sarahdawnsdesigns

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This week's Patreon Behind-The-Scenes: Christmas Updates and Canada Post Strike Thoughts.

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The Cosmic Crochet Cowl pattern is still on sale for the Crochet-Along - it's pretty much what it says on the tin!

Please note that for the time being, sadly, you can't enter the CAL on the blog (I had issues with replies not going through and people not being notified), but you can still enter on Facebook, IG, or Discord!

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Supported Spindles: A Beginner's Jumping Off Point

I'm trying to put together an easy mostly-video post of how to learn supported spinning for my partner, but of course am publishing it for everyone. It's starting from the context of having some drop spindle experience, so that's what I'm assuming for the purpose of this short guide. I'm including some text information for easier referencing as well.

First--you might ask "Why spin supported at all?" That's a fair question. It's not the tool for everybody, but it fills some niches that drop spindles (and any other tool) don't, so it may be what you're looking for without you even knowing it. If you're not familiar with the wide variety of spinning tools and methods that exist, you probably don't know a ton about supported spindles. They can have many shapes and sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is that they must be in a bowl (or a spinning spoon, or some other similar curved, smooth item) to spin.

Each method and tool of spinning is suited to one thing or another, and supported spinning is suited to the following:

1) thinner yarns. While it's entirely possible to spin fine yarns on drop spindles, wheels, or what have you, supported spindles are MADE for fine spinning, and largely cannot deal with spinning thicker yarns. This makes supported spinning great for people who want to spin for 3 or 4 ply sock yarns, lace (normal lace but also the truly fine lace like wedding ring shawls), etc. However, even if you don't tend to use thin yarns, there are larger supported spindles that can handle a thicker single, so the boundaries can vary a lot.

2) sitting down and/or being stationary. drop spindles are notable for being able to be used while walking or otherwise on the go, but supported spindles, since they must be in a bowl, are best used sitting, laying, or standing at a counter. I have read about them used walking via a spinning spoon tucked into the belt, but cannot attest to how practical that is myself. This makes supported spinning great for car/train/bus rides, waiting in line, watching tv, laying in bed, or anything like that.

3) small spaces. The most ergonomic way to spin supported is sitting comfortably cross legged or in a chair, with your elbows tucked in and your hands up. Your spinning is contained entirely to your lap, and (depending on your spinning style) you don't need to extend your arms out or do anything fancy. I've spun supported on a very cramped train without bothering the stranger sitting next to me all that much, which I've never been able to do with a drop spindle. For me this makes it much more suitable for public transit than drop spindles, but I think that comes down to how you use each tool rather than the tool itself.

4) low energy. Supported spinning doesn't take much energy, because you are doing very little moving (mostly your hands and forearms). It can be a great activity for when you're sick, or before bed when winding down. It's also worth trying if chronic illness or disability is stopping you from spinning on your other tools--I had to give up the drop spindle as my primary spinning tool because my shoulders are wrecked, and I can only treadle a spinning wheel on good days, but I can usually spin supported no matter what. (If supported isn't accessible for you, an espinner is your next best bet).

5) cool sound. Can't overstate this one. A wooden spindle in a wooden bowl sounds so good. Skip the metal or ball bearing tip if you want to hear it.

Without further ado, here's some videos I've compiled that covered things I thought were helpful. As a disclaimer, I seem to learn exclusively by doing things myself, so if these videos don't work for you, try looking up "supported spinning for beginner" or something similar. There are a lot of videos, and almost every single one has a different technique. Anyway, best first:

Video: Supported Spinning Tutorial by Lori Rhone (link)

Key things from this video:

get used to flicking the spindle without any fiber (just as you should with any spinning tool). try forming an O with your fingers to trap the spindle tip so it has something to fall against, flick as close to the tip as you can manage, etc.

they show a good variety of spinning bowls, especially objects that aren't intended to be spinning bowls (salt cellars, egg bowls, etc). if your spindle spins well in it, it's a spinning bowl. try out lots of stuff if you're having trouble finding a good one.

good posture and positioning--stay comfortable and keep your arms close to you, try to stop yourself from doing weird contortions, etc.

they discuss the importance of building a balanced cop, and show on another spindle how the cop they built maintains the general shape of the empty spindle. this isn't necessary, but it's good practice and certainly good to keep in mind. with drop spindles the added weight of the yarn is usually what determines a full spindle first, but with supported spindles the shape and size of the cop (or your own patience for spinning endless fine yarn) can be what does it instead.

