Tiny Fibre StudioThe Finchley Graft is a magical grafting technique that's quicker and easier to remember than the more common Kitchner Stitch. This video is a quick reference and assumes you have some prior experience of grafting.
For more in-depth information, I recommend @Roxanne Richardson's Finchley Graft Technique Tuesday: youtu.be/h3sD_RU720c which is where I first learned about it. I also love @heyBrownBerry 's video where she demonstrates the Finchley Graft on top-down socks: youtu.be/YBP17g2dbis
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Finchley Graft in 1 MinuteTiny Fibre Studio2022-03-20 | The Finchley Graft is a magical grafting technique that's quicker and easier to remember than the more common Kitchner Stitch. This video is a quick reference and assumes you have some prior experience of grafting.
For more in-depth information, I recommend @Roxanne Richardson's Finchley Graft Technique Tuesday: youtu.be/h3sD_RU720c which is where I first learned about it. I also love @heyBrownBerry 's video where she demonstrates the Finchley Graft on top-down socks: youtu.be/YBP17g2dbis
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**How to measure handspun yarn using wraps per inch (WPI).Tiny Fibre Studio2023-10-27 | Wraps per inch or WPI is a key measurement in handspinning but can also be used to determine the weight of yarn for knitting, crochet and weaving. This video is a bit of a deep-dive, showing two methods and discussing what you can do with wraps per inch once you've measured your yarn.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: Joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio (members get ad-free access to all new videos) or Buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Featured tools (none of these were sponsored or gifted and I don't receive commission from any of these links):
SINGLES TO 2-PLY WPI REFERENCES Spinning Wool: Beyond the Basics, Anne Field, ISBN 978-1408130810 (out of print at the time I published this video)
The Essentials of Handspinning, Mabel Ross, ISBN 978-0950729206 (also out of print)
Abby's blog post: http:// abbysyarns.com/2008/12/singles- two-ply-three-ply-and-wraps-per-inchHow to Tie a Bobbin Leader for Trouble-Free SpinningTiny Fibre Studio2023-09-27 | Tying a leader onto a bobbin (or spindle) is the first step in your spinning project, but it can cause big problems if it's not tied securely. I'll show you a really secure method which will solve the vast majority of takeup issues at the start of a bobbin. The wheel in this video is the Dreaming Robots Electric Eel Nano 2
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by:
...or using the affiliate links below. Thank you!**Trying unusual spinning wheels at the AGWSD Summer SchoolTiny Fibre Studio2023-09-15 | The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers holds a week-long Summer School every other year and although I wasn't able to take a class I visited for the day. I got to try out a Pendulum Wheel and a Trolley Wheel — both unusual forms of spindle wheels, derivatives of the Great Wheel/Walking Wheel. I was also able to see the Certificate of Achievement submissions and have a look at what everyone had been up to during the week.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: Joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio (members get ad-free access to all new videos) or Buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Trolley wheel video from John Sturtevant youtu.be/Omlu7ogyfsE?si=Mb2Fk4uMxBnil8lYRestoring a vintage Ashford Traditional Spinning WheelTiny Fibre Studio2023-08-25 | I've wanted to restore an old Ashford Traddy for a few years now and I finally found a suitable wheel... and it's quite the transformation!
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: Joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio (members get ad-free access to all new videos) Buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or using the affiliate links below. Thank you!**
00:00 Intro 02:10 Tracking down a Traddy 02:57 Assessing the wheel 06:03 Disassembling the wheel 06:48 Restoring the Ashford Traditional 09:59 Reassembling the Traddy 10:41. Ashford Traditional Pre-1981 Crank Assembly 12:06 The restoration revealedTour de Fleece 2023 Week 2Tiny Fibre Studio2023-07-20 | My first proper week of spinning for this year's Tour de Fleece. Includes why I don't trust fresh skeins, tips for spinning from the fold if you have arthritis/joint pain, the Ravelston sweater by Ysolda Teague and plenty of cat interference! I'd love to know how your projects have been coming along!
