A new issue of the Journal of Scottish Yarns has just been published

This is the 9th bi-annual issue, celebrating the history, tradition and heritage of Scotland’s textiles industry, and the creativity and skill of the nation’s designers and makers.

Published twice a year from Edinburgh, the beautifully-produced and illustrated 200 page journal explores Scotland’s long and celebrated tradition of textile making and design, with in-depth stories of the people, the landscapes and the animals that make Scottish textiles so unique, from our native sheep breeds to farms and crofts, and artisans and manufacturers large and small. Each issue also contains specially-commissioned knitting and crochet patterns from exciting and experienced designers and makers, using the finest yarns from across the country.

The Journal is part of a resurgence in interest in the Scottish textile industry and showcases the exciting and creative work being done in Scotland today. The history, ecology and art of Scotland’s mills and makers is rich, with fascinating stories behind the textiles which are held in such high regard around the world. Publishing Editor Susan Anderson is one of a small team who put on the annual Woolly Good Gathering in Edinburgh this spring – a festival which attracted over 2,000 visitors from around the world to celebrate wool and fibre crafts.

The new issue includes a special feature on Bernat Klein, the innovative Borders-based textile designer and artist, with a personal reflection from Professor Alison Hartley, Chair of the Trustees of the Bernat Klein Foundation. Klein’s surprising use of colours and textures inspires the craft designs which feature in this issue, including a set of colourful (Scottish) summer tops and accessories.

Susan Anderson, Publishing Editor of The Journal of Scottish Yarns said: “I created The Journal of Scottish Yarns in 2021 to share the stories of Scottish textiles, and to honour the heritage, people and places that I care so much about – above all, to explore the threads that bind us. 

“I believe that Scottish textiles have a similar international reputation to whisky and a renewed passion for our heritage, craft and skills is emerging – I want to do what I can to support our fragile industry. From our larger manufacturers (like Lochcarron, and Johnstons of Elgin) to small wool producers, indie dyers and makers, all over Scotland there’s a new generation of designers, knitters, crocheters, retailers and manufacturers with fresh and exciting concepts and products. New collaborations and ideas are putting Scottish textiles on the map again and I’m working with the Scottish Government to put a Strategy for Wool on its agenda. Wool is relevant across so many sectors from agriculture and rural anffairs to culture, business, heritage, tourism, skills, construction and small business. The benefits of wool can be reaped throughout our economy and across the nation – the scope is expansive and exciting.”

Issue 9 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns is out now, price £24. Available to order online at yarnjournal.com or stocked by selected yarn retailers, mills, galleries and textile studios in the UK and internationally.

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