournal #yarnsjournal #scottishyarns #scottishyarn #scottishtextiles #knittersofinstagram #knit #knitting #crochetersofinstagram #crochet #visitscotland #yearofstories2022 #scottishwool

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