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
00:00 Intro 00:39 'Nasturtium' singles 2:08 'Nasturtium' plying and why I don't trust fresh skeins 4:29 'Beehive' yarn and spinning from the fold with joint pain 8:28 Knitting progressMy Favourite Spinning Reference BooksTiny Fibre Studio2023-07-14 | Which books are the ones I still reference, over 10 years on from the start of my handspinning journey? I'll share them in this video and tell you what kinds of spinners they're best suited to.
What are your favourite spinning books?
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: Joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio Buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or using the affiliate links below. Thank you!**
00:00 Intro 00:39 The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook 03:19 The Field Guide to Fleece 05:12 The Spinner's Book of Fleece 07:52 The Spinner's Book of Yarn Designs 10:35 Yarnitecture 12:39 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off
Links (I get commissions for purchases made through Amazon links in this list):
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
00:00 Intro 00:38 Flax Project 1:16 Behind the scenes of workshop prep 2:57 Agricultural show... sheeps! 5:25 John Arbon Textiles WorkshopAn Exciting Announcement and Tour de Fleece 2023 Stage 1Tiny Fibre Studio2023-07-02 | Introducing Tour de Fleece and sharing an exciting update.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
00:00 Intro 1:29 TdF Calendar 2:48 The Big Announcement 4:25 My spinning for TdF Stage 1Knitting a Handspun Love Note Sweater by Tin Can KitsTiny Fibre Studio2023-06-02 | The Love Note by Tin Can Knits is an incredibly popular pattern with inclusive sizing, which knits up quickly and is easily adapted to suit your preferences. Through no fault of the pattern, mine was not without incident, so join me as I reflect on how this project went.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Chapters
Intro 00:00 The Yarn 00:43 The Pattern 02:42 My Lace Mod 04:57 Lace Disaster and Recovery 05:25 Remaining Construction 08:46 Sleeve Mods 10:10 Conclusion 10:55
Music: Monogram by Patrick Patrikios (YouTube Music Library)De-hairing and Spinning Qiviut (51 Yarns No. 35: Double Coated Inner Coat)Tiny Fibre Studio2023-05-13 | An unexpected, but very welcome addition to my 51 Yarns study! Come and join me as I figure out how to process raw qiviut, from washing through de-hairing and all the way through to spinning. We’ll talk about the different layers of fibre musk ox have and how to make them work for you. DISCLAIMER: this is not what good quality qiviut is like!
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
This series of videos is inspired by PLY Magazine's book 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off. The videos are listed in the order in which they were designated for the 51 Yarns Spinalong which coincided with the book's launch.
00:00 Intro 00:30 The Backstory 01:35 What is Qiviut? 02:27 The cost of qiviut 04:01 Exploring qiviut 04:50 First look 05:08 Why multiple coats matter 07:14 Washing/Scouring 7:55 Dehairing Overview 08:22 Skirt Hairs 08:47 Guard Hairs 09:31 Intermediate Hairs 11:08 Skin Flakes and other flaws 11:40 Fibre comparison 12:04 Down fibres 12:47 Dehairing conclusions 13:39 Interlude 14:16 Spinning Qiviut — Cost 15:18 Spinning Qiviut — Lack of Memory 16:41 Spinning Qiviut — Warmth 17:35 Sample spinning
Other Tools • Louet Cotton Carders (I'd call them fine carders since they have 110tpi, rather than 200-ish which is typical of cotton carders): https://www.louet.nl/product/hand-cards/?lang=en&v=79cba1185463Rewinding bobbins on a spinning wheelTiny Fibre Studio2023-04-28 | Does your spinning wheel have a hidden function you didn't know about? In this video I'll show you how to tell if your wheel can help you rewind bobbins of yarn, based on whether it's Scotch tension Irish tension/bobbin led or double drive. If you want to know why you'd want to rewind yarn, check out my last video youtu.be/BzisQqB6bPw
