Welcome to the Journal of Scottish Yarns: celebrating the history, tradition and heritage of Scotland’s textiles industry, and the creativity and skill of our designers and makers.
Published twice a year, our beautifully produced 200 page journal explores the threads that bind us, with in-depth stories of the people, the landscapes and the animals that make Scottish textiles so unique.
Each issue also contains specially commissioned knitting and crochet patterns from Scotland’s most exciting and experienced designers and makers, using the finest yarns from across the country.
Join us on our journey.
Welcome to the Journal of Scottish Yarns
Welcome to the Journal of Scottish Yarns: celebrating the history, tradition and heritage of Scotland’s textiles industry, and the creativity and skill of our designers and makers.
Published twice a year, our beautifully produced 200 page journal explores the threads that bind us, with in-depth stories of the people, the landscapes and the livestock that make Scottish textiles so unique.
Each issue also contains ten specially commissioned knitting and crochet patterns from Scotland’s most exciting and experienced designers and makers, using the finest yarns from across the country.
Join us on our journey.
The Journal
Welcome to Issue 7 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns!
In this issue you’ll find more stories of Scottish textiles, past and present:
THE POWER OF THE LOOM Weaver of bespoke cloth, Sam Goates of Woven in the Bone, travelled from Scotland to Australia and back again, meeting old friends in the process.
TARTAN’S DAWN: GLEN AFFRIC AND THE GENESIS OF TARTAN Historically significant tartans, including the oldest true tartan dating from the rein of Mary Queen of Scots, recreated by a Perthshire mill.
REFUSE TO PUT YOUR CRAYONS BACK IN THE BOX Graphic designer turned yarn dyer Lisa Harland tells the story of how adversity led to a colourful venture
HISTORY ON LEGS ‘Like the red arrows’ is just one way Viking re-enactor Alexandra King describes her flock of Soay sheep.
LOCHCARRON: THREADS THROUGH TIME Weavers Lochcarron of Scotland are embedded in Borders textile heritage - via the Scottish Highlands
MEET THE MAKERS: SCOTTISH TEXTILE SHOWCASE Bringing far-flung Scottish textiles to Edinburgh visitors and sharing their stories along the way.
BALMERINO: WHERE THE SEA GRASS GROWS A new breed of sheep helping to regenerate land in Fife and proving that Scottish wool can be supersoft in the process.
LACE PANELS ON CHURCH ROAD A practical solution in Lerwick leads to a bit of yarn bombing and a homage to Shetland knitting.
Patterns:
SICCAR POINT CARDIGAN, MADDIE HARVEY, HARVEY KNITS An oversized, dropshoulder cardigan with a geometric pattern inspired by the geology of Siccar Point on the Scottish Borders’ coast.
TRASTAN SHAWL, JO BINT, SNOWY THISTLE KNITS Linear patterns and texture are created with simple knit and purl stitches to make a cosy DK weight shawl, perfect for layering.
SOPHIA LOUISA SCARF, SOLVEIGH LASS EVANS, IOLAIR YARN Versatile, narrow scarf with a simple cable texture, made with less than a skein of soft handdyed yarn.
DALERB JUMPER, ALISON MAYNE, KNITROSPECTIVE Textured yoke jumper with instructions for personalised shaping, inspired by the hazel roundhouse at The Scottish Crannog Centre rebuilt anew in Dalerb, Perthshire.
NUEL TOP, MERRIAN HOLLAND, MEZZA CRAFT Gaelic for cloud, this lightweight fluffy crocheted top has romantic ruffled sleeves.
SUNBURST COWL, JULIA BILLINGS, WOOLLENFLOWER An easy to knit and wear colourwork cowl with design inspired by maritime sunburst lichen.
MAP LICHEN OPEN CARDIGAN, SAMIRA HILL, EILDON HILLS DESIGNS A crocheted open cardigan designed to tumble down the back in elegant ripples, with wide floating sleeves and fully customisable sizing.
WINGLE SLEEVELESS HOODIE, JESS HAGHKERDAR Featuring topography on the shoulders pads and shaped with lots of short rows to create an elegant hoodie.
CATS PAW SHETLAND LACE TOP, SUSAN ANDERSON Named after one of three Shetland Lace motifs used in the yoke, this top knits up quickly using 4-ply yarn at a large gauge.