+++

Video: The Basics of Supported Spindle by Amy King (link)

Key things from this video:

the variety of different shapes of supported spindles (there are even more shapes than what they've shown as well)

that you need to pair spindles and bowls--they don't all work with each other equally well or at all (purple--don't worry, I tested the spindle with the bowl I sent you, they like each other)

another method to park and draft on supported spindles, which is essentially the same as on drop spindles

their sweater is fantastic

+++

Video: Supported Spindles--a few tips for beginners by Nikolai Meriadoc (link)

Key things from this video:

if you have a good bowl to spin in but it's unstable, try putting it in another bowl or nestled in a blanket or something else. this can stabilize it a lot.

pre-drafting very finely can help. i forgot to go into it in the video but multiple passes where you go finer each time is usually the way to go if starting from roving or another commercial prep, in my opinion. you could also diz your fiber if you're going for a more worsted prep.

picking a fine fiber like merino, bfl, rambouillet, etc. can help you draft finer as well.

the angle at which you hold your fiber/yarn is important. it should be almost vertical while spinning, and horizontal while winding on.

+++

Hopefully that can get you all started ! There are also articles on the subject although I didn't include any as they weren't relevant for who I'm making this for, so be sure to look into them if that's something that would be helpful for you.

[sarahdawnsdesigns]

If you've ever knit a shawl with a garter stitch border, you've probably come across the Garter Tab Cast On. . . and I, at least, was very confused the first time I saw these instructions.

Enter Knotions Magazine to the rescue, with a tutorial that explains this cast on step by step!

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Crewelwork bird and flowers, 18th century.

(source: MFA Boston)

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Knit Picks has extended their Black Friday Sale, with 25% off sitewide with the code KPBLACK25! If you need to stock up on yarn for your stash (or, need yarn for emergency gift-knitting!), now's a great chance!

(This is an affiliate link for Knit Picks, I get a small commission if you make a purchase through this link. Don't worry, there's no additional cost to you!)

Sale ends December 11th, 2024.

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Designer Spotlight: Sarah Dawn's Designs

Sarah Dawn (@sarahdawnsdesigns) is a knit and crochet designer specializing in inclusive and accessible designs! Her portfolio boasts a wealth of beautifully textured accessories from shawls to socks to hats.

Pictured above is her Marianna Shawl, a stunning knit shawl loaded with lace. It's knit flat in the round from the center out, and comes with both written and charted instructions. The open texture and giant size make it a perfect transitional piece!

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It's December!  That means lots of things to many different people, but, it often means frantic gift-making for the important people in your life (I'm definitely guilty of this one!)  But, if you've got one stubborn skein of variegated yarn, (or, even if you don't!) you've got the base of a quick gift, in the form of the December Featured Pattern; the Cosmic Crochet Cowl.

Yes, the Cosmic Crochet Cowl is the December Featured Pattern and Crochet-Along.  Don't worry, if you don't have the pattern, it's 50% off through the month of December during the Crochet-Along! (and yes, you can absolutely double dip with the @fastenoffyal, too!)

Plus, if you finish a cowl by the end of December, (don't worry, WIP's accepted!) you have the chance to win a Gift Card from WeCrochet. (US/Canada only at the moment, sorry!) or 4 patterns of your choice from my web shop!

Other cool stuff to know:

The stitch pattern is both charted and written.

The pattern has a large-print version for folks who need it (this version also works with screen-reading tech)

It comes in lots of sizes: Two smaller sizes that are more like a cowl, (shown) and three larger sizes that are closer to a wrap or infinity scarf.

