Knitting for work or how to put flesh on the bones and making Scottish Textile a thing.

I’m thrilled to share this episode of Crafting Scotland, where I had the pleasure of chatting with Susan Anderson, the publishing editor of the Journal of Scottish Yarn. If you haven’t yet come across this beautiful biannual publication, think part magazine, part reference book, you’re in for a treat.Susan and I both had a similar visions of making Scottish Crafts, in Susan’s case Scottish Textiles, more accessible in the modern world. Susan’s journey into the world of Scottish textiles is inspiring. After 30 years in financial services, she followed her passion for knitting and history to create a dedicated platform for Scottish fibres, yarns, and heritage. What started as a personal curiosity has blossomed into a publication that celebrates everything from tartan and tweed to cashmere, capturing centuries of craftsmanship.When I got a hold of the first issue of The Journal of Scottish Yarn back in 2022, I was hooked to the depth of information, beautiful curated stories and amazing knitting or crochet patterns at the end of the journal. I knew instantly that this was going to be my go to magazine for textiles Made in Scotland. The Journal of Scottish YarnLaunched in 2022, the journal is published every May and November, though Susan hopes to move the autumn issue forward to coincide with the Glasgow School of Yarn which is normally held in October. Each issue balances rich historical insights with contemporary projects, including patterns for knitting and crochet, making it both a collectible and a practical resource for crafters.From her very first issue, Susan wanted to highlight Scotland’s native sheep breeds, collaborating with illustrator Mandy Tate to map out all ten breeds across the country. She also drew inspiration from Portuguese textile entrepreneur Rosa Pamar, whose work in documenting native sheep influenced the Journal’s approach. Not only does the journal explore sheep breeds like the Scottish Blackface, the North Ronaldsay (seaweed-eating sheep from Orkney), and the Beaumont (Scottish Merino), but it also tells the fascinating stories behind them (some dating back centuries).One of the most remarkable aspects of Susan’s work is how it brings people together. She has connected farmers, mill owners, spinners, and dyers, including Louise at Jamieson’s of Shetland to Gillian at Lunan Bay into a community passionate about celebrating and preserving Scotland’s textile heritage. This network even led to discussions with the Scottish Government, chaired by Lorna Slater, Green MSP, highlighting the importance of storytelling and recognition for Scottish textiles on a national level.Susan explained that themes part of the discussions were: strategy, training and apprenticeships, as well as marketing especially Made in Scotland. Looking Ahead: Issue 9 and BeyondSusan is currently working on Issue 9, set to release this May. It coincides with Unravel Spring Festival (13th - 15th Feb) and the Tangled Galashiels Fibre Festival (30th & 31st May). This issue celebrates the work of designer Bernard Klein, with contributions from talented crafters including Samira Hill, the journal’s tech editor. Expect inspiring designs and an in-depth exploration of Klein’s impact on Scottish textiles.Upcoming events:* Online Talk: Scottish Wool Breeds, 10th March at 10:00 am BST on Zoom* Woolly Good Edinburgh, 17th & 18th April 2026* Tangled Galashiels 30th & 31st May 2026I personally must say, that for me, what makes Susan’s work so special is how she brings depth and context to the materials in our hands. Each page of the journal is a doorway into Scotland’s textile past and present. Whether you’re a fibre enthusiast, a crafter, or just someone fascinated by the stories woven into the fabric of our culture, there’s something here for everyone.You can explore past issues, purchase the journal, or find links to Susan’s talks through the links in the show notes. And trust me, you’ll want to keep these journals on your bookshelf as much as your favourite craft books.Where to find Susan:Website: https://yarnjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejournalofscottishyarns/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YarnJournalSubscribe, Share & Follow:Don’t miss future episodes celebrating Scotland’s traditional crafts and the incredible people keeping these skills alive. Subscribe to Crafting Scotland on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.TAKE PART IN SEASON TWO:Share Your Story:Do you have a traditional Scottish craft story to share or know someone who does? I’d love to hear from you! Use this Contact Form to get in touch or through my website or social media.Support the Show:If you enjoyed this or any episodes from Season One, please leave us a rating and review. It helps other craft enthusiasts discover our podcast!As always, thank you for listening. Until next time 💜 This is a public episode. 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