Yarn Talk

Merino wool is spun from the wool of Merino sheep. There are varying breeds of merino sheep, some are bred for their meat, but here we will focus on those bred for their wool. This wool is highly regarded because...

If you’re like most fiber artists you have a large collection of amazing yarns just waiting for you to turn them into fantastic finished items or the next family heirloom. It doesn’t take much for this collection to get out...

Have you ever created a project and tweaked the pattern a bit?  Changed things up from what was strictly called for? I mean, beyond what is necessary to get a proper fit? I feel that my creativity grows every time...

Each skein of hand-dyed yarn varies a bit in its color pattern.  This is what gives the yarn its uniqueness and what makes your final project a one-of-a-kind work of art. It is also what can result in obvious, and...

In today’s world, patterns are available to us from a variety of sources and from all kinds of authors.  Most patterns are very well crafted and often tested prior to publishing, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy-breezy getting...

Recently, I had a discussion with a lovely woman who said regarding my yarn, “But it’s so expensive, I can get the same thing at a craft store for half the price.  Why would I buy from you?” Well, that...

Ever wonder how to best care for your luxury fiber items? Here are some great tips for keeping your fine fibers looking and feeling great. Natural fibers do not need regular washing. This is because the fibers themselves have protective...

Ever wonder how much yarn you should order for your project? Well, you’re in luck because there’s a simple formula that makes it easy to figure out. First, find a pattern you like.  Check out the pattern to find out...

I set out to learn about how yarn is spun. I quickly realized that there is an entire world of fiber skill I never knew existed and have been forever grateful I found out about it. Those who spin yarn are true artists with an amazing skill and if not for them I couldn’t do what I love. 

In the world of yarn, weight is an important consideration. It refers to how thick the strand of yarn is. The thickness of the yarn will have an effect on how many stitches you can create before your fabric reaches...

Have you ever noticed the swirling bumps and ridges in your yarn, or even perhaps split the yarn as you were working on a project?  That’s because you're probably working with a yarn that is constructed with singles or plies....

Have you ever heard of the term “ply” in relation to yarn and wondered what it meant? I have to admit that in my younger years I heard the term, knew what it meant…and didn’t care.  That attitude was to...

Would you believe me if I said that the only reason I can knit today is because of a particular kind of knitting style and needle? It’s true.  My Mom taught me how to knit and crochet when I was...

Dreaming of a gorgeous scarf or sweater?  Don’t want to waste time on a gauge swatch because you are too anxious to get started with that amazing yarn you just bought? Too excited to make that sweater a sweet reality?...

I remember going into the yarn shops with my Mom when I was young thinking, “What is all this stuff for? Why are there so many kinds of needles? Why are there so many different hooks?” Why? Indeed!  Needles and...

Which fiber is best for your project? Well, that depends. With so many choices, how can we decide which is best for our next masterpiece?  Here, I share tips to help you navigate the many natural fiber choices out there!  

So, you found a pattern that really sparked your imagination! Excellent! You wanted to get started, so you take off to your LYS. But once you got there you were, well, you know…starstruck by all the choices. Knowing more about yarns and needles will help you understand why one choice may be better than another.  The knowledge will lead to a freedom in creativity that will only be limited by your imagination. 

The amazing avocado! So delicious and one of our favorite foods. But did you know that it makes the most gorgeous dye colors? Yep, it’s true! Avocado yields the most incredible tones imagined. From rich pinks to golden browns avocado can do it all. Even blues, purples and blacks – just gorgeous!  Read on to learn more…

My house was bursting for all the yarn I had stockpiled.  I had to face a reality, which was that I cannot possibly continue with this hobby because I just couldn’t use it all!  And Barn Yarn was born.