A Bit About My Experience I’ve always found it hard to find the end of a skein of wool, especially the figure-of-eight kind. It feels like a puzzle with no clues. I often end up with a tangled mess, or I pull out a giant clump and have to slowly tease it apart. I think… Read More How to Find the End of a Figure of Eight Skein of Wool and Wind a Ball
Eco-conscious living has led to the popularity of DIY wool dryer balls, which are reusable, sustainable alternatives to dryer sheets. Made from 100% wool, they enhance laundry by reducing drying time, static, and wrinkles, while providing customisation with essential oils. Crafting these balls is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally beneficial.… Read More HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SUSTAINABLE WOOL DRYER BALLS (USING ESSENTIAL OILS)-PART OF THE SOFT SOURCE FOR LIVING SERIES
Yarn weights can be confusing, especially when you venture beyond the UK to explore the diverse world of international knitting and crochet. Each region has its own naming conventions and weight categories, which can lead to misunderstandings if you’re following a pattern from a different country. This guide will help you navigate yarn weights outside… Read More Understanding Yarn Weights Outside the UK: Differences & Conversions
Natural dyeing offers a rewarding creative experience but comes with challenges, particularly in handling yarn post-dyeing. The author shares personal anecdotes about frustrations and valuable lessons learned, including securing hanks to prevent tangling. Recognising neurodivergent traits has aided acceptance of difficulties, underscoring that mistakes enhance the learning journey in this craft.… Read More My Journey with Natural Dyeing: Lessons Learned & Challenges Faced With Learning Difficulties
Have you ever found it challenging to decipher the different weights of wool or yarn for a knitting or crochet project? Whether you’re a beginner exploring this creative world or an experienced crafter ready to tackle a more intricate pattern, understanding wool or yarn weights is essential to achieving the best results. Choosing the right… Read More Understanding the Different Weights of Wool and Yarn in the UK
When embarking on a new creative project, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and make impulsive decisions. Recently, I experienced this first-hand whilst sourcing yarn for a product I hope to create using therapeutic textiles. This endeavour, which combines my love for organic and traceable materials, has been a valuable learning experience—both… Read More Learning from Mistakes: My Journey with Yarn Selection and Therapeutic Textiles
The scouring process cleans fibres, removing impurities using water, detergents, alkalis, and heat. It varies for cotton, wool, and linen, focusing on suitable chemical methods for each. Environmental concerns are prompting shifts toward sustainable practices like enzymatic and bio-scouring, highlighting the importance of sustainable approaches in textile production.… Read More Natural Dyeing: The Scouring Process-Part 2
Rachel Bakewell 