Wool traders and knitting fans to flock to Fair City for festival

Perth Festival of Yarn is to take place for the second year this September, it has been announced.

The event brings together boutique independent businesses, sheep-farmers and those who practice the fibre arts together to celebrate the best in textile artistry through a marketplace, classes and lectures.

Festival director Eva Christie and her team have been building on the success of their inaugural event last October and moving to a larger venue, showcasing more than 60 independent businesses.

A keynote lecture will be delivered by Fife-based knitwear designer, Di Gilpin, who has worked with leading names in the design world, including Nike, Mark Fast (for Kanye West) and Margaret Howell.

Classes will take place at a number of locations, led by tutors such as Nathan Taylor, also known as the Sockmatician.

“As Scotland’s contemporary yarn and fibre festival, we’re passionate about bringing together independent dyers, farmers, small-holders, knitters, spinners, felters and weavers to help facilitate the best of textile artistry and sustainability,” Eva said.

“What’s unique about Perth Festival of Yarn is the number of small businesses that primarily trade through etsy and other online stores that come together here. It’s great to have so many of them in one place and to meet the makers.

“Iona Wool and Uist Wool are coming over from the Islands with their breed-specific yarns, which are directly helping their local communities to thrive.

“Treliz! are making the journey all the way from Athens.”

Tickets will go on sale on Saturday.