Multicolored combed tops can create really beautiful yarns, but it can be a bit tricky to control how the colors present in the yarn. A beautiful multicolored combed top can turn into a disappointing yarn if the colors become muddy during the spinning.
In this blog, I experiment with different methods to control the color in a combed top when spinning. Plus, I’ll show my favorite method to create a self-striping yarn with fantastic, long color repeats from a combed top using rolags.Read More
Category: Wool
Historical Textiles-
Spinning-
Wool-
Yarn
How to: Tablet Weaving with Handspun Yarn
Tablet weaving with handspun yarn can make an absolutely beautiful woolen, card woven band. Having a yarn that is intentionally spun for weaving can make all the difference in how well your pattern will show up, reducing the pilling and fuzzing that can happen with fluffier commercial yarns, and of course, custom dyeing can give you the color pallet you want for your project. Here's how I created a simple tablet woven band that I created with my hand-dyed and handspun yarn.Read More
Spinning-
Spinning History-
Spinning Wheels-
Wool
Canadian Production Wheel (CPW) — History, Spinning, and Long Draw
Have you ever wondered about the history of Canadian Production Wheels (CPWs)? Why were so many produced in Quebec during the late 1800s and early 1900s? I was inspired to do some research on CPWs after acquiring one myself.
The CPW is a beautiful historical spinning wheel and a real workhorse. I like to compare it to a draft horse and adoringly call my wheel Philippe after the draft horse in Beauty and the Beast.
Keep reading to learn all about the history, key features, and how to spin on a CPW.Read More
Spinning-
Spinning History-
Tutorial-
Wool
How to Make DIY Spindle Whorls from Polymer Clay
Spindle whorls have been discovered in the most ancient of archeological sites and are still used today to hand spin yarn by yarn crafters, reenactors, and people working to preserve their cultural heritage and textile traditions, and by YouTubers (like me!). This was a super fun project where I learned how easy it is to make DIY spindle whorls out of polymer clay.Read More
Intentional Wardrobe-
Knitting-
Spinning-
Wool
Handspun Yarn for a Knitting Project and an Interview with Aroha Knits
When I saw photos of the cowl, I just knew it was a special piece. The Whiria Cowl was designed by the amazing Francoise, who is also the creator of Aroha Knits. I knew that I needed to dig deeper into the story behind this project, so I invited Francoise to chat with me about what this cowl means to her. Then I spun a specific yarn to knit this beautiful cowl.Read More
Spinning-
Spinning Wheels-
Tutorial-
Wool-
Yarn
Does plying from a center pull ball change your twist? — A yarn spinning experiment!
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<p>Many fiber friends (myself included!) often ply their yarn with a center pull ball. This popular method works especially well if you only have one bobbin.</p>
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<p>You form your yarn into a center pull ball with a yarn winder, then take the end of your yarn from the inside and the end from the outside and give it twist. This creates a two-ply yarn. I've used this center pull ball plying technique a lot in my projects.</p>
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<p>But sometimes you'll hear people say, "Don't do that! It will mess up your twist!"</p>
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Spinning-
Spinning Wheels-
Tutorial-
Wool-
Yarn
Sheep Fleece to Sock Yarn: Challenges and Results
Little did I know when my husband and I headed off to pick up eggs at our friend’s farm, that I was about to begin a raw sheep fleece to sock yarn project! Before he started working from home in 2020, my husband would pick up fresh farm eggs from his coworker at their officeRead More
Review-
Spinning-
Wool
Best Spinning Fibers For Beginners
I'm often asked what I think the best spinning fibers for beginners are. Drawing from my own experience as a beginner, to some new discoveries along the way, these are great fibers for beginners and why I love them.Read More
Evie Gets Dressed-
Intentional Wardrobe-
Knitting-
Spinning-
Uncategorized-
Wool
My Handspun Arboreal Sweater is Finished!
I am so thrilled! My handspun Arboreal sweater is finished! This was a great pattern from Jennifer Steingass. I want to tell you about a few of the things I did to make this pattern work with my handspun yarn...Read More
Spinning-
Uncategorized-
Wool
DIY Blending Board
I have wanted a blending board for years, but the price tag of a new blending board has never been in my budget. I wanted to experiment and make my own DIY blending board, and guess what? I did it for less than $70!Read More