I loved today’s post on Knitty.com/blog about tagging your fiber projects. It is an awesome organizational tool I will be using immediately. Read the post here: http://knittyblog.com/?p=209

Dancing…in plastic shake up snow…

A little Jimmy Eat World came to mind as I thought about spinning and my lesson on a drop spindle this afternoon thanks to the lovely Susan at the Sassy Spinster. The good news – I wasn’t doing anything wrong! I actually had a pretty good idea of how to get going. The bad (not so bad really) news? My very cheap spindle I purchased to practice on was working against me! Spinning will take a LOT of practice to build up skill but I need a decent tool to practice with if I have any hope of mastering this art form. I have since ordered a few spindles to try through Etsy and Halcyon Yarns. I look forward to updating as soon as I get the opportunity to practice with them.

While chatting with the lovely ladies at the Sassy Spinster a knitting retreat in Milford was mentioned as well as some possible class instruction in my future. I will also be signing up for a sock class as soon as possible to knit up toe-cozy-goodness by winter. Exciting stitches ahead!

Any thoughts or suggestions on knitting retreats? What crafty conventions and events are your favorites?

…has this inside.

I am SO excited that after a visit to my fave LYS (Local Yarn Store) today – The Sassy Spinster in Lancaster, I will officially get a lesson on a drop spindle this Sunday! I have been experimenting with a Turkish Drop Spindle at home and today purchased a more standard low-whorl model that I can begin working with this weekend. I know it is an artform that takes time and practice but after several attempts at home I am just not confident I’m doing things the right way. I CANNOT wait for Sunday! I see lots of hats from handspun yarn in my future!

I also decided to clear through a big part of my Amazon.com wishlist and indulge in a few crafting titles. I have no less than 8 new books on spinning, knitting and crochet on the way. I am hoping to go through my current collection as well as these titles beginning next week as I embark on a crafty education this fall. Reviews to follow!

My current crochet project is the Endless Cardi-Shawl by Stitch Diva. I’m using Bernat Satin Sport yarn for my trial run, I figure if I adore the item when its finished I can justify investing $150 in Stitch Diva’s suggested Studio Silk. The name of the pattern is in regards to the endless amount of ways the cardi-shawl can be worn… though I’ve recently discovered the secret behind the name is also in regards to the amount of time the project involves. Using an itty-bitty “C” (2.75 mm) hook, I am 60 rows into 107 rows of the FIRST HALF of the shawl. I have another 107 rows for the second half then an elaborate edging… I am maybe 25% finished and I have easily contributed 10+ hours of stitching to this project. I consider myself a pretty fast crocheter so the time involvement has really started to press my level of commitment as my craft queue begins to overflow with projects, ideas and especially lots of beautiful new yarn.

I decided to take a few breaks during the endless task of crocheting this cardi-shawl for some stash-bash moments. My leftover yarn stash is extra-small right now and perfect for some quick projects to use up bits of this and that I have sitting around. I used the Lion Brand pattern finder tool to figure out what to do with a skein and a half (about 125 yards) of Hometown USA in Washington Denim. I found this delightful pattern called “Fresh Greens”, a quick knit hat that’s perfect as a gift. I whipped it up in about an hour and fifteen minutes but have yet to attach the pompom as I debate whether this will be a potential holiday gift or if I’ll keep it for myself (not everyone digs the pom…I embrace it). The pattern is super simple and a classic basic, I highly recommend it!

I like supplies.

I like crafty tools and resources.

My most used crafty tool besides the obvious (hooks, needles, scissors, tape measure, stitch markers, etc…) is my yarn winder. It is a simple device that I purchased for $19.99 and I have used for so long it may actually need replacement.

I recently engaged in an unprecedented amount of retail therapy. Bright idea? Maybe not. But after 2 weeks in Belgium and France I came home to countless packages of crafty goodness and my spirits definitely rose. Among these indulgences was my new favorite tool – a yarn meter.

I purchased this meter from KnitPicks.com (also a current obsession) and immediately fell in love with this functional tool while wondering how I survived without it for so long. This meter attaches to the edge of table and threads the yarn through a line counter prior to being wound by the ball winder while counting how many feet of yarn travel through the device. After I tested the meter with a remaining portion of dk weight merino wool (of which I now know I have 73 yards remaining) I excitedly filtered all of my remaining skein ends and calculated the yardage in my stash of scraps.

Thankfully I had the foresight to pair this purchase with a copy of 101 Designer One Skein Wonders. I can now easily pair my stash leftovers with cute projects in time for holiday gift giving.  

Looking for a solution to calculate your stash yardage? Here is the direct link to the meter I purchased, in addition Amazon.com has “line counters” listed for sale which can be used with a ball winder as well.

Am I a blogger? No.

 A crafty enthusiast? Yes.

On a mission to discover and learn everything I can about fiber and ways to make wearable art? Absolutely.

But a blogger? Not so much.

I have made many feeble attempts at blogging while trying to figure out the art of doing so. I have read books by Darren Rowse of Problogger, followed trending topics from #blogher events on Twitter and admired the photos of beautiful art blogs from Blissful Blogging…needless to say I did very little writing and a whole lot of researching. Ultimately my foray into blogging left me unfulfilled with a half realized design and what felt like a part-time job attempting to follow a blog schedule. A failed hobby only added to a difficult adjustment period as I transitioned to becoming a stay-at-home mom with an expensive yarn habit.

As I tip-toe back into the world of sharing too much information about things many may not care to read about I have realized the key component to this hobby is to blog about whatever makes me happy. Those things are very simple: God, my family, my dog and yarn. I don’t need a lot to be content in any situation as long as my husband and daughter are happy and I have a portable fiber project in my purse (okay, it’s probably a knitting bag from Namaste or Jordanna Paige, but you see where I’m headed).

