The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers - Issue 297, Spring 2026 Magazine

The winter quarterly issue of The Journal WSD highlights inspiring dyeing and quilting projects, explains the Journal’s role as a long-term record (unlike the Guild’s monthly newsletter), and showcases new contributions such as natural feather dyeing research. The editor notes efforts to make past issues searchable and invites reader expertise, while encouraging enjoyment of the rich content inside.

If you enjoyed reading Frankie Owens’ account of her experiments in naturally dyeing feathers, A Flight of Fancy on p.16 of The Journal WSD 296 (Winter 2025), Frankie has since added a note of caution about the illustration showing a vivid green that was apparently produced with weld. Unfortunately, the colour reproduction has resulted in a much greener image than the yellow-with-a-greenish-tinge that was the true result.
As the days start to lengthen and venturing outdoors becomes a more attractive idea, take a look at Sue Willis’ article on her Amazing Foraged Drop Spindle. What items can you bring home to create this fascinatingly simple device?
Returning indoors, does your Guild have a drum carder amongst the equipment that it lends out to members? If so, and you have never tried using it, you might like to look at Freyalyn Close-Hainsworth’s article on p.17, Basic Drum Carding. Could it increase your interest in fleece preparation, particularly if, like me, you have never mastered the knack of using hand carders? Continuing in the area of fleece preparation, on p.43 Christina Chisholm delves into the possibilities of fibre blending: ideal to eke out small quantities of something special or to create a perfect thread that would otherwise be unavailable.
Systematic learning is another theme in this quarter’s issue. On p.8, Jo Glenn writes about how she is approaching her study for the AGWSD’s Certificate of Achievement (CoA) in natural dyeing. Candidates who have completed their CoA submissions write about their work on p.28. Emma Gall introduces her portfolio as a textile student on p.20 and there are class reports from last year’s Summer School on p.46.
Whatever your discipline and however you approach it, systematic learner or happy dabbler, I hope you find something in this issue to get you creating this spring.

Lesley Fidler, JEC Chair