Welcome to Issue 6 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns. In this issue we look at the question: Why is Scotland famous for cashmere? And more!
Contents:
CARDINALS, CASHMERE & CAMELS The rarity of cashmere makes it so special and more besides.
CAPRICIOUS CASHMERE The Scottish Cashmere Producers Association was decades ahead of its time.
SECURING CHAINS OF INNOVATION AND TRADITION: Established in the 18th century, Johnstons of Elgin survived when so many other mills failed.
INCLUSIVE, INTERNATIONAL, VERSATILE … KILTS: ACME Atelier, contemporary kilt-maker in Moray, combines traditional craft skills with printmaking and a global twist.
THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS: At Annfield Angora in the Kingdom of Fife Laury-Anne and Andrew share a love of mohair goats that yield beautiful yarn.
GOAT MOUNTAIN ON THE ANGUS SHORES: At Lunan Bay Farm the McEwans are producing the first Scottish-grown Cashmere in more than 30 years.
ON OTHER SHORES AND BACK HOME AGAIN: Gudrun Johnston designs bridge the past and the future, inspired by her mother, the original Shetland Trader.
DREAM WEAVERS: THE RISE AND FALL OF PORTEOUS MILL: Alison Mayne pieces together a salutary tale of business and family.
Patterns:
Knitting:
DI GILPIN LTD: Cuillin Gansey sleeveless jumper.
SAMIRA HILL, EILDON HILLS DESIGNS: Swordle Bay knitted legwarmers.
LOUISE MOSSOM, PIXIE LOU FELT: Northern Lights beanie & fingerless mitts.
FLORA KENNEDY, INNER WILD: Quaich Jacket.
ISABELLE RYAN SMITH, ALL TANGLED UP KNITS: Harbour Jumper.
GUDRUN JOHNSTON, THE SHETLAND TRADER: Mirry Dancers cowl.
SUE HOLT, WOOLLEN WAVE: Red Squirrel Brooch.
Crochet:
SAMIRA HILL, EILDON HILLS DESIGNS: Sanna Landscape crocheted legwarmers.
ALISON MAYNE, KNITROSPECTIVE: Janina Maria crocheted hat & scarf.
MERRIAN HOLLAND, MEZZACRAFT: Burra Jumper.
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Welcome to Issue 5 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns, Spring / Summer 2024!
Contents:
WEAVING THE EDINBURGH SEVEN Dovecot Tapestry Studios work with Christine Borland to celebrate the first women to matriculate at a British university. (by Prof Carol M Richardson)
VARIEGATIONS ON A THEME Uist Wool has a passion for the natural colours of fleece.
FAIR ISLE ON FAIR ISLE Barkland Croft takes knitting traditions back to source.
FLOCK TO SOCK Glenesk folk museum in Angus is rediscovering kilt hose. (by Julie Cave, Museum Officer)
A DELICATE FUTURE Shetland lace knitting is on the red list of endangered crafts. (by Elizabeth Williamson)
REVIVING TEXTILE TALENTS Creation Mill tackles isolation and supports textile skills in Dumfries and Galloway.
CRAFTING MATHS Knot Unknot: The abstract art behind knitting and crochet.
CHARTING AGE-OLD SEAS Photographs from The Wick Society inspire gansey designs. A tribute to Gordon Reid. (by Sara Wolf)
Patterns:
Knitting:
REBECCA CLOW, THE CREABEA Myrtle Waistcoat: A statement vest for dressing up or down, made in Shilasdair Anam DK.
KELLY ORDEMANN, MADE BY KELLY O Pathfinder Top: A knitted tee made in wool for Scottish summers, made in Ginger Twist Studio Masham Mayhem 4-ply.
SYLVIA WATTS-CHERRY, WITH CHERRIES ON TOP Isla Top: A lace pattern inspired by Scots pine trees creates this light summer top, made in Cookston Crafts Alpaca/Silk/Cashmere 4-ply.
SOLVEIGH LASS-EVANS, IOLAIR YARN Common Blue Shawl: Colours and shapes of a butterfly motif inspire this kite shaped shawl, made in Iolair Yarn Luing or Woollenflower Twig 4-ply.
