Wool n' Spinning

a shared passion for handspun yarn

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This blog is dedicated to my Aunt Yvonne. My favourite crafting is my knitting and here I share my ideas, projects, pitfalls and successes. Vancouver, Canada
  • Projects that Call to Us | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 338

    Projects that Call to Us | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 338

    Dear Spinning Circle,

    Welcome All. In today’s episode, we explore the attributes of projects that call to us. How to discern what projects we think might work wih our wardrobe? Why we might choose a certain pattern over another? How to begin deciding which yarns to work with as we narrow down those projects. As well, I have major progress on my Moon Set Tee (while not finished – sad face – it’s almost there) and an advancing twill in handspun off the loom!

    If you’re curious about joining the Wool n’ Spinning community and wondering where to begin, I’ve written a simple Start Here guide.

    ***

    ***

    Patreon Collection For Past Episodes here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 336 – 346 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 325 – 335 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 314 – 324 here

    SKEINED!

    MellyKnits Burn Pile batt – stripping down to begin spinning {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Bramble Ridge Cormo ‘Scruff’ = Daedalus Dove, singles {Ravelry Project Page here}

    KNITTING

    Moon Set Tee by Ozetta – Cold Valley Farms, WI, Jacob – scoured, prepped & blended on drum carder; 2-ply, natural/undyed; 3.00mm / US 2.5 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Oolong Tee by Aimee Sher – Bramble Ridge Hand Dyed Yarns O. Wool-Linen (flax) 70/30; 3.00mm / US 2.5 & 3.25mm / US 3 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Bliss Tank by Alcia Plummer – Bramble Ridge Wool-Linen DK 70/30) OOAK – 5.5mm (US 9) {Ravelry Project Page here}

    WEAVING – Finished Object

    Advancing Twill Stole – Bramble Ridge Mashup – BFL/Masham ‘Price of Eggs’ (weft) & Haunui ‘Mushroom Hunt’ (warp); sett 15 EPI x 15 PPI {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Community Participation

    As always, thank you to those who share in the community, uploading photos and thoughts about what you are working on! I appreciate it – it’s my pleasure to be able to share!

    Thank you so much for joining me today! Our next stream will be Tuesday, June 16 @ 11am PDT. We will be back in my own home for this episode & I hope you will also join me in celebrating our 10-year Patreon-anniversary, too.

    Until then, Happy Making!

  • Continuing with a Daily Cotton Practice (when life is busy) | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 337

    Continuing with a Daily Cotton Practice (when life is busy) | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 337

    Dear Spinning Circle,

    Welcome All. In today’s episode, we explore what happens to our making when life is pretty full-on. Lot’s happening and not a lot of quiet time! Continuing with my daily practice of spinning on my charkha, which I plan to continue for Spindle Spun Season (starting soon!), I have found that those little pockets of time are even more precious to me. I’ve continued working on my Moon Set Tee with some good progress, and started a new Aimee Sher pattern from some beautiful wool-linen yarn from Bramble Ridge Hand Dyed Yarns.

    If you’re curious about joining the Wool n’ Spinning community and wondering where to begin, I’ve written a simple Start Here guide.

    ***

    ***

    Patreon Collection For Past Episodes here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 336 – 346 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 325 – 335 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 314 – 324 here

    ***

    FIBRE PREPARATION

    MellyKnits ‘Burn Pile’ batt – deep stash; pulled apart first ‘bobbin’ to begin spinning once spindle project currently going is finished (more soon!) {Ravelry Project Page here}

    SPINNING

    Bramble Ridge Cormo ‘Scruff’ = Daedalus Dove, singles {Ravelry Project Page here}

    SPINDLE SPUN SEASON

    Upcoming: Starts on the Summer // Winter Solstice in June

    Vegan Yarn Organic & Fair Trade Cotton ‘Avocado’ – charkha daily practice; Bosworth Spindles Charkha {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Cotton by Cottonman, NC – charkha daily practice; Bosworth Spindles Charkha {Ravelry Project Page here}

    KNITTING

    Moon Set Tee by Ozetta – Cold Valley Farms, WI, Jacob – scoured, prepped & blended on drum carder; 2-ply, natural/undyed; 3.00mm / US 2.5 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Oolong Tee by Aimee Sher – Bramble Ridge Hand Dyed Yarns O. Wool-Linen (flax) 70/30; 3.00mm / US 2.5 & 3.25mm / US 3 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Community Participation

    As always, thank you to those who share in the community, uploading photos and thoughts about what you are working on! I appreciate it – it’s my pleasure to be able to share!

    ***

    Thank you so much for joining me today! Our next stream will be Tuesday, June 2 @ 11am PDT.

    Until then, Happy Making!

  • Fine Gauge Takes Time | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 336

    Fine Gauge Takes Time | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 336

    Dear Spinning Circle,

    Welcome All. In today’s episode, we are discussing those projects that just take a bit of extra time. Whether it’s a fine yarn and, therefore, stitch count, or small weaving sett, these projects take comitting to the distance. First, continuing with my ongoing cotton project and singles spinning, I’ll recap where I’m at with both of those projects, including pitfalls from my charkha spinning! And second, I’ll share a new cast on and finished napkins off the loom.