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
00:00 Intro 00:57 Irish tension/bobbin led 01:09 Louet S10C 02:46 Schacht Matchless Irish Tension 04:17 Double drive 04:33 The Herring Wheel 05:25 Schacht Matchless double drive 05:51 Creator message 06:19 Scotch tension 07:08 Schacht Sidekick 07:55 A Schacht Sidekick discovery 08:30 Ashford Traditional 09:20 Wheels I wouldn't recommend 10:01 eSpinners and other options 10:44 Conclusion
Featured wheels • Louet S10C (Irish Tension configuration) • Schacht Matchless • The Herring Wheel (discontinued) • Schacht Sidekick • Ashford Traditional (1970s version)
Becks' Sweater Strokkur by Ysolda Teague ysolda.com/products/strokkurSatisfying rainbow yarn rewinding. #satisfying #yarn #handspun #handspunyarn #satisfyingvideoTiny Fibre Studio2023-04-21 | Rewinding handspun — reasons to try it and how to rewind. youtu.be/BzisQqB6bPwShould you rewind bobbins of handspun singles? (51 Yarns 44: Be Kind, Rewind)Tiny Fibre Studio2023-04-21 | Rewinding bobbins of handspun singles might seem like an unnecessary extra step but there are many reasons that it might be worth doing. In this video I talk about eight of those reasons and also show you multiple ways to rewind, including a little-known tip to turn your wheel into a bobbin winder.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
This series of videos is inspired by PLY Magazine's book 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off. The videos are listed in the order in which they were designated for the 51 Yarns Spinalong which coincided with the book's launch.
00:00 Intro 00:45 Freeing up a bobbin 01:04 Evening out consistency 02:26 Redistributing twist 03:11 Smoother surface texture 04:04 Colour management 04:43 Lasagne bobbins 05:26 Changing ply structure 06:00 Smoother plying 06:49 Editing Becks 07:34 Bobbin winder/quill attachment 08:49 Ball winder and toilet paper tube 09:08 Storage bobbins 09:20 Spinning wheel as a bobbin winder
Artist: http://chriszabriskie.comPlying Bracelets (Andean Plying) — what to do when you run out of singles!Tiny Fibre Studio2022-06-26 | Also known as Andean Plying Bracelets, these yarny wristwarmers are the perfect way to deal with running our of singles on one bobbin before another, to ply small amounts for workshops and sampling or even, at a push, to create a plied yarn when you only have one bobbin.
In this video I detail four ways to wind yarn into bracelets, but if you just want one, there's an option to tap out after the first one!
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
The term 'Andean Plying'/'Andean Bracelet' originated from a Summer 1992 Spin-Off magazine article (p106) by Ed Franquemont called 'An Andean Plying Technique' which showed the steps for this method, but as Abby Franquemont, textile writer, teacher, spinner extraordinaire and Ed's daughter, who lives and works in the Andes points out: "Folks with an interest in the cultural aspect of things will perhaps find it worth note that not all spinners (in the Andes) use this technique, and those who do use it only sometimes. While clever and convenient in various settings, it is not widely viewed as a production technique; and even where it is used, it tends to be used to wind a two-stranded ball most of the time."
It was important enough to Abby that this inappropriate use of the term 'Andean' (when applied to Plying Bracelets) should be discontinued that she discussed it with Ed on his deathbed. She recounts the multiple issues with this misattribution here: twunroll.com/article/1296244365606690816
Abby also has a great article in the Summer 2015 edition of Spin-Off (p35) talking about how plying is really done in the Andes, along with lots of tips and tricks for plying bracelets. If you subscribe to Spin Off magazine you get access to the entire back catalogue, all the way back to 1977.
