Just Bought New Hand-spun Yarn

As I was browsing Instagram the other day I saw some beautiful handspun yarn photos. Taking a chance, I clicked the website link and there before my eyes were beautiful, colorful skeins to purchase! It wasn’t cheap, at $38 a skein – see the store link below this photo – as would be expected for good quality yarn of this type – but finding handspun yarn in such lovely colors is nearly impossible, so I jumped in and ordered two skeins.

Pink and tan handspun yarn
New handspun! Beautiful..!

Wound Up Fiber Arts

Wound Up Fiber Arts is the name of the shop where I purchased the bright pink “Fire Starter” and lovely “Toasted Coconut”, and I’m so glad I did. Today – the day I am typing this – they are offering only roving or top (not sure that is the correct term), fiber, to be spinned into yarn. There is not one skein of yarn left for sale. Of course that will change, I’m sure, but it’s hit or miss unless you keep up with the postings of such a site. On Instagram they admit to being “sporadic”. And that seems to be the way. This beautiful type of yarn doesn’t come off a machine. It is painstakingly crafted.

I believe that a lot of people who spin their own yarn use it themselves! It’s hard to get buyers to understand the higher price, so I understand.

Sample Swatches of the Handspun

For my swatches here I used a size 7 needle for the pink, and a size 10 for the tan. Each swatch is only around 25 stitches across, but I wanted to see how the colors looked knit up.

When I look at a skein or ball of this yarn I can’t imagine how it will look in a project. When knitting a hat or sweater using this yarn for colorwork, each shade will carry a longer way so the colors will slowly work their way up the garment.

Bright pink handspun yarn
“Fire Starter” handspun

I always wind my hanks of yarn into a ball because I don’t have a winder. This yarn was easy to wind and I found no knots. I just love the colors of this pink. It’s so soft and quite a big skein too. Both are over 300 yards.

Sample swatch handspun pink
Fire Starter yarn color way knit up
Tan "Toasted Coconut" handspun yarn
“Toasted Coconut”
Handspun swatch in tan variegated
“Toasted Coconut” sample swatch knit on size 10 needles.

I think I’ve found a hat I’d like to make where this yarn could be used. Hats are one of my favorite items to knit. The swatch will be ripped back now that I’ve seen the colors.

I ended up using a little of this yarn to create a little baby hat and it came out so cute!

Three little hand-knit baby hats
Baby size hats

Finding More Handspun Yarn to Purchase

Many types of yarn are hand-dyed, but not all that many are also hand-spun. With any luck you may find a yarn maker who is happy to share how they came by their wool / fiber and explain the process of hand-spinning it into lovely knitting yarn. I purchased a large skein of blue variegated handspun yarn from Clarion Call Fiber Arts on Etsy, where she explained that some of the fiber used in the yarn came from her sister’s bunny! The brown skein below is from her as well, but it is very scratchy.

I’ll admit that after buying Wound Up’s yarn and Spincycle’s yarn, I prefer those over Clarion Call’s, for color and softness. But, Clarion’s yarn is rustic and I decided to knit a hat.

two skeins of hand-spun yarn
Hand spun yarn by Clarion Call shop at Etsy

I ended up knitting this ribbed hat with the blue hand-spun. I love the rustic look with the fuzzy rabbit fur. It will keep my ears warm on these cold Florida winter mornings… LOL.

Bunny fur hat
Beanie made from hand spun yarn

Handspun yarn is time-consuming to create, and that is probably the number one reason it is in short supply. I’ve read articles about how spinners create these lovely collections of color and it’s interesting. It can be done using a drop spindle or a spinning wheel. But there is a lot involved, and I am no expert. YouTube has numerous videos on the subject of hand-spinning.

What to Knit With Handspun Yarn

I now own five skeins of variegated handspun yarn. I need to find a way to show them off in projects!

