International Textile Festival and Orvus Paste

I've just received an update of the International Textile Festival, which is being held on Shetland from 31 July to 05 August, 2013. I like the focus on the Nordic connections, especially with knitting.

http://www.shetlandarts.org/whats-on/festivals/international-textile-festival

Yesterday, I went on a short errand to a town near Ottawa to buy Orvus Paste. For those who aren't familiar with the product, it is primarily used for shampooing farm animals--especially show horses. The only place where I know to buy it is at a farm supply store,.  However, it is also excellent for use on vintage linens and I plan to take some to Wales next week as a gift for Jen Jones. She uses it to remove stains from her antique quilts. I also keep some on hand to take out stains in regular washes. It isn't necessary to use very much at any one time.The only size which I've found is large--it comes in a plastic container which weighs 7.5 pounds. By the time I give a lot away to friends and family, I never have too much on hand.

Several years ago I approached a Canadian company which has stores across Canada to see if they would carry Orvus Paste. At that time, they weren't interested but I'm going to try again. That would save me (and others) from having to go to a rural farm supply store to locate some. By the way, it is made in the U.S.

Selvedge Magazine

As I've mentioned before, I really enjoy this magazine. I no longer have a subscription, but do get regular updates from them and when I'm in Toronto, thoroughly enjoy reading back issues at the Textile Museum of Canada.

The latest email from Selvedge had instructions on how to make a bow tie.

http://www.selvedge-drygoods.org/shop/51-dependable

http://www.selvedge.org/default.aspx

'Knit Real Shetland'

I bought this book when I was on Shetland last October for Wool Week. Somehow it became buried in my pile/collection of knitting magazines, and I only read it yesterday. The introduction by Kate Davies is well worth reading for many reasons. I really enjoyed learning more about the history of Shetland knitting and the origins of Jamieson and Smith (known locally as the Wool Brokers.) Knitting has evolved from a financial necessity to an appreciation of the talents of Shetland knitters, and a justified pride in the knitters themselves. There are a number of patterns and backgrounds of the designers. 

For knitters in Canada and the U.S., the book is available from Marsha White at the Needlearts Bookshop. http://www.needleartsbookshop.com/, amongst many other selections. I see that Marsha also sells the book A Legacy of Shetland Lace, which will be available in May. (I know that this book was so popular that it is in a second printing.) You would save yourself expensive international shipping costs by ordering from Marsha.

More about Shetland

I have now had the opportunity to read the websites from my previous post, http://visit.shetland.org/onlinemag and http://www.hazeltindall.com/. They are both well worth the time to read in detail. I'm going to keep checking Hazel Tindall's website--there is a lot to learn. I took a workshop from Hazel during Wool Week last October, she is also an excellent teacher. She will be one of our teachers during the 2013 Scottish Skeins & Skerries Tour.

On the subject of Shetland, I've received more information about this special place:  http://visit.shetland.org/april-2013-newsletter and from Andy at the Centre for Creative Industries, http://creativeindustriesshetland.org.uk/2013/03/28/this-week/

I just have two more unfinished knitting projects left. I'll work on them before I let myself start on some beautiful yarn from my stash.

News from Shetland

This must set a record--I can't remember if I've ever posted twice in the same day!

Today I received the most recent issue of the Shetland magazine, 60 North. I haven't read throught it yet, but if it's like previous issues, it will be time well spent and I'm looking forward to reading it in detail. http://visit.shetland.org/onlinemag

In addition, expert knitter Shetland Hazel Tindall, sent me the link to her new website. I haven't had time today to read it, but at a cursory glance, it's full of advice, her patterns and lots more. http://www.hazeltindall.com/. I expect many people will be familiar with Hazel's name as she competed and won the title of the world's fastest knitter. Anyone who has seen Hazel knit, will understand why. She is also the chair of the Shetland Guild, one of the many talented, welcoming people we meet on our Scottish Skeins tour.

They're finished!

Here is a photo of my beautiful granddaughter, Madeline, wearing the knee socks which I knit. I am very pleased with how they turned out, and especially because they fit. Many lessons learned in the process!

Wales on TV and in print

I love watching TV programs from the U.K. Two of my favourites are the British version of the Antiques Roadshow and another called A Place in the Country. Lately they've been featuring Welsh venues and it's exciting to think that we'll be there in a month.

I also received an email from the British magazine, The Knitter. Their most recent issue (#56) has an article featuring the event, Wonderwool Wales, where we will be starting our tour. I've been to this event before and have wanted to return ever since. It's called a "Festival of Welsh Wool and Natural Fibres." http://wonderwoolwales.co.uk/

If you've been thinking about joining us on this unique itinerary, I still have room for three more people, but don't delay in letting me know, as soon I'll have to release the extra hotel rooms I'm holding. http://www.joycejamestours.com/2013/Wales/index.html.