0:00 Intro 0:50 ‘Andean’ Plying? 1:20 Plying Bracelets Into 1:55 Setup steps 2:56 Method 1: Becks’ Preference 4:45 Tips & Tricks 7:03 Method 2: Single Loop 8:52 Method 3: Butterfly Method 9:18 Method 4: Book Method 10:46 Structure of Plying BraceletsTop 10 Most Popular Spinning Wheels for BeginnersTiny Fibre Studio2022-04-18 | Ever wondered what the most popular spinning wheels in the world are? Me too! Following an intensive period of research, I discovered the top 10 first spinning wheels for beginners were and here I present my findings, complete with a run-down of the main features of each wheel.
Of course many spinners don't still own their first wheel, so an appearance on this list isn't necessarily an indication of user satisfaction — it's always wise to do your own research to see if a wheel will suit you, but I don't think you can go too far wrong with any of them... except maybe one...!
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
CORRECTION: Schacht now only makes the double treadle version of the Matchless, but they made the single treadle for about 3 decades so there are plenty of pre-loved wheels out there if that's what you're looking for. Thanks to viewer Alison for letting me know! :)Knitting a Handspun Shifty Sweater by Andrea MowryTiny Fibre Studio2022-03-20 | The Shifty Sweater by Andrea Mowry is a very popular pattern for using with handspun yarn, but some people have had some issues with the fit. Will I experience the same thing? Will the newly-modified v2.0 pattern help ensure you don't have the same problems? Watch to find out.
Totally forgot to mention that I modified the length of the body and sleeves — nothing fancy required, I just kept knitting to the desired length and added a sleeve decreases as appropriate.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Nunoco, creators of the batt I used for the blips no longer exist but one of the original duo continues to produce fibre as Spin Jones on Etsy.
Yarn Subs Zauberball® / Zauberball® Crazy by Schoppel-Wolle and Cascade Heritage Wave are popular alternatives, although both are fingering weight so some adjustments may be needed for gauge. Ideally you want something with long colour changes.
The staggered version is what Shifty knitters have used.
From Ravelry user Alywit (posted here for those who can't access Ravelry): "To avoid the appearance of a seam at the BOR, I’m following Suzanne Bryan’s instructions for staggered jogless jog, slipping two sts on even numbered rows in the pattern charts (and slipping 4 sts for row 8 of the big blips to make sure I slip the worked sts of the contrast color), and placing a ‘moving BOR’ after the slipped sts. I am keeping the original BOR as a reference. Then, to make sure that the contrast color staggers as shown in the chart (sts 1-2 for rows 1-2 and sts 3-4 in rows 5-6, ect.), I skip the first two sts of the first repeat of the following odd row (start at sts 3 in the chart, then repeat chart a). When switching colors, bring the new color over the old."How to Choose Your First Spinning WheelTiny Fibre Studio2022-03-12 | Trying to decide which spinning wheel should be your first? This video will break down the features to look for, accessories
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
* Typically, Schacht updated their prices right after I finished editing. Their standard bobbins now have a different core and have gone up to £43, although they do have plastic 'travel bobbins' available at £34 (prices as of March 2022). They're all excellent quality but on the pricier end of the spectrum.
Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 2:33 - Avoid Overwhelm 3:11 - Set a Budget 3:30 - Avoid antiques 5:47 - Size & portability 6:29 - Electric wheels 7:49 - What kind of yarn? 8:25 - Style 10:18 - Drive systems 11:25 - Ratios 12:39 - Orifice type 13:27 - Orifice height 14:15 - Treadles 15:06 - Upgradability 15:49 - Orifice hook 16:26 - Maintenance kit 16:42 - Bobbins 18:16 - Lazy Kate 19:06 - Niddy noddyLouet S40 Hatbox Spinning WheelTiny Fibre Studio2021-02-21 | An introduction to the setup and use of the Louet S40 Hatbox spinning wheel — a direct drive, Scotch Tension travel wheel first made between 1979 and 1994, with a limited re-release in 2015. I'll talk you through how the wheel works, the repairs I plan to make and some of the common issues you might find if you buy a vintage S40.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Episode 25 — Catching Up (February 2021)Tiny Fibre Studio2021-02-14 | Today I'll be showing you my most recent spinning and knitting projects, talking about plans for the channel and discussing the detrimental effect lockdown has on my wheel acquisition syndrome — ie. I bought a Louet S40!