On Ravelry and Instagram the main knitting project using Wound Up Fiber Arts yarn is socks. Yuck, I dislike making socks. This yarn is too pretty to go on my feet, so I will save it for something like stranded colorwork on a sweater or hat. Although I see why people use this yarn for small, circular knitting. Each section of color will make pretty stripes.

Mill-spun with similar appearance of hand-spun

Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits has a shawl pattern called “Nightshift” that I’ll bet you are familiar with if you knit anything at all. This shawl is all over the internet and has been knit by thousands of people! And she often calls for handspun yarn in her patterns. This is how I came across Spincycle yarn. The problem is that many of Spincycle’s yarns are not in stock, and especially those lovely colors needed for Andrea’s patterns.

Spincycle’s yarn is really lovely, but these skeins contain 200 yards only as compare to the yarn above, and each skein is around $32.

Spincycle yarns
My two skeins from Spincycle Yarns

Here is a pullover sweater named “Shifty” which calls for 4 different colors of Spincycle handspun yarn. If I wanted to knit this sweater I could only buy 1 of the 4 colors named in the sample pattern (at the present time) because the other three are sold out.

Handspun yarn is especially pretty when combined with other colors and used as colorwork. As you knit the contrasting color pattern the variegation of the handspun adds even more uniqueness to the design.

Knitting the Playdate Cardigan For Kids

The little Playdate cardigan by Tin Can Knits is a wonderful pattern with excellent directions that will broaden a beginner knitter’s horizons!

The Playdate Cardigan pattern comes from Tin Can Knits. I bought and printed out the pattern a few days ago and have since been working my way through this cute sweater. The pattern has size adjustments from 0-3 months to 4XL…. so you can knit it for just about anyone.

I chose to knit the 6-12 months size. I’m using a 16-inch circular and 5 double-points in the same size. Another smaller needle (with same size dpn’s) is needed for the ribbing. My yarn is Emma’s Yarn, fingering weight, Super Silky in “Malibu”. I would not have chosen silky yarn if I was buying a skein to knit a sweater, but I wanted to use stash yarn for this first attempt. I would choose a favorite baby sweater yarn next time.

Creating Pockets

This is a bottom up pattern, but it begins with pocket sections. As I read through the pattern, the pockets were confusing to me. I’ve never done pockets. HINT: To knit a 2-color sweater begin the ribbing with the contrast color. But the pre-made pocket sections will be behind the work, so the main color can be used.

First thing to do was to knit two little rectangles which would become part of the pockets. I almost decided not to add pockets just in case I couldn’t figure it out, but I’m glad I used them. Because first, they are easy to add, and second, they make the sweater look cute!

Baby sweater
Getting started on “Playdate” baby sweater

Once the bottom of the sweater is begun, the little rectangles will be added to the long needles and create the backing. The top stitches will be knit into the regular line of knitting.

Adding the pocket to the Playdate cardigan
Placing stitches of pocket onto long needles

The K1P1 ribbing for the top front of the pockets is created first, then bound off. See the back of the pocket above and the front below. The little rectangular backs will later need to be sewn down to actually create the pocket.

Playdate sweater pocket knitting
Ribbed edge of pocket with backing added to needles

The Back and Shoulders

Once the front is knit to length, the back stitches and one shoulder will go on hold. I used some metal stitch-holders (they were my grandmothers) which work well for holding small amounts of stitches. I always have trouble picking up my stitches when I hold them using yarn. From here, each shoulder area will be knit, along with the back – separately.

Knitting stitches on hold
Shoulder and back stitches on hold while knitting other shoulder stitches

I used DPNs to hold the shoulder stitches because my sweater is so small. The pattern directions say to work the stitches, ending with a RS row and then “break the yarn leaving a long tail”. I guess they figure you will know enough to keep those stitches on hold, but you need an extra needle for that (or yarn). So it helps to have double-points handy with good stitch stoppers (Mine are by Cocoknits and they work great). The same thing happens for the neck and I left my stitches on the main circular needle for that longer section of knitting. I used 2 double-points for straight knitting the first shoulder section.