Exact sizing: 18 (21.5, 25), 28, 32.5 inches or 45.5, (54.5, 63.5), 71, 82.5 cm, with an adjustable height. Sample worked to 9.5 inches (24 cm)

It uses 184 to 322 yards (168 to 294 meters) of fingering or sock yarn.

The pattern description is non-gendered, because what the hell is a 'woman's small' anyway! Anyone can wear cowls, gender is irrelevant to if you can wear a cowl.

Sample was knit in the (now discontinued) Fleece Artist SeaCell in “SeaStorm." When looking for a substitute, any wool/viscose blend would work up well, or any wool blend with a high drape. I'd suggest WeCrochet's Galileo for a non-variegated option. (link above is an affiliate link, I get a commission if you make a purchase, don't worry, there's no additional cost to you!)

If you're a Patron, you can download the pattern here

Anyway, you can find all the details about how to enter the Crochet Along on the Pattern Page, and if you've got any questions, please, drop them on this post or in the Ask Box!

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For this week's Free Pattern Friday, here's a reminder that you have a chance to win free patterns from me (and many other awesome designers!) by participating in the @fastenoffyal (which starts at 9 pm ET today!)

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Wip!

Fingerless gloves for my partner for Christmas.

Handspun 2ply castledale wool, dyed by the grower.

Waiting for a 2nd set of dpns to arrive so I can keep working them side by side.

The wool wasn't wet finished after spinning, so am curious how it will bloom after completion.

A clearer shot of the wool:

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Want a say in what is on my hooks and needles? Pattern Muses on Patreon get to tell me what to make, and the newest poll is now live!

You also get access to draft patterns, early (and guaranteed) access to test knits, input on colours, stitch patterns, and more - oh, and your name makes it into the patterns, too!

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If you're looking for the Celtic Hood pattern for the November Knit-Along, yes, it's on sale in my Etsy shop, as well!

Finish a hood before the end of November and you can enter to win a Knit Picks gift card!

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Come join me for a Patron-Exclusive Virtual Stitch Night, this Friday (November 22), at 4:30 pm Eastern Time. Bring your crafting, your creative work, or even just tune in and chatter!

Can't make the time slot? That's ok, replays go up on Patreon, as well!

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More cool stuff from the TECHKnitting Blog - did you know there is Science! to winding yarn from a skein? I knew some of it, but oh look, there's more!

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For this (slightly belated, but I won't tell if you don't) Free Pattern Friday, we delve into the world of crochet with the beginner-friendly Chevron Stitch Hood and Scarf. This scarf uses only two stitches and a teeny bit of seaming, and creates a beginner-friendly project that's far more interesting then the usual dishcloths and granny squares.

Plus, it's adjustable to the amount of yarn you have, and works up well in stripes, too, if you want to use up some leftover yarn!

You can find the pattern for free on Patreon at the link above, (no login required) or on Ravelry!

[sarahdawnsdesigns]

Stained Glass Fingerless Gloves!

For that nice pop of color of a sunset on the cold grey winter days.

They're so soft and warm, and the palm side is ribbed all the way across so they have a great stretch to them too.

Use code JUSTBECAUSE for 20% off!

Check out the shop: https://teashopcrafts.bigcartel.com/

Or the Ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/teashopcrafts

[sarahdawnsdesigns]

I'm the one telling everyone that they can knit from hanks! I've done it in the past. (I had to proctor an exam and was out of time to prep knitting to bring). If you slip it over your torso like a bandoleer then it's barely even a hassle. Logically speaking, if you couldn't knit from hanks then you wouldn't be able to wind them either - both of those require that you be able to take the yarn out smoothly. (Obviously this implies that you can knit off of anything that you'd use to hold your yarn while winding it into a ball, and I'm sure that's true, but I've never done those.)

Oh! I wasn't expecting an actual answer to those tags lol.

That's interesting. I figured you'd wrap it around yourself like that. Idk I just feel like it'd be more of a hassle. It's not like you'll use up all the yarn in one sitting. What if when you move it, it gets all tangled?

In a ball or cake it's a lot easier to transport and use. I can see knitting from a hank as something you do in a pinch but repeatedly? Oof