Mentioned in this episode: — UPDATE — Now that I'm more in control of my time, I do have a Patreon account! patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or you can buy me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you for supporting my work. :)
Patterns Please note that due to Ravelry's continued appalling treatment of those with accessibility needs, I will only provide Ravelry links if I can't find another option.
Yarn/Fibre Sources: World of Wool: worldofwool.com John Arbon jarbon.com Blacker Yarns Tamar: blackeryarns.co.uk/tamar-lustre-yarnSpinning Wheel RatiosTiny Fibre Studio2020-12-12 | What are ratios and whorls, where are the ratios on your spinning wheel and how do you know which one to use for different types of yarn? It's all explained in this video. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!
Many thanks to everyone who submitted photos of their wheels to help me show what whorls look like on different wheels!
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**How to Adjust Brake Tension on a Spinning Wheel (Scotch Tension, Irish Tension and Double Drive)Tiny Fibre Studio2020-11-12 | The first of a series for beginner wheel spinners, this video goes through the three most common tension systems found on spinning wheels — Scotch Tension, Irish Tension and Double Drive. Of course, knowing how a wheel works is one thing, knowing how to use your hands to create the yarn you want is another! I'm sure I've forgotten something so please do leave a comment and let me know what you think.
The wheels featured are a Schacht Matchless and a Louet S10C in the Irish tension configuration. Note that the Matchless can do all three systems but its Irish tension is atypical and I didn’t want to confuse anyone!
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
00:00 Intro 00:46 Terminology 1:55 Types of drive systems overview 3:19 Scotch Tension (flyer led) 5:57 Irish Tension (bobbin led) 8:46 Double Drive 11:52 Which drive system is 'best'?How Spinning Wheels WorkTiny Fibre Studio2020-10-24 | The first of a series for beginner spinners, this video shows how three different spinning wheels work — one Saxony style, one Castle style and one eSpinner. These are all set up in single drive, Scotch tension (AKA flyer-led) and I'll be looking at the other drive systems in another video. Of course, knowing how a wheel works is one thing, knowing how to use your hands to create the yarn you want is another! I'm sure I've forgotten something so please do leave a comment and let me know what you think. One extra note: the footman can also be referred to as the conrod.
The wheels featured are a Schacht Matchless, a Frank Herring Bentwood (discontinued) and a Hansencrafts miniSpinner.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Knitting a Handspun Nightshift Shawl by Andrea MowryTiny Fibre Studio2020-10-19 | Hey folks, I’m still here and I’m back with a new Project Diary for you - the Nightshift Shawl by Andrea Mowry. It’s one of her massively popular range of mosaic knitting patterns - the Shift Cowl, the Shifty Sweater and the Nightshift Shawl - which are particularly loved by hand spinners as they’re great stashbuster patterns.
Some photos in this episode are courtesy of Andrea Mowry and are used with her kind permission.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Tour de Fleece 2020 PlansTiny Fibre Studio2020-07-01 | The Tour de Fleece normally takes place at the same time as the Tour de France. The idea is that you spin every day that the Tour de France rides. Although the Tour de France has been postponed, the Tour de Fleece is kicking off as planned on Saturday July 27th and running until Sunday 19th July with rest days on Monday 6th and Monday 13th of July. There are challenge days on the 5th and 15th July.
I will be trying to get as many videos out as possible but please bear with me!
Issues with accessibility on Ravelry. For some people it's difficult to understand that a website can cause physical harm, but it does. The amount of blank space, contrast, animations and static visual indicators all have an impact. Symptoms and individual diagnoses obviously differ from person to person but they can include (not limited to) nausea, sickness, migraines, fatigue and seizures. There are also difficulties for a neurodiverse community when major changes to a website they use daily are rolled out with no notice or consultation.
