Yarn: all the feels.
Fibers up close and personal.
INSIDE: the joys of yarn stores, stitch struggles, the grand finale, the Granny Square, an Australian icon + knitting in public.
There’s something special about touching yarn and seeing the colors in real life! I was reminded of this simple pleasure when visiting yarn stores in Sydney.
The walls are adorned with skeins of yarn in every hue imaginable. That instantly brings a smile to my face and lifts my spirits.
Getting up close and personal with yarn gives us the opportunity to assess its quality, texture, softness and durability.
We can test it against our skin, informing us whether we like how it feels and if we could wear a fabric made from that yarn close to our skin.
The myriad of colors available in front of our eyes is a “truer” visual than the colors given to us on our computer screens or phones.
No doubt, you’ve bought yarn online based on the color you’ve seen on your screen, only to find it was very different in real life.
I always make it a point to explore the local and hand-dyed yarns.
There's something truly magical about using yarn that has been dyed with care, knowing that each batch is unique.
The human connection in dealings with owners and staff at a brick and mortar yarn store is something I treasure.
The in person interaction for me is a delightful experience because I always learn something new either about a yarn or a new technique.
These experts are generous with sharing their knowledge. Their passion for fiber arts is infectious, and we often share patterns, tips, and our crafting adventures. It's this sense of community that makes local yarn stores so special.
Admittedly, I don’t live near a local yarn store so it’s a real treat to visit one. I envy those of you who are close to one!
Supporting local small businesses is more important than ever in the current economic climate. Please consider purchasing from your local yarn store if you don’t already.
Many offer online purchasing too, if that’s more convenient for you. If you can visit the store in person, I thoroughly recommend it.
And another question for you: what’s been one of your most joyful yarn purchasing experiences?
As you saw last week, one thing I always struggle with is sleeves! I seem to always get holes on either side of the underarm.
Thanks to the advice from wonderful knitters here on Substack, I tried picking up extra stitches either side of the picked up underarm stitches and decreasing them on the next row.
This was to fix the problem I had with my first sleeve having two large holes under the arm, either side of the picked up stitches.
I was so pleased there were no obvious holes using this method!
The only thing I need to work on in a future project, is my tension when I first start the sleeve rows, there are sloppy stitches.
Interestingly my picked up stitches on the second sleeve looked neater.
Does anyone else experience it taking forever when knitting the second sleeve? It’s like my fingers can’t knit quickly enough in anticipation of finishing!
Knitting the cast off row on the second sleeve was surely in slow motion.
I washed it in cold water and I noticed a little of the blue dye washed out.
After a gentle squeeze to get most of the water out and a further press in a towel, I laid it out, used sewing pins to block it, and let it dry.
The fabric feels lovely on my skin and that blue, it’s so gorgeous.
My knitting skills are always evolving and I’m so chuffed with how this project turned out. It’s been a journey to be sure, after a few false starts and ripping out the first attempt at the Lace Yoke. All a distant memory now.
I’m going to love wearing this tee. 🙂
Stay tuned for next week for a little photoshoot so you can see how it looks on.
The knitting sprites were kind to me when starting my new project, another knitted Tee pattern called Flow by Trin Annelie.
I got the neckline started without twisting! What an utter relief!
The organic cotton isn’t as soft as the bamboo/cotton blend I’ve been knitting with in The True Nature Tee. My fingers are feeling the difference.
I’m noticing when I knit, the strand curls up on itself. Making adjustments when working with a different fiber is always a part of knitting!
My son took a brief break from knitting bookmarks this week, and wanted to practice his 1x1 rib stitch.
So he made a knitted square with leftover Knit Picks Brava Yarn I had, and he folded it half to make a mini cushion.
He used to struggle to tell the difference between a knit and purl stitch.
Once he tried knitting a scarf with what he thought was seed stitch only to have it turn out to be a strange version of ribbing! We all make mistakes.
It seems he’s got the hang of it now, though.
On a recent trip to an op shop, he found a packet of little balls of red and blue yarn, and is knitting bookmarks with that yarn now.
I need to convince him to be brave and attempt the knitted dolphin again! I think he finds it a little intimidating.
A trip down memory lane…
The second shop I visited on my Sydney Yarn shop tour was a lovely smaller store called “The Granny Square”.
It's the sister store to Morris and Sons which I shared with you last week.
Tal, the manager, shared with me that there is a fabulous community of makers who frequent the shop.
Having been there for many years she has made wonderful connections with other makers and loves finding new products others will appreciate.
I really enjoyed my conversation with Tal, we talked about how people have different needs and wants in relation to their craft.
Some buy yarn on impulse, having loved the color and texture. Others have a project in mind and buy specific yarn.
I dream of living near a store like this, it’s welcoming, cozy and full of ideas for projects and of course beautiful yarn.
A knitted vest on display caught my eye. Low and behold it was knitted with Rowan’s Felted Tweed (a yarn I’m keen to try) and Rowan’s Kid Mohair held together. The red color was fabulous and the feel of the fabric, divine.
The pattern is Vest No.1 by Louise of My Favorite Things.
Tal said Louise’s patterns are very well written and easy to follow.
The simplicity of the design spoke to me, and I thought I’d love to wear that with a crisp white shirt underneath.
Many newcomers to the shop ask whether the knitted items are for sale, but they’re only for showing you what’s possible.
Some of the Yarn brands they stock are their own Morris & Sons lines, Rowan, Regia, Patons, Manos del Uruguay, Schachemayer and Schoppel Wolle.
The Granny Square offers private classes with one on one assistance which would be something I’d definitely do! 😉
There’s a selection of printed pattern books, needles and hooks, winders and yarn bowls. Morris and Sons offer online shopping and international shipping.
Be here the same time next week for the final stop on my Sydney Yarn Tour.
What I’m grateful for this week…
The Sydney Opera House viewed from the ferry on Sydney Harbor out to Manly, was one of the highlights of my recent trip.
Look at those stunning glistening tiles on the shell shaped roofs!
Knitting on the steps out the front of the Sydney Opera House was fun too!
I’m grateful for the portability of knitting and being able to knit in public.
A thought for you to ponder this coming week…
Take a moment to reflect on the knitting experiences you’ve had in a memorable place. Recall the sights, sounds, smells and feelings.
So, may you relive the joy and excitement of those memories.
How’s your crafting going? Leave a comment or press reply!
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Before you go…
Thank you for the lovely yarn store virtual tour! You take such lovely pictures. The color of your new tee (WIP) is so beautiful.
The closest I have to a yarn store in my area is Hobby Lobby, whose yarn aisles is admittedly a serious weakness of mine. I definitely prefer buying yarn when I can see and touch it for myself, as you said. However, Little Knits' online store is a hidden gem in the world of yarn shopping. I sadly live across the country from their shop, but they ship through the mail, and I've gotten some absolutely beautiful nature fibre yarns from them. Hobby Lobby has a great selection, but when I want something more "exotic," Little Knits is my go-to (especially when they have their clearance sale prices).