    If you’re curious about joining the Wool n’ Spinning community and wondering where to begin, I’ve written a simple Start Here guide.

    ***

    ***

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 336 – 346 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 325 – 335 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 314 – 324 here

    ***

    SPINNING

    Bramble Ridge Cormo ‘Scruff’ = Daedalus Dove, singles

    Cotton by Cottonman, NC – charkha daily practice; Bosworth Spindles Charkha

    KNITTING

    Moon Set Tee by Ozetta – Cold Valley Farms, WI, Jacob – scoured, prepped & blended on drum carder; 2-ply, natural/undyed; 3.00mm / US 2.5

    WEAVING – Finished Object

    Handwoven Floral Napkins – Maurice Brassard 2/16 cotton in natural, cinnamon, orange, green, denim; sett @ 26EPI; structure: overshot

    Community Participation

    As always, thank you to those who share in the community, uploading photos and thoughts about what you are working on! I appreciate it – it’s my pleasure to be able to share!

    ***

    Thank you so much for joining me today! Our next stream will be next week, Tuesday, May 19 @ 11am PDT.

    Until then, Happy Making!

  • Coping with Post-Project Drift | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 335

    Coping with Post-Project Drift | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 335

    Dear Spinning Circle,

    Welcome All. In this episode, we will cover all the sweater finishing I worked on throughout the end of March! I cast on my SweetGeorgia Yarns Combo Spin last week to knit a fun, quick and immensely satisfying vest. I’ve never worn vests before but had bought one back at Christmastime. I can’t believe how much I’ve enjoyed wearing a not-so-hot peice of clothing! Who knew?! To that end, I’ve finished my Vest No. 7 by My Favourite Things, as well as my spinDecember knit, the Seasons Cardigan by Ozetta. After finishing quite a few things over the past few weeks, I’ve been left feeling a bit lost about what to start next: How to cope with post-project drift. Let’s explore:

    That slightly unmoored feeling that comes after finishing a body of work — where you’re not quite ready to begin again, but also not quite finished.

    If you’re curious about joining the Wool n’ Spinning community and wondering where to begin, I’ve written a simple Start Here guide.

    ***

    ***

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 325 – 335 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 314 – 324 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 303 – 313 here

    ***

    SPINNING

    Bramble Ridge Cormo ‘Scruff’ = Daedalus Dove, singles

    Cotton by Cottonman, NC – charkha daily practice; Bosworth Spindles Charkha

    FINISHED OBJECTS

    Vest No. 7 by My Favourite Things – SweetGeorgia Yarns Corriedale Combo Spin in Stormchaser, Patchwork Quilt & Snow Angel; {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Seasons Cardigan by Ozetta – handspun spinDecember yarns; total ~ 1000 yards; 3.5mm // US 4 & 4.00mm // US 6 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    WEAVING

    Handwoven Floral Napkins – Maurice Brassard 2/16 cotton in natural, cinnamon, orange, green, denim; sett @ 26EPI; structure: overshot

    ***

    Thank you so much for joining me today! Our next stream will be next week, Tuesday, April 21 @ 11am PDT.

    Until then, Happy Making!

  • Finding Joy in the S-Word (Sampling) | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 334

    Finding Joy in the S-Word (Sampling) | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 334

    Dear Spinning Circle,

    Welcome All. In this epsiode, after taking a couple of weeks off for Spring Break here in the PNW where it’s been raining non-stop for >2 weeks, I share my projects I’ve been steadily working my through to finish! First, I wanted to share my big sampling project that turned into a SKEINED, finished spin to share with you all. The joy of sampling turned into real motivation to spin & I embraced the momentuum. And, a finished handspun sweater that was on my needles for a short time – this was quick, fun & I need to move the buttons (they are not lined up properly!).

    If you’re curious about joining the Wool n’ Spinning community and wondering where to begin, I’ve written a simple Start Here guide.

    ***

    ***

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 325 – 335 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 314 – 324 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 303 – 313 here

    ***

    SKEINED // SAMPLING // SPINNING

    Bramble Ridge BFL-Masham (75/25) ‘Pandora Shinx Moth’ – prepared for spinning {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Cottonman Upland Brown Cotton – Bosworth charkha {Ravelry Project Page here}

    FINISHED OBJECTS

    Auguste Cardigan by Johanna Gehrisch – Anna Grafton Corriedale (washed, prepped & spun) – total 1042 yards, 307 grams (1490YPP); 3.5mm // US 4 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    KNITTING

    Vest No. 7 by My Favourite Things – SweetGeorgia Yarns Corriedale Combo Spin in Stormchaser, Patchwork Quilt & Snow Angel; {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Seasons Cardigan by Ozetta – handspun spinDecember yarns; total ~ 1000 yards; 3.5mm // US 4 & 4.00mm // US 6 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    ***

    Thank you so much for joining me today! Our next stream will be next week, Tuesday, April 21 @ 11am PDT.

    Until then, Happy Making!