This is not about how a website looks but whether it's possible for a section of the community to use it at all. And keep in mind some of the people we’re talking about are the pattern designers and advertisers whose money keeps Ravelry afloat. Usability testing for this is possible and it's a duty that Ravelry should have undertaken right from the start. Ravelry have now offered the option to use the classic style (click on your photo, top right and then choose Classic Ravelry) but it seems that changes made to implement the new look have bled through to classic view so even that's not usable for some people.
You can also search the tags newravelrydesign ravelryupdate and ravelryaccessibility on Instagram and TwitterWaffle Weave on a 4-Shaft Louet EricaTiny Fibre Studio2020-04-28 | Another Project Diary for you — this time I've been weaving up some waffle-y bathroom accessories! Lots of 'learns' along the way.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Jane Stafford Online Guild janestaffordtextiles.comKnitting the Wool and Honey Sweater by Andrea MowryTiny Fibre Studio2020-03-24 | The Wool & Honey sweater is finally complete. This project diary details the trials and tribulations of a year (on and off) of knitting this pattern. I made a lot of modifications, so if you're knitting this as per the pattern you can expect an easier time of it!
Some links to help with eliminating the 'seam' in the back of the sweater:
Another example of No-Purl Garter Stitch in the Round (demonstrated on a Wool & Honey Sweater): youtube.com/watch?v=DrH9prpegjA
Music: Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen from YouTube creator library
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Knitting a Handspun Escarpment Cowl by Shireen NadirTiny Fibre Studio2020-03-21 | I’m trying a new format to talk about the projects I’m working on. This time it’s the turn of the Escarpment Cowl by Shireen Nadir, knit with handspun World of Wool carded Corriedale.
Music: Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen from YouTube creator library
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Fibre Studio Makeover Part TwoTiny Fibre Studio2020-03-18 | Part two of the fibre studio makeover, in which I configure some Ladderax storage for my fibre and set about finding a place for everything!
I'm publishing this during an unprecedented health crisis. Stay safe, help your community if you can, ask for help from friends and neighbours if you need it, take solace in your craft. I hope this is a brief distraction. x
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Fibre Studio Makeover Part OneTiny Fibre Studio2020-03-17 | Join me for a tour of my fibre studio as it was before I start a bit of a makeover. I'll be organising my yarn in this video, then fibre and prep tools in some fabulous new (old) storage units in part two. All with 'help' from my two cats, Saffy and Dexter, of course!
An important note: if you're using a glass cabinet and any sunlight hits it, make sure you install some anti-UV film. It's easy to do, fairly cheap (mine was £10) and prevents fading of your yarn stash.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Plying from a centre-pull ball (why you may want to think twice)Tiny Fibre Studio2020-03-11 | Some quick experiments with twist when plying from both ends of centre-pull balls and Andean plying bracelets. I’m not here to tell anyone what to do, but I do want to help people make informed choices. If plying from a centre pull ball works well for you then do it! There will be a longer video in due course, exploring all the questions I have about twist and consistency when using these methods. Is there anything you'd particularly like me to try?
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Episode 24 — The Lost EpisodeTiny Fibre Studio2019-11-20 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Delving into the vault known as hard drive no. 3, Becks discovered this ancient relic from 6 months ago that she never finished editing. Never mind, it's done now!
Knit it, Hook it, Craft it: knitit-hookit-craftit.comAkerworks Knitting Tool Kit ReviewTiny Fibre Studio2019-11-19 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
I received the Akerworks Knitting Tool Kit for review and having put it through its paces I'm ready to let you know my thoughts.
The Knitting Tool Kit is a handy organiser full of essential tools for knitting, crochet and other needlecrafts. It includes a needle gauge, swatch gauge, tape measure, scissors and magnetic containers for stitch markers and darning needles.
