Weaving With Handspun Yarn – What’s Your Approach?

Do you have a stash of yarn you’ve spun and wonder how you can use it in a weaving project?
Or, do you have a project in mind and wonder how to spin the yarn so you can use it for weaving?

There are different challenges and rewards depending on which approach you choose to take.

If you start with yarn you’ve already spun – the yarn determines the project.

Photo of a variety of handspun yarns, different sizes, different colors, different weights. — What can I weave with these?

If you decide to start spinning specifically for a project – the project determines the yarn.

Photo of yarn spun specifically for weaving — Handspun yarn for a handwoven scarf

I think the second route is easier and more satisfying.

Maybe it’s because it’s easier for me to start with a picture in my mind of the kind of fabric I want to make – and then go do that.

Maybe it’s because I think it’s more satisfying to spin to a standard rather than just hope I have it right – and end up disappointed with the results.

Maybe it’s because I haven’t come up with the ideal project for all (any?) of the yarns I made before I learned how to control my spinning.

What about you? What’s your approach to weaving with handspun yarn?
Are you wondering where to start?

In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing some of the things I’ve learned about weaving with my own yarns, and offering some tips about how you can start weaving with yours. Let me know what you think. What works for you? What would you like to know before you start warping your loom for handspun handwoven fabric?

Joanne's blog signature, Pine Ledge Fiber Studio

Yes – to Market Tomorrow

But who knows after that?

October can be a wicked month – like April can be cruel.

A few years ago, we had a significant snowfall around this time – enough to close the Notch early. (Several YouTube videos show people driving this tricky, twisted mountain road, – take your pick, but I like this one).

The Fall Foliage ‘peak’ is later than usual this year – good news for everyone able to take advantage of the sunshine and warm weather we’ll have for the next several days.

And that makes it sound like this week-end we’re in for a treat – even if our fingers need mittens in the mornings as we scrape frost off the windshield.

So come to the Burlington Farmers’ Market tomorrow (or visit the farmers’ market nearest you). Enjoy these beautiful fall days and support the people who grow your food.

I intend to scoot out of my booth long enough to do a bit of pre-holiday shopping – stocking up on some of the things that make great additions to a ‘Made in Vermont’ gift basket.

Since the weather forecast I’ve seen only extends to next Wednesday – who knows – by next weekend there could be snow.

Joanne's blog signature, Pine Ledge Fiber Studio

P.S. I promised several customers that I would post my intentions each week (to let them know whether or not I would be at Farmer’s Market). It’s been a good practice – helping me get into the habit of writing something – anything, on a regular schedule. But now that the season is winding down, my focus will be on actual spinning, weaving and dyeing – rather than me obsessing about the weather. First up will be some posts about weaving with handspun yarn.