knittingmag.comNEWS
TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade
Festival is moving venue this summer: to
Evolution in London’s Battersea Park.
The event is set to take place from
September 11-13 and celebrates all things
handmade.
There are plenty of opportunities to get
hands-on and learn a new creative skill, as
well as meet the brightest minds in craft,
wellbeing, food and gardening.
Wool Couture has released its Cheeky
Chunky wool – previously only available in
200g skeins – in 100g balls in response to
customer demand.
Wool Couture’s Amy Law says: “We are so
excited to bring our customers 100g balls.
The idea came from customers’ requests for
smaller amounts, so they could purchase
more colours. We have chosen to ofer balls
and skeins so customers have more choice.”
“Our new Cheeky Chunky 100g balls
have proven popular since they launched in
January,” she adds.
The 100% Merino wool will continue
to be available in 200g skeins as well as
100g balls, and comes in 26 colours. Wool
Couture is keen to learn whether Knitting
readers prefer their wool in balls or skeins –
let them know at woolcouturecompany.com
or share your views with us via Facebook,
Instagram or our website, knittingmag.com.HANDMADE FESTIVAL IS ON THE MOVE
BIG WOOL, SMALLER BALLS
Knitting designer
and author James
McIntosh has
released his own
hand-dyed yarn
brand – MY McIntosh Yarn.
The range, which comes in DK and 4 ply
weights in a palette of 14 bold, striking
colours perfect for men and women, aims
to take James’s message about the positive
wellbeing efects of knitting one step further.
James taught himself to knit several years
ago when he was housebound with severe
depression. But as his skills developed he
struggled to ind patterns he liked – so he
started designing his own.
In 2018 he published his book Knit and
Nibble, a collection of knitwear designs and
recipes, in which he spreads the word
about how knitting helped him to heal.
MY McIntosh Yarn is made from
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool.
James says: “As a farmer’s son I grew up
understanding the need to support the
British farming industry and that is why
I have launched a British wool brand.
Each skein comes with a sew-in label
with the washing and care instructions.”HANDS
OFF MY
YA R NKirstie says: “The Handmade Festival was
launched seven years ago out of a passion for
bringing together creatives, skilled makers
and lovers of all things handmade. I couldn’t
have imagined how quickly we’d grow and
it’s all down to the enthusiasm of our visitors
and network of exhibitors, who bring new
and exciting things to our festival each year.”
The show has been held at Hampton
Court for the past six years. Find out more
at thehandmadefestival.com.WIN £100-WORTH OF MY
MCINTOSH YARN
One lucky Knitting reader can
win a £100 gift card to spend on
MY McIntosh Yarn, not including
postage and packing costs. For terms
and conditions, and for your chance
to win, visit our Competitions page
at knittingmag.com.