Top edges of sweater on hold
Shoulder parts of Playdate on hold using three needles

Once the back and shoulders are the correct length, they will be stitched together. I tried 2 different methods here, and decided I liked the Kitchener stitch – as shown in slow motion by Very Pink Knits – which came out pretty smooth. I sat in front of the computer while I did it so I could watch her video.

Playdate sweater knitting in progress
Ready to connect at shoulder seams
Shoulder seam in kitchener stitch
Kitchener stitch joining back and front at shoulder
Ridge on wrong side of kitchener stitch
Shoulder seem, wrong side of kitchener

All the edges are curling up badly, which is par for the course when knitting stockinette. I had the same problem on the Fine Sand sweater, but after washing and blocking it looked great.

Baby sweater with pockets
My front and back knitted sections are now attached at the shoulders

On To The Sleeves

As I went around the armholes picking up stitches, I picked up a few more than was suggested just so there would be no holes. On the next couple of rows I decreased back to the correct number. I was able to knit one sleeve within a few hours time. I think I like making this little sweater. It’s finishing up fast and looking pretty cute!

Playdate with button band started
Getting there!

A long, circular #3 needle was used to pick up the required stitches around the sweater front opening. A #3 was suggested for the bottom ribbing and sleeve cuffs, but I used a #4. The rest was knit on a #5. I didn’t check gauge because the end size did not matter to me.

Knitting a Button Band and Doing Buttons

This is my first attempt at doing a button band around a cardigan. It means placing the buttonholes evenly and making each hole the correct size for a button. Thanks so much to Tin Can Knits and their excellent page all about knitting a button band. I will definitely be referencing it during this phase of knitting. My buttons are on order from an Etsy shop (Ginger Mint Collection) because I have no place local (that I know of) to buy buttons.

In the meantime, I decided to knit a little swatch and try out a couple of buttonhole sizes. Once my buttons come from Australia I can see which of the sizes to knit on this cardigan. I’m not sure which set of buttons I will use, but hopefully one of the button designs will match well.

I’ll keep this swatch for reference and have added a tag with info as a reminder. I did the 2-stitch buttonholes because a good size button will fit through.

Buttonhole knitting practice
Measuring buttons

Until my buttons come, and I’m sure they will fit the size holes I make, this sweater will be on hold…. changed my mind. I decided to add 5 buttonholes and continue to finish the band. Today I washed the sweater and when the buttons arrive I will pick the ones I like and add them. *Update: chose the fox buttons!

Playdate cardigan in size 6-12 months
My experience knitting the Playdate cardigan
Fox buttons on baby sweater
Fox buttons on the Playdate cardigan

Finished! My Thoughts on Knitting the Playdate

This was a fun sweater to knit and I got it done quickly. Here is a link to the pattern once again: Playdate by Tin Can Knits. I learned to make buttonholes and pockets, so that was nice. It’s good to learn new things. I would love to knit this one again – and in October / November 2022 I am, using blue yarn this time.

Tin Can Knits has a book out called Strange Brew with loads of options for knitting pullovers and maybe other things. I just found it for sale at Jimmy Beans Wool and ordered a copy.

knitting divider

Knitting Stories From the Blog

Super Quick Knit Gifts in Bulky Yarn

If you are looking for something to knit up very quickly – like in a few hours time – consider this Winter Morning headband / ear-warmer pattern (link goes to Ravelry where you can download the pattern). Best of all, it’s a free pattern! With the holidays coming, lots of knitters look for quick gifts, and this one would be perfect for any teen, young adult or old lady! (I happen to be an old lady and I’m keeping that gray one for myself and giving the others to my daughter.)

This is how quickly the band can be knit… I finished up the gray one below, and added buttons, then I knit the pink one – all in one day! Here they are drying flat after being hand-washed.

Drying two bulky knit headbands
Drying

Using Wool Addicts “Fire” bulky yarn in gray I knit an “easy” version of the Winter Morning and then finished it off with buttonholes and buttons. **Note here: making buttonholes was not necessary – they don’t have to be unbuttoned to put this on. I should have simply sewn the buttons on through both ends. Now I have to go back and close up the buttonholes because they look stupid – like holes! – when the band is stretched. Live and learn. Otherwise it came out cute and washed up nicely. (Buttons were purchased at Richland Street Yarns on Etsy.)

Buttons cable knit headband
Button ending

To avoid doing the provisional cast-on, and Kitchener stitch at the end, cast-on and bind-off the regular way and then sew on buttons, or stitch the ends together.

Previously I had made this ear-warmer in the pink “cosmopolitan” color only (Mad Tosh yarn) and it wasn’t really bulky enough. See it on my previous post. So this time I held two strands of Madelinetosh A.S.A.P. together and it came out nice and chunky. Colors (below) used are “Cosmopolitan” and “Yoko” and I think they are both discontinued.

Bulky knit cable headband
Soft and bulky

The ASAP yarn washed nicely. Because of the bulkiness this headband took over two days to dry completely. I washed it by hand, but the yarn is Superwash merino, so if it’s put into a mesh bag and washed with clothing, it should hold up.

Bulky hand knit headband
Fast knit

Well, they say that practice makes perfect, and after doing the Kitchener stitch a few times on recent projects (Playdate baby sweater), it no longer frightens me. My recent attempt was on this headband, and as you can see in the photo below, it looks okay. Where is the seam you ask? I love it… haha…

Double yarn knitted bulky headband
Did the Kitchener here, can you tell?

Quick Christmas Knits – Ideas for using bulky yarn

All this yarn is very nice and because of the bulkiness it knits up quickly. Best of all it is machine washable so gifting to non-hand-washers is okay. I’m thinking a cowl or hat wouldn’t take all that long to knit. Here are some I found posted at Ravelry.

Or make up your own pattern like I did with my bulky Rasta hat and scarf.

Happy gift / holiday knitting!

Knitting For a Baby Somewhere, How to Begin?

After spending a good part of my morning filing more Amazon infringement notices concerning people selling my stolen images on the site… grrrrr… I bought a baby sweater pattern from Tin Can Knits. Then I felt better.

All baby photos on this page are courtesy of photographers on Pixabay.

The pattern is called Playdate, and the cardigan can be knit in many, many sizes from 0-3 months all the way up to 4XL! Since I am such a beginner, usually I find something new to learn in any pattern I buy. This cute little v-neck cardigan (I plan to knit one of the smaller sizes) has two pockets and I’ve never done pockets. When I read through the pattern it makes no sense to me how they will go on. I may decide to go pocketless, or follow the directions until I get that “Aha!” moment.

Read more about my experience knitting the Playdate Cardigan here.

Naked newborn in knitted hat

Choosing A Lighter Weight Yarn For Baby Knitting

Let’s talk about yarn. Nice yarn, which is able to go into the washer just in case Mom doesn’t want to hand-wash, is what I want to use. Many sweaters call for a heavier weight yarn, but this one uses “fingering”. Because I wanted to use some stash yarn, I settled on Emma’s Super Silky in “Malibu”. It was really the only “baby color” I had, but I wouldn’t purposely use “silky” yarn next time. (Tin Can Knits uses Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmerino 20, which looks beautiful, but I can’t find it anywhere for sale.)

Baby in matching knitted hat and sweater
Baby in matching knitted hat and sweater.

I just finished knitting a sweater for myself using Miss Bab’s “Tarte” yarn. It has become one of my favorite yarns. It knits up nicely and washes great. I did have some color come out in the wash, but I would definitely use it again. It might be perfect for babies.

For a heavier fingering try Miss Babs “Keira” yarn which is closer to a DK weight according to reviewers. It’s Superwash merino wool and comes in 560 yard skeins. This would allow for knitting a Playdate sweater in the (up to) 1-2 year size range.

Popular Debbie Bliss Cashmerino is also a DK weight yarn that is machine washable. I’ve never used it and it has more acrylic in it (55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere – 136 yards). Also Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino is similar, except it is a fingering weight (57, 33, 10 – 142 yards) and comes in good baby colors.

Use two colors and add some stripes to the Playdate. This post has more info about Playdate Cardigan at TCK and shows the pattern done in stripes of two colors. It would be the perfect choice for using up two smaller skeins.

Lorna’s Laces Sportmate (link to Webs) is a bit heavier weight too, but still a washable yarn. This yarn contains viscose (along with 70% superwash merino) that helps to moderate body temperature. The downside: Finding good colors for youngsters might be tough. It feels like “sweater yarn” and I’m using it to knit a beanie for my son and it’s very nice. I can’t wait to wash it and see how it turns out. My son will not be careful about caring for his hat! Boys and babies… same thing. 😉

My local yarn store Four Purls also carries Sportmate in lots of colors, and it can be ordered online.

Best Colors for Baby Knitting

If I were buying yarn specifically for knitting this sweater, which calls for fingering weight, there are a few good options. Most “sock” yarn is made to be washable. Also sock yarn comes in pretty colors, but finding the right color for a baby or young child can be tough. Lots of color and stripes on socks is great, not so much on a baby.

Baby in blue knitted cardigan sweater

As I search through patterns at Ravelry and on Pinterest, seeing the colors people have chosen gives me ideas. So I know what I dislike and what may work on a young child. The thing is, it’s my own preference and you may disagree.

Babies come in lots of colors!

Darker skinned babies can handle more color, in my opinion. Pale babies with no hair will blend right in with that white hat and sweater! For that reason many knitters choose softer colors.

I dislike lots of variegated colors on babies. Solids, or slightly variegated, look best on most newborns, and nothing too bright. Manos del Uruguay has some pretty colors in their Alegria Sock yarn line, which I found at the Simply Socks site. I have used Manos yarn before and it is wonderful. I like it better than Madeline Tosh because it is seems to be softer.

Malabrigio Sock also has some nice solids in 440 yard skeins which are 100% Superwash merino. And Simply Sock has their own brand of yarn in solid colors but smaller skeins (175 yards) which would work well as contrasting trim on a sweater.

Some Guidelines For Baby Knitting From TCK

Naked newborn in knitted hat with ears

Who am I to tell you how to knit for babies when I’ve never done so? This paragraph is for my reference too. My four children are grown however none of them have children of their own. I’m in my sixties and there is not a baby in sight! In fact, none of my kids are even married at the present time. So grandchildren may never be in my future. Nevertheless, I won’t let that stop me. I want to knit some baby garments and I figure this sweater will be good practice.

Baby Knits 101 is a blog post by Tin Can Knits with advice for knitting for babies. Since they do a lot of knitting for their kids, I will take their advice to heart. I love that they promote knitting with wool. Superwash merino is nothing like the old scratchy wool of yesteryear. I dislike acrylic for many reasons, and it’s easy to find washable fingering weight yarn – like what is needed for the Playdate sweater.

Ask a Baby Knitter

Here is where being part of a group of knitters would come in handy. Maybe you know people who have done a lot of baby knitting and could seek their advice on yarn. The problem may be that most baby knits are given away as gifts. As mothers of young children there is no time to sit and knit something! So hand-knits usually come from relatives. It might be wise to ask how they like the item – Is is easy to care for? Is it comfortable on the little one? What would you like done differently if I knit it again?

Let’s face it… the Playdate is a pattern that could be knit over and over as a child grows. Eventually you would get it right!

Baby in knitted, button up cardigan sitting in fall leaves.