Finding Inspiration: What to Make With Handspun Yarn

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funky handspun becoming an infinity scarf in the wee hours (my fave time to knit)…

If you are like me, you like to comb the internet for inspiration. I consider myself a spinner, but not so much a knitter or crocheter. My knowledge of knitting and crochet is actually pretty basic. People tend to be quite surprised by this because the assumption is one starts spinning after mastering the needles.

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core-wrapped up-cycled banana fibers and sequins

I taught myself to spin just few months into teaching myself to knit and crochet (the beginning stages, anyway). The story as to how I got started would suit a post on its own, but the fact that I learned about making a textile from the ground up made me appreciate the basics of knit and crochet. Handspun yarn literally has a life of its own. Rather than you making it into what you want it to be, it tells you what it will be.  Thus, you gain a respect and appreciation for handspun that you realize is best left to speak for itself.

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jumbo colorful yarn chain (aka Navajo) plied from fleece seconds

Because of this, we are often left scratching our heads as to what to do with gorgeous artful textured handspun. I say “we” because I know I am not alone in this. Many of us have that stash of pretty yarns. Because of its unusualness (or its mind-blowing prettiness) it becomes a permanent fixture in the yarn bin like the wall-flower never picked to dance (and we know it really should be the belle of the ball!). Whether it is handspun or an artful commercial yarn, I know many knitters know exactly what I mean. When I started spinning the goal was to make the most even, symmetrical yarn possible. But soon I really wanted to push the boundaries of what yarn is. The problem was I wondered what I could make with such unusual and small amounts of it. I have a growing collection of yarn that I spun that I feel is “too pretty” to use.

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core-wrapped handspun with handmade flower inclusions

So even as a spinner, I find myself taking to the internet to find inspiration. Not patterns. Patterns are no good with such a unique medium. More of a reassurance that others truly are making items out of handspun and it’s not just a pretty yarn to be hung in the studio. I also have this bad habit of over critiquing my yarns and again, a post for another day… I found this wonderful article on craftsy that really sums up what to make with handspun yarn.

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crochet handspun jumbo yarn infinity scarf worn as a shrug with handmade flower and button detail

Since it is recommended to use larger needles with handspun and to keep the stitches simple, I believe handspun is a great textile for the novice knitter or crocheter, or, if you are like me – those who do not possess the time or patience for a long term project. I want to get back to the wheel, afterall. 😉  It may look intimidating at first. It can be comprised of many bumps, thick and thin sections and even over twisted sections, but when you realize a basic knit or crochet stitch will give you a stunning one of a kind scarf for example, one quickly realizes how how satisfying it is to use. The projects are not only simple, but since they are worked up with large needles, they make the perfect afternoon project.

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free form crochet left-over handspun neck warmer washing machine felted

Don’t be afraid to mix your handspun with commercial yarns. I love to make the ribbing of my hats with commercial yarn and then let the handspun be the personality of the rest of the hat. What about a scarf in elogated knit stitch switching back and forth between handspun and commercial? The possibilities can truly be endless, and it is freeing to not have to follow a pattern. Free form crochet is your friend with the leftovers! I’ll be starting a series here on the blog showcasing what I have knit with my handspun. Some will be hits, and some will be misses I am sure. Many of the examples posted here are from my spun seconds pile. I really need to have the courage to tackle that pretty yarn stash. My goal is to share the journey with you so that we can grow together. The yarn is piling up here and I need a butt kick to come up with some projects with it. I do not feel comfortable selling my handspun when I myself do not know what to do with it! With that, I am off to play with that jumbo rainbow yarn pictured above. signature

April’s Giveaway is a Triple Play

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Today is my birthday! To celebrate I have an extra special giveaway with 3 chances to win. April’s giveaway via the newsletter is a game of sorts. You enter telling me your first and second choice of prize from bb3.ca. I’ll draw the first name at random, and they will win their top choice. The second name will get either their first or second choice, whichever one is not already taken. Same with name #3: however, if both of #3’s choices have been taken, I’ll draw for another winner. Clear as mud? Check out the entry form for a more concise explanation. Hey, it’s my birthday, my mind is definitely not on blogging…blah blah blah… 😉

I’m taking entries until April 30th, 2015 11:59EDT. The only thing I ask is that you are a subscriber to the newsletter. You can sign up here and unsubscribe at any time, no problem! The newsletter is a once a month emailed publication, and I do a giveaway every month, so why not? The newsletter helps me share my creative ideas and also keeps me on point, per se. It’s my monthly butt kick to keep the creative juices flowing. 🙂

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Engraving Necklaces Now Available in Gold

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I always try to offer my products in both silver and gold, as I know they are both very popular. With the exception of my sterling silver products, due to the price of gold I find even gold filled can get quite pricey. I know we all are on a budget these days, which is why I do my best to make quality, affordable products that would be suitable for gifts or personal keepsakes.

Most of the engraving blanks I use are silver or gold plated. But they have a marvelous weight and wear very well. I would simply advise against getting them wet or wearing them 24/7 to keep them looking shiny & new. That said, I tend to wear mine constantly, even in the shower. They can take quite a beating until I officially have to retire them.

These following engraving necklaces were available in silver only. I am happy to say I was able to acquire gold charms thus am able to offer a gold option as well:

"Wings" remembrance keepsake necklace now available in gold
“Wings” remembrance keepsake necklace now available in gold
"Sweetheart" keepsake necklace in gold
“Sweetheart” keepsake necklace in gold
Horse lovers necklace from the animal/nature themed collection - now in gold
Horse lovers necklace from the animal/nature themed collection – now in gold

Gold option is now available in each listing.

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Engraved Lotus Teardrop Necklace – Now Available –

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silver lotus teardrop necklace with fuschia Swarovski crystal

This is not a new product – but a revamping of a product I used to offer. I love the pairing if the teardrop pendant and the lotus flower, it feels so fluid & calm. I especially love to wear this necklace with a long chain. I have the silver version on a 30″ chain in my personal collection.

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Gold lotus flower necklace with opal Swarovski crystal

Available in either silver or gold, you also have a choice of either a fuschia or opal Swarovski crystal.

The lotus will symbolize different things to different people. Personally, I love any kind of flower symbolism. I am a heavenly flower/garland, afterall. 🙂 When an object such as a flower – which I think of as delicate – blooms & thrives out of murky, muddy water, this for me speaks a lot to where I have been, and what I have become. The lotus also has several stacked petals, holding an intricacy all its own: just like my own individualism.

The Buddhist & Hindu religions use the lotus in their symbolism & beliefs, and although I am not of either persuasion, I have the utmost respect for the teachings of both.

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