So here’s to blogging, a potential hobby but only if it celebrates those things that make me happy. This may be a simple hobby after all.

Deciphering a yarn label can be a confusing task for a new stitcher, especially when experimenting with new yarns and textures. I have created a compact reference for reading a yarn label and also included some reading suggestions to dissect more complicated labels as well as care/washing symbols.

1) Brand Name: Common brands in chain craft stores include Red Heart, Lion Brand, Bernat and Patons

2) Fiber Content: This details the kind of fiber and if it is a blend how much of each fiber is included. Various fiber blends have different care instructions. Read more about yarn in the Basics 101 section.

3) Weight: Yarn is sorted by weight categories to easily match pattern equivalents. A chart of yarns by weight is available at http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html

4) Color and Dye Lot: Yarn that is dyed in lots references its code on each label. It is best to purchase matching dye lot skeins for a single pattern to prevent color variation.

5) Category: This a commonly used symbol to categorize yarn by weight (if not listed on the label).

6) Recommended Hook & Needle Size: Yarn labels often feature a suggested hook or needle size to obtain the proper 4×4” gauge (often referenced in patterns) when using this yarn. Checking your gauge is an important predecessor to beginning a pattern to insure your project will be the desired size.

7) Care Instructions: These symbols represent various cleaning suggestions based on the yarn fiber content. It is very important to follow these instructions if you do not want to alter the texture and size of the yarn. Some yarns are used with the intent to shrink the fiber and create a new fabric in a process called felting. Felting yarns are 100% wool and often recommend care instructions to avoid felting the fabric on purpose. Find more Yarn Label Symbols at: http://www.skeinlane.com/knittingresources/care/caresymbols.htm

Read more about Unraveling a Yarn Label at http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/unraveling-a-yarn-label.html

As always the Craft Yarn Council of America has an amazing set of resources at www.craftyarncouncil.com. They are to knitters/crocheters as Giles was to Buffy.

Beginner and experienced stitchers alike can easily be overwhelmed by the large selection of yarn in a craft store. Similarly unless you have a helpful local yarn store owner to walk you through the yarn buying process, choosing your fiber may be overwhelming. I have compiled a brief summary of different kinds of yarn fibers for beginner crafters as well as examples you will find in a chain craft store. For further reading please visit the links page and check out the fiber category which has a collection of articles pertaining to the subject.

Wool is a fiber predominately spun from sheep but is also referenced as “wool” in many other animals such as angora rabbits, cashmere goats, etc. Wool is a protein fiber – meaning it grows on an animal (the exception is silk, derived from silkworms). Once sheered the “fleece” from sheep are spun into yarn or thread. Wool can be felted to create a thick fabric and is ideal for many projects but is not machine washable. Wool blends (wool and acrylic yarn combined) give the look and occasionally similar feel and warmth of wool and some may be washed. I am especially obsessed with Merino wool right and find it is my favorite fiber for most projects. Suggested yarns: Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Stitch Nation: Full of Sheep, Paton’s Classic Wool: Tweeds

Acrylic is the most accessible yarn at chain stores such as Joann’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and even Wal-Mart. Acrylics yarn come in a spectrum of colors and weights and are normally machine washable. I strongly suggest sampling the many acrylic blends available thanks to their inexpensive price tag. I will often make a project from an acrylic yarn prior to investing in more expensive fiber to test out the patterns. Acrylics are often not as breathable as natural fibers and not quite as eco-friendly. Suggested yarns: Red Heart Classic, Vanna’s Choice

Cotton! Cotton is a fantastic go-to-all-weather yarn. Cotton works well on most items – from the smallest of projects (dishcloths, coasters) to lightweight sweaters and hats. Cotton is not stretchy so projects that call for this yarn (especially wearable garments) should be carefully reviewed, especially for more tailored or fitted items. Suggested Yarns: Lion Organic Cotton, Red Heart Eco-Cotton Blend

Soy blend yarn is made from the proteins of the soybean. It is an eco-friendly yarn blend option and creates a soft texture. Most soy yarns are blended with wool. Suggested Yarns: Vickie Howell for SWTC LOVE

Bamboo is available in both blends and individually. Depending on the blend bamboo can have a very nice drape and flow and is wonderful for garments and sweaters. This blend is environmentally sustainable (made from natural resources) and is absorbent and breathable. Most bamboo yarns available in chain stores are a blend. Suggested yarns: Red Heart Bamboo Wool, Stitch Nation: Bamboo Ewe, LB Collection Cotton Bamboo

Alpaca is from alpaca of course, you may have seen these llama-like animals at a state fair or agriculture show. I am told they aren’t very friendly but their fleece is deliciously warm and I am seeing this fiber grow stronger on the name brand market. (I am also hoping they are friendly as I daydream about a cuddly alpaca farm). Suggested yarns: LB Collection Baby Alpaca, Stitch Nation: Alpaca Love

Other big name fibers such as Mohair and Cashmere both come from goats (though different kinds). Cashmere is a luxurious and expensive yarn, but lives up to its ideal soft standards. Mohair is a bit itchy at times but blends of both mohair and cashmere are more affordable. Angora, Silk and even Corn are also used in various yarn blends. Eco-friendly fiber is a big topic right now, as are natural and organic fibers that are now becoming more accessible and are so fun to work with. Knowing the fiber content of a handmade item can tell a story just as much as the process of making it, and choosing the yarn you are working with goes far beyond which color you intend a finished project to be.    

I consulted two wonderful titles when gathering information for this post and both are great reads to further your fiber-education. Both books also are chock full of patterns for any level, worthy buys for your collection! Check out: The Knitter’s Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn and Stitch ‘N Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook.