February
2006
Taking Yarn in Different Directions
Last night I played with the Weavette loom I bought at Stitches. Without too much work, I made 3 little squares with some scrap yarn.
It’s satisfying to “finish” something so quickly. But I have to join a bunch together before I really have a finished product. I have some ideas for joining squares together while weaving a new one, so I’ll give that a try tonight. It only takes about 2 yards to make a square on this tiny loom, so I can blast through my stash of random small balls in short order. Maybe there’s a charity for Barbie afghans?
After a little time with the loom, I worked on the hat I’m designing to go with the Whirlygig Scarf. I’m hoping to finish it tonight. I’ve got a few episodes of Project Runway on my Tivo to help me along. They’re designing, I’m designing, it’s all good.
Here’s what it looks like now:
MAILBAG
Nancy suggests that the Tess Microfiber Ribbon yarn might make nice cables. I was intending to try those when I decide to play with it again.
Janice wanted to know how the Ribbon yarn stands up to being frogged and re-knit. It frogged easily. And looks pretty good. I haven’t tried re-knitting yet, but I can’t imagine it won’t hold up.
Maryann wanted to know how I liked the yarns I used to make my Clapotis projects. Between the Lorna’s Laces Lion & Lamb and the Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, I think I preferred the Shepherd Worsted. The L&L has a fuzzy look to it now (with very few wearings) and while it is soft, so was the Shepherd. I don’t think the silk content in the L&L gives it enough sheen to make a difference. However, after seeing the Brooks Farm Four Play knit up at Stitches, I think I’d give that a try for another one.
Mermaid Jacket
Odessa Hat 
ZigZag Sweater
Twisty Baby Set
Miss Dashwood
Clapotis (Mixed Berries)
Tychus
I mentioned your comments on the microfiber ribbon to the owner of Full Thread Ahead (who was also at Stitches and bought Tess’ leftovers at wholesale at the end of the show). She said that the best way to wind it was tightly around an empty toilet paper roll. It was a piece of cake that way, she said.
Okay — I’ve been on the Weavette website about 100 times almost purchasing some of their cute little looms. Now I see them in MSL and on your website and in SpinOff. My resistence is weakening. Is it fun? Should I run out and purchase one?