I’m having way too much fun with the novelty yarn beginner, randomly overspun and underspun single ply yarn that I made in my practice period prior to the 2 ply gray yarn (from Shirley and Molly) that we sold before Christmas. Novelty yarn is the “in” thing right now, but many who don’t appreciate the random or not so random textural uniqueness of this yarn just call it a product of amateurish spinning.
For me, at least for now, my “novelty yarn” is definitely a product of inexperience. For someone like Dayna at Madison Wool, novelty yarn takes on a whole new meaning as the creation of a spin artist! Dayna incorporates things like bits of lace or leather into her yarn and blends colors and textures to a whole new level.
But as I said, my “novelty yarn” is actually “novice yarn”, and I love it just the same! Spinners have told me how much everyone loves the character of their first hank of yarn.
I was looking for a project for this uneven single ply hank of yarn — something with which to memorialize this early spinning effort.
I met a shepherd at our CT Sheep Breeders Association annual meeting who was wearing a scarf that fit the bill. I found a pattern on Ravelry for a similar version and then found a person who cheated like I do (!) and created this scarf on a Knifty Knitter loom, complete with a You tube video, and soon got to work!
This scarf even has more “mistakes” in it that lend to its beauty – just like my yarn! The pattern features dropped stitches in between knitting and purling. Pretty cool effect! No – this isn’t my “going out to the barn” scarf – it’s definitely more of a “foo foo” scarf.
Several of my friends have, over the years, practically begged me to let them teach me to knit. I always said I didn’t have the time. Now I’m carrying this stuff with me everywhere! It becomes a great conversation piece and I’m meeting so many knitters, one recently even asking if I sold my yarn! If only they knew what a novice I am!
I know — I’m cheating by using the loom, but for now it’s what works for me. It is less susceptible to “accidents” — for instance when the youngest child decides to pick up the loom with my knitting and toss it into the air and catch it. Not something safe to do with knitting needles for him or for my knitting!
The biggest problem so far is that the knitting tool keeps going astray, which has caused me to start knitting with an Allen wrench until the tool can be found again! Yes, I get that desperate!
It’s so nice to put my spinning to use finally! And the best thing is that I think I have enough left over to make a second one! Should keep me busy until lambing season…or maybe not!
Morning Star Meadows Farm 