Welcome to issue 4 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns, Autumn / Winter 2023

This issue is all about inspiration – we hope it inspires you too!

Contents:

1. The first tartan mill to be established in the Highlands for decades, Prickly Thistle seeks answers to today’s issues from the past.

2. V&A Dundee worked with Glasgow micro-weavers, Vevar, to explore their tartan design and create a limited edition piece: a modern interpretation steeped in Scottish textile legacy.

3. With inspiration from across continents, Ripples Crafts has been based in the northwest Highlands of Scotland for 15 years.

4. Centuries of history provide design inspiration for textile conservator Sara Wolf.

5. Lammermuit Wool: the story of a small and friendly flock of Shetland sheep in East Lothian.

6. Kiltmaking is culturally significant for Scotland, but did you know it is an endangered skill?

7. A short history of Sanquhar knitting.

Patterns:

Knitting:

• KATT WEAVER, HEATHER AND HOPS Hairst Jumper: lace details and twisted rib around the hem make an elegant jumper, with matching cowl and scarf designs. Designed with Zakami Yarns Aran wool.

• RUTH ROBINSON Charles III Sanquhar Mitts and Cowl: a new pattern based on historic motifs, created for the Coronation of the new King. Designed with Wee County Yarns Kinross 4 ply wool.

• SARA WOLF Diamond Twist Socks: inspired by a small knitted fragment found with the Gunnister man in Shetland. Designed with Uist Wool Canach, Westfield Croft Shetland or Whistlebare Cuthbert’s Sock yarn.

• EMMA VINING Sallochy Bay Shawl: crescent-shaped shawl in two sizes inspired by the life cycle of a mushroom. Designed using Dystopic Fibres 4 ply yarn.

• LOUISE MOSSOM Sma’ Glen Beanie Hat: inspired by the magical purple sky that precedes snow. Designed with Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift wool.

• KARIE WESTERMANN Wheatfield Jumper: an everyday staple designed to showcase special wool. Designed for Lammermuir Wool Harestanes DK wool.

• SYLVIA WATTS-CHERRY Coorie Cardigan: a snuggly cardigan featuring cables framed with intarsia colourwork. Designed with Iona Wool Aran weight wool.

Crochet:

• SAMIRA HILL, EILDON HILLS DESIGNS Whin Top: a versatile sleeveless garment that can be a poncho or an oversized tank top. Designed with Hawkshaw Sheep Aran weight wool.

• MERRIAN HOLLAND, MEZZACRAFT Droman Hat: peaks and troughs are accentuated with colour, designed to use up small quantities of DK yarn. Designed for Ripples Crafts yarn or Jamieson’s of Shetland DK wool.

• MARTA MITCHELL Sunset Song Top: a crocheted tank top inspired by winter skies and designed for layering. Designed using J. C. Rennies (KnitRennies) Supersoft 4 ply wool.

NIC CORRIGAN Dovecot Socks: Fair Isle patterned machine-knitted socks (with hand-knit instructions) inspired by a visit to Dovecot Studios. Designed using Black Isle Yarns Killen Sock yarn.