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by Knit Picks Podcast on July 15, 2021
While the word “chunky” in relation to yarn is not an official yarn weight class, it is common to refer to thicker yarns, Aran, Bulky, Super Bulky and Jumbo as “Chunky”. Today on the Knit Picks Podcast the team talks about chunky yarns and what to do with them! First up Lee and Stacey check in on their WIPs and discuss projects to knit with Bulky and Super Bulky yarns. Later Lee sits down with Michael Smith aka @piece4peacecrafting to learn more about his knitting and his spinning journey. Lee and Stacey talk about the benefits of working with chunky yarns. Projects knit up faster with chunky yarns but also create a thicker fabric. If you’re new to bulky and super ... |
Category Archives: spinning
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by Knit Picks Podcast on October 30, 2020
Germantown, 100% US Grown Worsted-weight Wool Every day, the Knit Picks team comes together to dig deep into our craft and celebrate our favorite materials. From yarn to needles, we choose everything with care and work to bring our very favorite things right to your door. Today, we’re taking a new look at yarn from some different angles. Join Lee and Hannah as they talk about their experience making their own yarn. Whether you’re interested in spinning skeins from fleece or making your yarn from recycled materials like t-shirts, they touch on a variety of techniques and share some of their hard earned tips and tricks for getting fantastic results. Next up, you’ll also hear some new voices! Courtney and Kate join Hannah ... |
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by Hannah on February 9, 2016
My first love, knitting was quickly followed by dabbling in spinning with a little drop spindle I picked up at my local yarn store in college. I was immediately smitten with the idea that I could spin my very own yarn right there in my dorm room and the rest is history! Now, I have a Sonata Spinning Wheel in my craft room, several drop spindles and a funny little vintage spinning wheel that I can tote with me to the park (and yes, that's definitely a thing I've been known to do occasionally). Now that I've started weaving in a serious way, I can't wait to spin yarn specifically to use on my loom too! Whether you're a beginner spinner, never tried your hand at it or are looking for an interesting book to add to your spinning library, we've got you covered with a round up of my favorite tools and books. |
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by Knit Picks Staff on December 13, 2013
This year, my wish list is full of fibery goodies. But what I would really love (and I think just about any spinner would agree!), is the Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook! This book is so much more than just a spinning how-to. Beautiful imagery and an incredible wealth of information await inside. With this book as your guide, you'll learn not only how to spin, but why, and what to spin for what purpose. |
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by Jenny K on January 15, 2013
Moving from a drop spindle to a spinning wheel can be a fun and exciting change - but if you are completely new to spinning wheels, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Not only are you changing from a small, portable tool to one that is larger and more stationary - but there is also a whole new world of terminology to learn. Although there are different styles and variations, the main parts and mechanics of a spinning wheel remain fairly consistent. So if you're new to scotch tension, break bands, and mother-of-alls; we've made a video tutorial that shows just how easy it is to assemble the Kromski Sonata spinning wheel. |
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by Jenny K on January 8, 2013
It was just about this time last year when I created a little list of crafting resolutions for myself. Looking back over my list just a year later, I have to admit that it felt pretty good to see my goals in relation to all of the things that I've been able to try over the past year. I've explored the world of crochet more and have a few projects under my belt (including an in-progress blanket!), I learned a lot about fiber and silk hankies, but my number one goal was to move from a drop spindle to a spinning wheel. And I'm pleased to report that I've utterly and completely gone head over heels for spinning! I'm collecting fiber just as fast as yarn, and having so much fun pairing my handspun yarns for special projects and gifts. If you're like me and are ready to (or have just made) the transition from spindle to wheel, but need a bit of extra guidance - be sure to check out Kelley's Wheel Spinning class! This 6-part video class covers everything from the basics to fiber choices and the mechanics of your wheel to spinning and plying. |
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by Jenny K on July 30, 2012
One of my crafting goals that I set for myself way back at the beginning of the year was to learn how to spin. I had used a spindle on and off for a while, and felt that it was finally time to step it up a notch and try spinning with a wheel. It took a few bumpy starts, but once I got the feel for it I knew that I was completely hooked. I've been spinning up yarn faster than I can use it, and have gotten quite the ever-expanding fiber collection already! However, the one thing I have noticed is that I am still in the learning process for spinning with a specific weight of yarn in mind. So far, I have been spinning away, happy to see how the fiber twists up and plies together - all with no specific end goals or projects in mind. But for now, I am left with many skeins of yarn ranging from light sport all the way up through super bulky. So far, I've found myself spinning from 4oz. batts and rovings, which means that my finished product is going to be a single one-of-a-kind skein. This makes it tricky when it comes to using up my handspun yarn. I don't want to fuss with too many gauge swatches to find out what weight of yarn I have, since it is already a limited quantity. This is when I turned to wraps per inch as a tool to help me gauge my yarn! |
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by Knit Picks Staff on June 28, 2012
Thanks to some wheel oil, audiobooks and too many trips to fiber festivals, I've been doing a lot of spinning! I finally plied up the Hanks in the Hood singles, too - it's just so shiny and bouncy. I really wasn't sure how the ply would come out, but I am impressed. I really love the way the colors came out in that yarn. But that leaves the question that I always have lingering over my handspun... |
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by Kelley on June 19, 2012
These mesmorizingly gorgeous silk hankies from Hanks in the Hood are irrisistable. You don't have to be a hand-spinner to enjoy their beauty. You can actually knit directly from the hankies. |
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by Jenny K on June 14, 2012
A while back, I got to spend the day with Jen, from Hanks in the Hood and learn all about how she makes those goregous spinning batts of hers! Additionally, Jen was kind enough to take some time to share a bit about herself, how she got drawn into the wonderful world of fiber, and her inspiration. And it was awesome! I find it so amazing that so many different people can connect with something as simple as fiber and yarn, in such a lovely and inspiring way. I simply love hearing these stories from everyone I meet. Which is why I was thrilled when Jen asked if I would like to also spend time with Lisa from Dicentra Designs! My answer was a resounding yes, the more - the merrier! I got a chance to sit down with Lisa, an amazing fiber artist, to chat with her about her love of all things color, fiber, spinning and of course dyeing. In addition to dyeing her own yarn line, Dicentra Designs, Lisa also helps Jen, from Hanks in the Hood, with the processing and dyeing of the stunning silk hankies! And with Lisa's love for bright and vibrant colors, it's no wonder that her color sense is a perfect match for working with Jen's fearless color combinations. Just look at all of the amazing colors you'll find in the silk hankies from Hanks in the Hood to see for yourself! To hear more about Lisa's color inspiration, the process for dyeing the silk hankies, and some of Lisa's favorite ways of working with silk hankies - be sure to check out Lisa's video! |
