Description
I wanted a page where we could have a discussion and exchange information about fibers and yarns; this is the page! I love the fibers I use, and, therefore, I love to talk about them. Moreover, I've been asked so many questions about natural fibers and have come up against many misconceptions, that I feel I must talk about them. By understanding the characteristics of the materials that we use, we can better employ them to create the exact effect we want. For so many years, I was a knitter constantly looking for interesting yarns with natural fibers, and not finding much. When I started spinning, the world of possibilities that opened up to me was unimaginable! Until now, the enormous amount of choices was simply unavailable. So, the focus of this page will be to introduce you to, bit by bit, the options you have and to spark your own creativity. I also want this page to be a discussion. Your input is important, be it a question, a comment, or an experience. Just e-mail me, and I will put it into the on–going discussion. (click on the title to read the article) About Handspun Handspun - The Number of Plies in the Yarn You Want Wool is Not Just Wool! About Natural Dyes The Natural Dye Process About Handspun I drew the analogy: You can serve store–brand bread, bakery bread, or homemade bread fresh out of the oven. Likewise, you can knit with commercially spun yarns, more specialized mill spun yarn, or handspun yarn. All of these have their right place, but given my choice, I know which delights the palate! If you have never knit with handspun yarn, you need to try some and expect a real treat. Please look for the samples available on the yarn page. What is the difference between handspun and commercially spun yarn? Handspun yarn flows through your hands and feels alive. The warmth and ability to breathe inherent in natural fibers that are not machine spun, becomes apparent with the first stitch, and you know the finished garment will be cherished for generations. Handspun is like fine, aged wine from the winemaker's reserve, an original oil painting, a bouquet of fresh flowers. It's just sumptuous! Once you use handspun, you will want only to use materials produced with the same care and creative energy that you use in your knitting. What can you do with handspun yarn? Anything! You can hand knit with it, you can machine knit with it, you can crochet, weave, needlepoint, embroider—whatever you can dream, you can do with handspun yarn. Handspun yarn can be customized to choice of fiber, color, thickness (size) and blend. Given the amount of hours and skill that goes into knitting and the amount of delight expected for the wearing, I look for the ideal yarn to make the garment truly special. With all the options that are open to the handspinner and the feel of the resulting yarn, the final garment can be made exactly to your specifications and be a truly wonderful work of art! You owe yourself this treat!! If you would like to consult with me about the best yarns for your special project, drop me an e-mail or give me a call. I am happy to do custom spinning.