  • On Getting a Bit Bogged Down | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 333

    On Getting a Bit Bogged Down | Wool n’ Spinning, ep. 333

    Dear Spinning Circle,

    Welcome All. In this epsiode, we pick up where we left off last week with an homage to all these projects I’ve been working my through! First, I have finished the MellyKnits Advent plying. Second, we will get into the weeds about sweater knitting and handspun yarn substition, a topic we come back to again and again. Last, I wanted to share what’s on my loom – it’s been a while since I gave a good weaving update.

    If you’re curious about joining the Wool n’ Spinning community and wondering where to begin, I’ve written a simple Start Here guide.

    ***

    ***

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 325 – 335 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 314 – 324 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 303 – 313 here

    ***

    SKEINED!

    MellyKnits Sommelier Guts 1 – Oct 2024 – CVM (Sonia Gregg, BC), Gulf Coast Native (RoyBob’s Farm, OR) & Bombyx Silk; supported spindle spun {Ravelry Project Page here}

    MellyKnits Delightful Advent – 12 days of spinning {Ravely Project Page here}

    1. Day 1 – 2: Cormo w/ Bison
    2. Day 3 – 4: Corriedale w/ Angora
    3. Day 5 – 6: Haunui w/ Kid Nubora Goat
    4. Day 7 – 8: Merino w/ Muga silk
    5. Day 9 -10: Jacob w/ Fox
    6. Day 11 – 12: Bond / Paco-Vicuna

    KNITTING

    Seasons Cardigan by Ozetta – handspun spinDecember yarns; total ~ 1000 yards; 3.5mm // US 4 & 4.00mm // US 6 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Auguste Cardigan by Johanna Gehrisch – Anna Grafton Corriedale (washed, prepped & spun) – total 1042 yards, 307 grams (1490YPP); 3.5mm // US 4 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    WEAVING

    Handwoven Floral Napkins – Maurice Brassard 2/16 cotton in natural, cinnamon, orange, green, denim; sett @ 26EPI; structure: overshot

    Community Participation

    As always, thank you to those who share in the community, uploading photos and thoughts about what you are working on! I appreciate it – it’s my pleasure to be able to share!

    ***

    Thank you so much for joining me today! Our next stream will be next week, Tuesday, March 10 @ 11am PST.

    Until then, Happy Making!

  • On Getting to Projects Left in Stash for Too Long | WnS, ep. 332

    On Getting to Projects Left in Stash for Too Long | WnS, ep. 332

    Dear Spinning Circle,

    Welcome All. Over the past couple of weeks, I dove into the stash that I had packed and brought with me while living out of our home: A spindling project, knitting and continued progress on my MellyKnits Delightful Advent. All relatively large projects but stashed for a while – how does that affect our mindset when returning to ideas we’d explored in the past and have since moved on from?

    If you’re curious about joining the Wool n’ Spinning community and wondering where to begin, I’ve written a simple Start Here guide.

    ***

    ***

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 325 – 335 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 314 – 324 here

    YouTube Playlists for Episodes 303 – 313 here

    ***

    FIBRE PREP

    Bramble Ridge BFL-Masham (75/25) ‘Pandora Shinx Moth’ – prepared for spinning {Ravelry Project Page here}

    SKEINED!

    SweetGeorgia Yarns Corriedale in ‘Patchwork Quilt’, ‘Snow Angel’ & ‘Stormchaser’ – inspired by long-time community member, Glenda, to combine these colourways in a massive combo spin (similar to a previous combo here) {Ravelry Project Page here}

    SPINDLING

    MellyKnits Sommelier Guts 1 – Oct 2024 – CVM (Sonia Gregg, BC), Gulf Coast Native (RoyBob’s Farm, OR) & Bombyx Silk; supported spindle spun {Ravelry Project Page here}

    SPINNING

    MellyKnits Delightful Advent – 12 days of spinning {Ravely Project Page here}

    1. Day 1 – 2: Cormo w/ Bison
    2. Day 3 – 4: Corriedale w/ Angora
    3. Day 5 – 6: Haunui w/ Kid Nubora Goat
    4. Day 7 – 8: Merino w/ Muga silk
    5. Day 9 -10: Jacob w/ Paco-Vicuna

    Twin Oaks Romney Wolf Yarn – batts carded with 5% sari silk in grellow/2% black unlabelled wool – spun on Lendrum Saxony, plied with traditionally spun singles {Ravely Project Page here}

    KNITTING

    Seasons Cardigan by Ozetta – handspun spinDecember yarns; total ~ 1000 yards; 3.5mm // US 4 & 4.00mm // US 6 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Auguste Cardigan by Johanna Gehrisch – Anna Grafton Corriedale (washed, prepped & spun) – total 1042 yards, 307 grams (1490YPP); 3.5mm // US 4 {Ravelry Project Page here}

    Community Participation

    As always, thank you to those who share in the community, uploading photos and thoughts about what you are working on! I appreciate it – it’s my pleasure to be able to share!

    ***

    Thank you so much for joining me today! Our next stream will be next week, Tuesday, March 3 @ 11am PST.

    Until then, Happy Making!