Watch video and marvel at how easy it looks.
Treadle and draft, treadle and draft, treadle and draft...and then realize this is going to take some practice.
Slow down, be patient and spin up some very crude looking yarn.
Take pictures of this yarn and post it on your blog.
Be encouraged by everyone that comments and begin to look at your first handspun in a different light.
Find the perfect project and knit your first yarn into something useful.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Start all over again.
Handspun Pillow
I had so much fun knitting this pillow! Not only did I get to use my first yarn, I also got to use the Brittany Black Walnut needles (US 10 1/2) that John gave me. It's the little things that make me happy. The pattern that inspired this project is Garter-stitch Pillow from Sarah Dallas Knitting.
The rustic nature of my homespun adds texture to the knitted fabric. The finished look is a little like a child's crayon drawing--beautiful in it's imperfection.
On my version, the back is worked in one color in stockinette stitch. A few strands of merino singles are run through the ribbing to add contrast and interest.
Time to spin up some more yarn. I have lots of pillows around the house that could use a face lift.
Look at you go! What a great idea and a perfect way to use your handspun.
ReplyDeletePillow is beautiful and what a thrill to know that you did it from the very beginning by spinning your own yarn. I'm working on an afghan (Hen House Block a Month kit) and the yarn was handspun (by some talented person such as yourself) and the unevenness of the yarn versus the machine made stuff you buy, gives so much character to the piece and is actually fun to work with as you know. I have kidded John that he needs to get you some sheep so that you can grow your own wool. He didn't think so.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I'm trying to decide what to knit from the wool I've spun on my spindles, but I have more of a "sachet" sized amount spun. Maybe I'll get inspired to spin enough for a pillow when my new drop spindle arrives.
ReplyDeleteThat is a perfect use of your handspun - it's perfect in all it's imperfection!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful pillow! And thanks for the directions- a spinning wheel is earmarked as my next big purchase, and it's great to see what can be done with one's first bit of handspun.
ReplyDeleteOh, your pillows are beautiful! What a great way to use your homespun! I have yet to knit any of mine into anything...
ReplyDeleteAwesome pillows. I swear you must knit night and day to have things to post here! I have tons of handspun yarn and still have not knitted anything from it. I am waiting for the perfect project to call out to me. I haven't done any spinning in a while so maybe I need to get on it after seeing how lovely yours turned out.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Start to finish ~ all yours. Super!!
ReplyDeleteYour pillow is beautiful! Great use for your first yarn.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful yarn and pillow!
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