January project

Holiday spinning and knitting

What I’ve Been Working on Over the Holidays

Even though I am retired the holiday’s always feel like the perfect time to dig into new crafting projects, and this year has been no exception. Obviously I have to get on with my overall aim of knitting as many sweaters as possible into the future.

I have started a new project with some Polwarth fleece that’s been waiting patiently in my spinning stash for years.

Yes, I am also a spinner. I’ll blog more about this in the future.

This beautiful natural grey fleece came from Victoria, Australia. Polwarth wool is known for its softness and versatility, and working with it is a real pleasure.

Over the break, I’ve been using my electric spinning wheel to spin up the fleece into yarn for a design I’ve been eager to recreate for some time: an Aran design sleeveless jacket. I have been looking for this pattern for a while and after a bit of searching, I finally rediscovered it in my collection. As soon as I found the pattern I immediately started knitting!

I’ll study this pattern and try to rewrite it as it has some errors.

Spinning the Polwarth fleece is a slow but relaxing process. I do the spinning in batches, knit a section, then spin again. Now that I have started knitting, I am very happy with the way the pattern comes through in this design.

Knitting with Handspun Yarn: A Journey Back to Basics

Knitting with Handspun yarn is something that I learned when I was a teenager. I spotted a lady spinning at a craft show and was entranced. That lady eventually gave me some lessons and I have been spinning ever since. I have a collection of traditional wheels and an electric spinner. I’ll expand on these in another blog.

Why Handspun Yarn is Special

Handspun yarn carries the story of its maker. Every twist and variation tell a tale of the fleece, the spinner, and the environment in which it was created. Unlike commercial yarn, it’s perfectly imperfect—bringing life to your knits with its texture and uniqueness.

Tips for Knitting with Handspun Yarn

1. Embrace the Variability:
   Handspun yarn may vary in thickness, but that’s part of its charm. Choose patterns that allow these natural changes to shine, such as textured scarves, shawls, or simple sweaters.

2. Swatch for Success:
   Always knit a swatch! Because Handspun yarn can behave differently from commercial yarn, this step ensures you know your gauge and how the yarn drapes once knitted.

3. Highlight the Fiber’s Natural Qualities:
   Handspun yarn often reflects the characteristics of the sheep’s fleece. Greasy yarn (wool with its natural lanolin) is excellent for outdoor wear as it repels water. Match your project to the wool’s properties for best results.

4. Simplify Your Palette:
   If your yarn is highly textured or variegated, opt for simple stitch patterns to let the yarn take centre stage. Alternatively, smooth, even Handspun can be used for intricate lace or cables.

5. Adjust Patterns as Needed:
   Many patterns are written for standardised yarn weights. Handspun often falls somewhere between the standard categories, so adjust your needle size or stitch count to accommodate it.

Knitting with Greasy Wool

Greasy wool, straight from the fleece, is a dream for farmers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sweaters knit with greasy yarn retain their natural lanolin, making them water-resistant and wonderfully warm. If you’ve never tried knitting with it, start with a smaller project like mittens or a hat to get used to its feel.

The Joy of Slow Crafting

In a world of fast fashion and instant gratification, knitting with Handspun yarn is a mindful retreat. It’s about taking time to connect with your materials, appreciate the process, and create something truly meaningful.

My little grey jacket is coming along well. This is the first sweater for 2025. I wonder how many I will knit this year.

Resource for knitting your homespun:

This very old book. Well worth sourcing this tiny hard copy book:

“Knitting your Handspun”: Margaret MacKenzie