ALISON MAYNE, KNITROSPECTIVE Cluny Cowl and Wrap: Options for three cowls and a long stole show off handdyed colours, made in The Woolchemist 4-ply Merino Linen.
ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON KNITTING Da Slockit Light Shawl: Traditional Shetland Lace pattens and techniques with instructions for two sizes, made in Jamieson & Smith 2-ply Lace Weight.
Crochet:
FAY DASHPER-HUGHES Kin Jumper: A striking two row repeat creates a versatile crocheted jumper made in Aister 'oo' Shetland wool.
SAMIRA HILL, EILDON HILLS DESIGNS Lammermuirs Crochet Top: A top-down crocheted summer top, made in Flora Fibres Tencel DK.
MERRIAN HOLLAND, MEZZACRAFT Gothic Wrap: Textures and colours combine in this modular wrap, made in Choufunga 4-ply merino sock yarn and Float Your Goat mohair silk from My Mama Knits.
Other craft:
SUNSHINE STEWART, AT BIRKHILL HOUSE Peg Loom Mat: Instructions for making a seat pad or small rug using an ancient weaving craft.
Explore our knitting and crochet patterns from exciting designers.
Meet our designers
Di Gilpin
Founder and creative director of hand-knit design studio Di Gilpin Ltd, Di creates couture-crafted, slow fashion pieces, reflecting the knowledge and tradition of Scottish hand-knitting in a contemporary way.
Gudrun Johnston
Also known for The Shetland Trader, Gudrun is a Shetland-born knitwear designer currently based in Massachusetts, recognised for accessible modern-day patterns inspired by her Shetland heritage and family history.
Katt Weaver
Katt is inspired by nature and fantasy. She connects with knitters around the world through her YouTube channel, Heather and Hops knitting journal. In addition to knitting, she loves natural fibres, a variety of crafts, cats, potatoes and music.
Curl up with an Autumn/Winter issue of the Journal. Discover great articles and cosy knitwear.
Explore the Journal…
Issue 7 - Spring / Summer 2025
For anyone passionate about Scottish fibre arts, you’ll find fascinating stories about weavers, dyers, ancient tartans, and sheep with ancient (Soay) and modern (Balmerino) roots. There are tales of creative resilience, and insights into super soft Scottish wool. Plus inspiring patterns each with its own unique twist inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and traditions.
Issue 6 - Autumn / Winter 2024
Also known as the goat issue, you’ll discover what makes Scottish cashmere so special, meet innovative makers reimagining kilts, and read stories about historic mills and passionate goat farmers. Plus, patterns for both knitters and crocheters include designs from Gudrun Johnston and Di Gilpin.
Issue 5 - Spring / Summer 2024
You’ll find unique patterns for shawls, tops, and hats by diverse designers and even for making your own rug, plus articles on everything from endangered Shetland lace to traditional Fair Isle knitting. There are also features on creative maths in craft, Uist Wool and Dovecot Studios’ tapestry woven to commemorate the Edinburgh Seven.
Issue 4 - Autumn / Winter 2023
Packed with inspiration, this issue highlights new tartan mill Prickly Thistle and Glasglow-based micro-weavers Vevar, plus kiltmaking and the fascinating history of Sanquhar knitting. Patterns for both knitters and crocheters, include jumpers, beanies, and socks.
Issue 3 - Spring / Summer 2023
Covering Scotland’s linen heritage and featuring inspiring stories of makers, artists, and designers such as Meg Rodger of the Birlinn Yarn Company and weaver of weather Ange Sewell, there’s also a host of fresh knitting, crochet, and weaving projects.
Issue 2 - Autumn / Winter 2022
Issue 2 shines a spotlight on designer Di Gilpin, features stories from local yarn makers, and looks at how traditions like Tartan connect with art from around the world. Project designers include Maddie Harvey, Lucy Hague and Sylvia Watts-Cherry.
Issue 1 - Spring / Summer 2022
In the inaugural issue, you’ll find tales about Scotland’s ancient sheep breeds, how Iona Wool came to be, and the birth of the Borders Mill. There are fascinating bits on historic embroidery and creative tapestry. Plus, for makers: knitting patterns including cowls and shawls, crochet tops and mitts, and a beginner-friendly crewelwork sampler.