My Learn to Spin round up September 26, 2009

For those of you who know me personally, you know that I am fiber-crazed. I knit, I crochet, and I even spin my own yarn. I use a drop spindle for spinning. At some point in the future, I will invest in a spinning wheel for myself, but as of this point in time, that requires more space and more money than I have available. The lack of space has not stopped me from learning to spin, and I highly recommend hand spindling to anyone who is interested in learning without wanting to invest a lot to get started. For around $30 you can get all the supplies you need to spin lovely yarn (and with a little searching, you can do it for far less!). Warning, this is long post, full of all sorts of information.

I’ve spent many hours over the last year and a half searching out information for learning to spin, and learning some more advanced spinning techniques. As this information is already located by me, and many others I’m sure, I figured I should compile it into a post for future reference, and as a place for people to begin their journeys.

The first thing you should do is become familiar with some basic terms used in describing various aspects of spinning. You can find the list here and if you’re on Ravelry there is a long forum thread on this list and some other terms here.

Another very useful gathering of information is from Abby Franquemont found on her blog here.

Her basic intro to drop spindling:

And another (in 2 parts):

And some more Abby advice is in this post on what you need to get started.

Another great place to go for tips, articles, and advice is Spin-Off’s website. Spin-Off is a magazine published by Interweave Press and is a wealth of information. Just sign up for a free account to access some great downloads, and click around to find info on plenty of topics.

More click-around goodness is posted on the SOAR blog (that stands for Spin-Off Autumn Retreat, an incredible experience I hope to someday attend). Find the links page here.

This is just a place to start. It is by no means the only information out there. It may not even be some of the best. But there is a lot of great starting points, and will give you some of the tools you need to begin your very own spinning adventure!.

Spin on, dear readers! And be sure to share anything you find that may be useful or interesting!

Hello Paperclip! September 16, 2009

I’ve been using paperclips to make and do all sorts of things over the years. Now I’ve discovered a woman after my own heart! How could you not want one of these incredible Paperclip Chandeliers?!

ReDesign Technologies fashions these works of art from that office supply staple, I mean, paperclip!

More Gawking September 15, 2009

Apparently Craft Gawker has a sister site, Food Gawker! Yay more delicious looking eye candy!!!

Give a gift September 14, 2009

I love giving gifts. I love searching for the perfect thing, be it an item, a recipe, or pattern. I love spending my time creating for others. And I love love love Giver’s Log! This blog is full of incredible ideas, from unique items for purchase, to great crafted gifts for just about everyone. It’s a well laid out site, and a fabulous way to spend minutes or hours (whichever you have).

Clipboard Obsessions September 10, 2009

I have a thing for clipboards. I love them beyond belief. I use them to sort things at work. I use them to hold blank copy paper in place of a sketch book. I use them to sort things.

I want an entire wall of clipboards, all hanging on hooks. And I want each one to be a little different. So I’ll just have to make my own. And you can too!!! Once you’ve made some, don’t forget to leave a comment with a link so I can see your creations!

Need art? September 8, 2009

Are your walls looking a little bare? Do you need some great pictures for your project that don’t cost a fortune? If you need photos to use in your personal inspirations, check out the Each Pretty Penny flickr group. I found this gorgeous image right as I clicked open the tab. I can’t wait to spend hours perusing the site and finding inspiring photos to have all around me. Enjoy!

And please remember, these photos have been shared under the creative commons license, so don’t abuse the system. If we all play nice, we get great stuff!

Now that’s a spoon! September 7, 2009

I think these little spoons would be a great addition to a simple gift of delicious jam. Whether you make your own or share your favorite farm stand variety, tie on one of these little gems with a pretty ribbon, and your gift is ready to share. Maybe you could even add a loaf of fresh bread (hint hint). Check them out at Wild Seed Farms.

Tiny Treats September 7, 2009

I think I need to make something like this soon. I’ve had the urge to have an awesome party lately, and I want to make decorations and food and invite great people and have a great time. Only problem with this idea is my severe lack of space. I mean, I can’t very well have a party in my studio apartment. It just wouldn’t work. One can dream though

For the birds September 6, 2009

Check out this awesome pendant I came across on Etsy. Tons of cute designs by seller BeInspiredDesigns

Making Stamps August 21, 2009

I’ve been obsessing lately about paper crafts and I want to make all sorts of fun stuff. I’ve also been looking for some images to use on gift tags, but they’re never quite what I’m hoping for. Now, making use of this great tutorial from Endless Whimsy, I can make my own!

I’m thinking of possibly trying this with some air dry clay, or maybe sculpey. Ooh! Or a wire shape mounted on a backing! Wouldn’t that be fun? Hopefully I can post some of my creations soon. Please share yours!