Follow the links on that page for the version without the swatch gauge if you already have it.51 Yarns: 33 — Teaching Someone to Spin Yarn (with Katie Green)Tiny Fibre Studio2019-10-14 | ***For those concerned about Katie's allergies, please see Katie's comment!***
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
As she's virtually the only person in my yarny friend group who doesn't spin, I talked Katie Green into being my guest star for this episode. I learned so much myself from teaching someone else so please don't take this as a 'how to' video!
This series is based on PLY Magazine's book "51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off". Their spinalong is now over, but I'm determined to complete my original goal of creating a video for each of the 51 Yarns.
This series of videos is inspired by PLY Magazine's book 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off. The videos are listed in the order in which they were designated for the 51 Yarns Spinalong which coincided with the book's launch.
This week it's Luxury Yarns and I'm experimenting with spinning two different fibre preparations of cashmere and one of camel. This week also had me reflecting on the sourcing of our fibres and how we can make ethical decisions about where our fibre comes from.
Cashmere Fibre Sources Please keep in mind that some of these sources only list cashmere yarn for sale, not fibre. As you can imagine, they're trying to help people get the best income they can from the fibre, so it's understandable that many of them sell yarn or beautiful finished products rather than spinning fibre. To quote a Guardian article: "Goat herders in Inner Mongolia are shortchanged, selling their goat hair for as little as $2.30 a kilo. By the time it reaches the international market it can fetch up to $75 a kilo."
From The Mountain (Afghan Cashmere so supplies are limited due to the danger they're in — I hope peace returns to Afghanistan soon and these people can stop having to live in fear) http://www.fromthemountain.comElectric Spinning Wheel Pros and ConsTiny Fibre Studio2019-04-22 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Electric spinning wheels or eSpinners have some great features like high speed in a small footprint and they're increasingly accessible to a wider audience thanks to innovative makers, so I'm taking a look at the advantages and disadvantages of eSpinners vs traditional treadle wheels.
They're not the silver bullet to solve all your spinning woes, but depending on your needs, an eSpinner might be a good tool to try.
UPDATE: On the subject of how long it takes for eSpinners to start and stop, Daedalus wheels have a programmable controller which allows you to change how quickly (or slowly) the wheel starts and stops.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**Episode 22 — Edinburgh Yarn Festival Stash EnhancementTiny Fibre Studio2019-04-06 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Fresh from EYF, come and join me as I unpack my suitcase, delight in my various purchases and talk about my plans for them.
PLY Magazine is running a Spinalong to coincide with the launch of their book, 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off. You can post your entries on their Facebook, Instagram and Ravelry groups with the hashtags #51yarns, #handspunyarn and #plymagazine. There's a different theme each week and you can find a list of the topics and other information here: https://plymagazine.com/ply-books/51-... The best part is that one winner each week gets a one-year subscription to PLY! I've decided to play along in video form as well by creating a video each week to correspond with that week's spinalong theme.
This week it's Domestic Pet, which my cats were immediately suspicious of! So in this episode I explore whether it’s possible to make yarn from short-haired cat fur and Dexter judges my efforts. Please note, this is not something I plan on making a habit of!John Arbon Textiles Mill TourTiny Fibre Studio2019-02-04 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Join me on a tour of John Arbon’s mill in North Devon, UK. It's one of only a handful of small-scale worsted spinning Mills still operating in the UK, using vintage machinery to produce fabulous yarn.
You can find more information about the mill and the beautiful yarns produced there at www.jarbon.com
Grace from the Babbles Travelling Yarns podcast has an exclusive interview with John here: youtu.be/yOjpFp53EosEpisode 20 — Fourth Time LuckyTiny Fibre Studio2019-01-20 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
Ravelry have created a post that recaps the events of this week. I'd really encourage you to read it and all the links if you haven't been following the conversation. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and help guide people. I hope your emotional labour will inspire lasting change. ravelry.com/discuss/needlework-on-the-net/3876423
I don’t normally do Vlogmas, but this was far too interesting not to share! Enjoy an introduction to the magical machinery of John Arbon’s mill, accompanied by Grace from Babbles Travelling Yarns. There will be a video of the full tour next year so don’t forget to subscribe and click the bell for notifications!Episode 19 — Sweater PlanningTiny Fibre Studio2018-12-09 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
An unusually purchase-heavy episode (normal service will be resumed next time!), in which I reflect on Yarnporium and discuss the projects I have planned for the yarn I bought there.
