Sunday 7 May 2017

Handspun

You only have to look how well the spinning and fibre stalls are doing at a yarn festival to realise how popular spinning is. I'm always drawn to the beautiful spinning wheels which are either on display or being used in demonstrations, yet it's something I've never tried myself, nor have I ever knitted up any handspun yarn. I've been watching the Knatters Knits podcast, Natalie who presents this podcast is a wonderful spinner and she asked if I'd like to try some of her handspun yarn, how could I refuse?

This is 70% Bluefaced Leicester/30% sparkle and it's beautifully soft. I really do need to find the perfect project to show this off so any suggestions would be appreciated. I thought a cowl might be nice or maybe a pair of mittens. Perhaps you could help me decide.


Here's a closer look at the colours, the lilac and lemon goes so well together.


Thank you so much, Natalie, I'm thrilled to bits with this scrumptious yarn and it will be put to very good use, I can't wait to try it out.

38 comments:

  1. Thanks for the kind words Jo! I'm excited to see what this becomes too!

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    1. I shall have to spend some time going through some patterns to find the perfect project to use the yarn on.

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  2. That is lovely yarn, Jo. I only wish I could wear wood - the very thought of this makes me itch! I have a lovely 'cotton' jumper from Crew Clothing, one bought for me last birthday by son and daughter in law. Then when I wore it I wondered why 'cotton' made me want to scratch, and I looked at the label and it's 95% cotton and 5% wool. You'd not think that 5% would make me itch, but it does! I can wear it over the shirt, but not next to my skin. It seems such a shame, I can't even wear cashmere and that isn't sheeps' wool, as we know.
    Margaret P
    PS My own blog is down for a while my computer man changes something, I think the company who provides the blog, i.e. not my server. But I hope it will be up and running again soon.

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    1. I know lots of people are sensitive to wool, I'm not fond of the scratchy stuff but I'm not particularly sensitive. At least there's an alternative for those who are, such as cotton.

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  3. That's a good colour combination. xx

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    1. The colour is so pretty, the lilac and lemon work really well together.

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  4. I own a spinning wheel, actually 2, but I've never spun

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    1. You'll have to give it a go sometime since you've got two spinning wheels at your disposal. I think it's something I'd like to try.

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  5. What gorgeous yarn! I would think a cowl would be lovely, especially as it's something that you would likely use more often than mittens and they tend to not get worn out as quickly either. Looking forward to seeing that skein all knit up!

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    1. I think I'm leaning towards a cowl, it's such gorgeous, soft yarn, it would be lovely to wear it around the neck.

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  6. Wow, how exciting, the colours are wonderful together.
    I'm sure whatever you choose to use it for it will look beautiful.

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    1. I can't wait to knit it up and see how the colours come out together, it's such pretty yarn.

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  7. That's a fabulous combination of colour. Who would've though they would go so well together. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you create with your beautiful yarn. X

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    1. The colours actually put me in mind of one of the very first things I ever knit, it was a scarf and the colours were quite similar.

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  8. I was going to suggest a cowl but I see I am late to the party :-) It looks soft and lovely x

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    1. Great minds think alike. The yarn's beautifully soft, I think it will make a great cowl.

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  9. Beautiful yarn from lovely sheep. Look forward to seeing what it becomes. It will depend on how much you need for something. Galant above could always try the Stylecraft Special DK as it is all acrylic & squidgy soft. Have a good week Jo & take care.

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    1. I think there'll be enough yardage to make a cowl or a pair of mittens, though I'm leaning towards the cowl.

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  10. I think it's so wonderful that these crafts are being enjoyed today by so many people. I find it quite mesmerising watching someone spin, perhaps a cowl would be the thing to make as the wool's soft, you can nestle into it when it's cold xx

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    1. I do too, knitting and crochet, not to mention spinning, went out of fashion for a time but it's certainly very popular again now.

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  11. Pretty yarn, Jo. A cowl or scarf would be my suggestion. It looks so soft, it would be nice to have on the neck and near your face.

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    1. I agree, I just have to find a suitable pattern now.

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  12. Such a beautiful colour combination. Sadly whilst I love real wool I can't wear it next to my skin. I do have a spinning wheel and finally will learn how to use as there are several courses available locally. Looking forward to seeing how it knits up.

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    1. How wonderful that you're going to learn to spin, especially as you already have a spinning wheel. I can see your move is already opening up so many opportunities for you.

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  13. That does look a lovely yarn, great colourways.
    How about a scarf or cowl?

    All the best Jan

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    1. I'm definitely leaning towards a cowl, I think it will knit up snuggly soft.

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  14. I'm always fascinated by demonstrations of spinning at craft events. There was a lady who made yarn from her own sheep supply and she was an interesting person to talk to. I would love to see her in her own home in Derbyshire, but it would be a trek to get there. I have the book of knitting patterns given to me by DiL at Christmas sitting on the shelf with me doing nothing about starting a make although I have the crocheting on the go. Your yarn is very special with a lovely colour combinations of lemon and lilac.

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    1. It's really interesting hearing how people have got into spinning but to be able to spin wool from your own sheep must be very special indeed. I haven't picked up my crochet for a long time now, the knitting bug has taken over. I think we all go in fits and starts when we enjoy different crafts.

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  15. It does look wonderful, difficult to know what to make with it though. 😊

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    1. I think I'm settled on a cowl, if I can find a suitable pattern. The yarn is so squishy that it'll be perfect to snuggle up in to.

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    1. I love it too, it's so squishy and soft.

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  17. Lemon and lilac, what an unusual combination but they do work well. I would go for a cowl if it were my choice.
    Lisa x

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    1. I wouldn't have put lemon and lilac together but it does work really well. I'm on the lookout for a nice cowl pattern.

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  18. That is a beautiful yarn! I love spinning wheels, especially the antique ones, like you I'd love to learn how to use one.xxx

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    1. I've seen some beautiful spinning wheels, it would be wonderful if I knew how to use one.

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  19. Handspun... how exciting to try knitting with that. Looking forward to seeing what you create Jo.

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    1. I've never used handspun yarn before so I'm really looking forward to trying it out.

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