Monday 21 September 2009

Scottish wool brokers now selling online

Greetings cousins from Genevieve,
The Shetland Wool Brokers Jamieson & Smith have upgraded their website to incorporate online shopping! Until recently, you had to phone or send them a cheque.

This is a great step forward for them, but potentially dangerous for your credit cards.

From their website: http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/

"Located in Lerwick, the capital town of the Shetland Islands, Jamieson & Smith, are long established as the islands primary purchaser of the Shetland Wool clip. We annually purchase the raw fleece from over 700 local crofters and farmers.
"A 2009 trading standards investigation into all of the major raw wool purchasers of Shetland revealed that we do, in fact, purchase over 80% of the wool produced in Shetland."

and...

"THE SHETLAND is the smallest of the British breeds, found mostly in the Shetland Islands. It is believed to be of Scandinavian origin, most probably brought to these shores by the Vikings, who settled here over a thousand years ago. They may have inter-bred with primitive sheep already in the islands. This cannot be proved, but they retain many characteristics of the wild sheep. "

If you want Shetland wool for knitting projects, or shetland tops for spinning or dyeing, these are the folk to contact.

They sell a sample card for £5, very useful for identifying their colour range, and the ply of different ranges.

Most of their spun yarn is intended for knitting; I don't know how well it would serve for weaving.

Monday 7 September 2009

A Warping Good Time-Weaving Weekend

You are invited to the "A Warping Good Time" for a 2-day intensive LoomWarping Workshop! We will begin, Friday evening, with a basic discussion of weaving including the different weaving methods and when and whereeach was used. I would like everyone to share the history behind theirfavorite weaving technique, or ask questions about techniques thatinterest them. Followed by a hands-on sessions on Saturday during whichyou will focus on the basic warping techniques. Attendees are welcometo bring looms that need warping. I also have several table looms(18-24" weaving width) that can be warped for a variety of weaves.These are student looms are available for those without looms. We willalso hold evening discussions regarding weaving/warping techniques andyou'll have the opportunity to ask your fellow weavers questions. Forthose who are brand new to weaving a Weaving Basics document will beprovided in advance to help you learn basic weaving vocabulary (pleaserequest this in your RSVP if you need it). This will allow us to getright to thehands on sessions!
When will this workshop take place you ask? 2-4 October
Proposed Schedule:
Friday Dinner and Weaving Discussion
Saturday
Project Planning
Project Implementation throughout the day.
Sunday- departures as necessary
Where? Hockwold, contact Jahanara for directions.
What should I bring? Yourself and any looms you need warped, or forwhich you need help and advice.
How many people can attend? Due to the nature of this workshop, there will be a 7 student limit. We have beds for 6, if people don't mind sharing the two double beds. We also have plenty of other crash space on couches. So please RSVP early to guarantee a bed!
Please RSVP by 20 Sept. 2009RSVP's should include the following informationApproximate Arrival TimePreferred Train Station (If traveling by train)/ Pick up arrangements.