If you're not into watching lots of stash enhancement and would prefer to skip straight to the things I've been making, here are the links: 3:07 - Miesi gloves FO 24:36 - Mon Manet WIP 31:29 - Gradient finished spin
I also mentioned Grace's helical knitting tutorial — this is the method I've been using for alternating hand dyed skeins on the Mon Manet. youtu.be/sanXdZT981k51 Yarns: 34 — Spinning a GradientTiny Fibre Studio2018-11-24 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
PLY Magazine is running a Spinalong to coincide with the launch of their book, 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off. You can post your entries on their Facebook, Instagram and Ravelry groups with the hashtags #51yarns, #handspunyarn and #plymagazine. There's a different theme each week and you can find a list of the topics and other information here: https://plymagazine.com/ply-books/51-... The best part is that one winner each week gets a one-year subscription to PLY! I've decided to play along in video form as well by creating a video each week to correspond with that week's spinalong theme.
This week it's Gradient, a colour style which is a great starting point for newcomers to dyed fibre, great practice for blending, and creates stunning effects in finished objects, whichever craft you decide to use them in. In this video I share my thoughts on acquiring or making a gradient fibre, plus some ideas about structures that work well for ombre fibre.
Next week (w/c Monday 26th November) is Double-Coated (Inner Coat). Hope to see you again then. In the meantime, happy spinning!Episode 18 — SerendipityTiny Fibre Studio2018-10-31 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
A roundup of finished objects (yes, I have some!), works in progress, project planning and a serendipitous stash-enhancement opportunity!51 Yarns: 27 — Spinning CottonTiny Fibre Studio2018-10-03 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
PLY Magazine is running a Spinalong to coincide with the launch of their book, 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off. You can post your entries on their Facebook, Instagram and Ravelry groups with the hashtags #51yarns, #handspunyarn and #plymagazine. There's a different theme each week and you can find a list of the topics and other information here: plymagazine.com/ply-books/51-yarns-spinalong The best part is that one winner each week gets a one-year subscription to PLY! I've decided to play along in video form as well by creating a video each week to correspond with that week's spinalong theme.
This week it's Cotton, a fibre with an ancient history (fragments have been found that date back about 7000 years) but one which can seem intimidating to newcomers. In this video I share three methods for spinning cotton without buying specific cotton-spinning tools. I'm using a drop spindle, a spinning wheel and a quill attachment.
Next week (w/c Monday 8th October) is Down Wool. Hope to see you again then. In the meantime, happy spinning!51 Yarns: 26 — Spinning Medium WoolTiny Fibre Studio2018-10-01 | **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : http://www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio or joining my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**
PLY Magazine is running a Spinalong to coincide with the launch of their book, 51 Yarns to Spin Before You Cast Off. You can post your entries on their Facebook, Instagram and Ravelry groups with the hashtags #51yarns, #handspunyarn and #plymagazine. There's a different theme each week and you can find a list of the topics and other information here: plymagazine.com/ply-books/51-yarns-spinalong The best part is that one winner each week gets a one-year subscription to PLY! I've decided to play along in video form as well by creating a video each week to correspond with that week's spinalong theme.
This week it's Medium Wool. Medium wool is so versatile and can be prepared and spun in so many different ways, all of which have already been covered, or will be covered in the 51 Yarns series. Therefore this week I'm reflecting on the fantastic opportunity we have as spinners to make decisions about fibres and their properties, and how this will impact the finished project.
Next week (w/c Monday 1st October) is Cotton. Hope to see you again then. In the meantime, happy spinning!