Tag Archives: Handspun

One Skein Knit Projects – 75 yds & Less, Free Pattern Links

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One of the most common questions that comes to mind when buying yarn is….What can I make with this one skein? Sometimes you find a beautiful, must-have one-of-a-kind skein, or maybe you simply want to stick to a budget & see what you can whip up with just one ball of yarn? Well, Im here to tell you that the possibilities are endless!!

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With the help of Ravelry.com & the advanced search options, Im highlighting a few of my favorite 75 yd and under projects. Not only are these projects perfect for using up your single skeins, but also, they are great options for a quick, fun project!

(*Click on any of the photos to follow the link to the Free Pattern!)

Owl Puffs by Jenna Krupar

Owl Puffs by Jenna Krupar

Wasabi Cowl by Cassandra Dominick (54 yds)

Wasabi Cowl by Cassandra Dominick (54 yds)

Little Hearts by Teresa Fox

Little Hearts by Teresa Fox

Big Button Hat by Amy Duvendack (65-75 yds)

Big Button Hat by Amy Duvendack (65-75 yds)

Quick & Easy Ribbed Hat by Laurie Kimmelstiel (55 yds)

Quick & Easy Ribbed Hat by Laurie Kimmelstiel (55 yds)

Leaning Rib Coffee Cozy by Sarah Bulin (25-50 yds)

Leaning Rib Coffee Cozy by Sarah Bulin (25-50 yds)

Children's Quick Knitted Cowl by A Crafty House (50-55 yds)

Children’s Quick Knitted Cowl by A Crafty House (50-55 yds)

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What are some of your go-to single skein projects? Leave your Comment below!

Knitters Toolbox: Handy Must-Haves

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Cable hooks

Cable hooks

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Most seasoned knitters and beginners as well, will carry along a tiny bag or tote of essentials, the must-have tools of knitting. It’s important to be prepared, because you never know when you might suddenly need a stitch marker, project holder, scissors or measuring tape! ;)

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Knitting needle gauge by succaplokki

Knitting needle gauge by succaplokki

Floops stitch markers

Floops stitch markers

Mini scissors

Mini scissors

Multipurpose zipped purse by Baisimu

Multipurpose zipped purse by Baisimu

Handprinted knitting notebook by sarahwaterhouse

Handprinted knitting notebook by sarahwaterhouse

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Im featuring the classics as well as a few unique problem solvers and stylish extras -
What’s your most-used tool in your “toolbox”?

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Yarn Stash Solutions

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Ceramic Yarn Bowl by GabrielsGrove

Vintage Wire Yarn Basket

Vintage Wire Yarn Basket

Vintage Sewing Basket

Vintage Sewing Basket

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Sometimes, as knitters and crafters, our yarn “stash” can sometimes get out of control. Whether you tend to take on the overly ambitious projects, buy on a whim, or are just plain stocked up – Ive found some fun solutions to help get your yarn pile under control! ;)
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Fabric Bowl Organizer by NykkiMakes

Fabric Bowl Organizer by NykkiMakes

Yarn "Stache" Vinyl Decal

Yarn “Stache” Vinyl Decal

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Have a handy suggestion on how to organize your yarn or fiber? Leave a Comment!
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Upcycled yarn organizer

Update: {about} w/Artist Bio & Statement

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Announcing a site update – a new addition to the {about} page, featuring an Artist Bio & Statement.

All Fiesta Cat handspun yarns are created by fiber artist, Allison Ehle. Each handspun skein is truly unique due to the personal touch in every yarn.

To learn more about the artist, click the link above to visit the {about} page and read the Artist Bio & Statement.

Sunny Day Handspun Photo Shoot

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The weather this past week in Portland has truly been a treat with sunshine and warm, spring weather. I decided to take full advantage of the sun with an outdoor photo shoot! Natural lighting really helps the colors of the handspun yarn to *pop* and the photos couldn’t have turned out better!

Some of my favorites…

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Want to see more photos of Fiesta Cat handspun yarn? Visit our Flickr site: flickr.com/fiestacatyarn
or find us on Facebook!

Friday Fiber Sale: Alpaca Black & White

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This week for the Friday Fiber Sale, I’m continuing in the theme of *alpaca*!  Alpaca fiber is a luxurious treat for spinners, felters & crafters!  Incredibly soft with many benefits, alpaca fiber is a favorite by many!

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FRIDAY FIBER SALE:

B & W Alpaca Fiber Duo - $5.50 / 2 oz. (Reg. $8)

->Less than $3/oz! Great deal to sample for spinning, felting or crafting projects!! & Once you go alpaca…you won’t want to go back!! :)

(*Fiber Sale price valid Fri  3/9/12)

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FAQ:

Q:  How long do alpacas live?

A:  Generally up to 20 years.

Q:  How many babies does an alpaca have in its lifetime?

A:  Anywhere from 14-16!

Q:  What is a baby alpaca called?

A:  A cria.

Fun Fact:  Alpacas will generally have their babies before 3pm, in the warmest time of the day & the warmest season.  In the cool mountain region of South America, where alpacas are native, this offers the highest chance for survival.

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For more alpaca fiber facts & general FAQ, visit last week’s Friday Fiber blog post, all about alpacas!! 

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FRIDAY FIBER SALE:

B & W Alpaca Fiber Duo - $5.50 / 2 oz. (Reg. $8) 

->Less than $3/oz! Great deal to sample for spinning, felting or crafting projects!! & Once you go alpaca…you won’t want to go back!! :)

(*Fiber Sale price valid Fri  3/9/12)

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Friday Fiber Sale: Alpaca Sampler Trio

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Whether you’re a fellow spinner, felter or crafts person - sometimes it’s fun to try out a new type of fiber!  Every Friday, the Fiesta Cat blog will feature a different type of fiber with a little FAQ & also a special Friday Fiber Sale!!

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FRIDAY FIBER SALE:

Alpaca Fiber TRIO - $8.50 / 3 oz. (Reg. $12) 

->Less than $3/oz! Great deal to sample for spinning, felting or crafting projects!! & Once you go alpaca…you won’t want to go back!! :)

(*Fiber Sale price valid Fri  3/2/12)

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One of my favorite things about the alpaca fiber that I spin (…& also offer through the Fiesta Cat Online Shop), is that it is local to me and I am able to share a personal connection with both the animal and the farmer.  Sourcing eco-friendly, local & sustainable options is very important to me and I am very happy to be able to pass on such a wonderful product and story to buyers for their own spinning, felting & crafting projects!

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Alpaca Fiber Facts:

Did you know….

*Alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, which means over 95% of the population will be able to wear it without a reaction or irritation

*There is no lanolin in alpaca fiber

*Alpaca fiber is considered a luxury fiber, extremely soft, with many benefits

*4x as insulating as wool – not necessarily hotter, just maintains your temperature better (i.e. -warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer)

*Drys faster than wool, wicks away moisture more efficiently

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FAQ:

Q: Can you felt with alpaca fiber?

A: Yes! Any natural fiber will be able to felt using traditional wet or needle-felting techniques.  

Q: Awww, baby alpaca fiber! How cute! I want that!! 

A:  While it does sound more appealing and has the *adorable* factor – in most cases “baby” refers the the “grade” or softness of the fiber.  The alpaca fiber available thru Fiesta Cat Yarn Co. is all generally baby grade or higher. 

Q: Can you dye alpaca fiber?

A: Yes! All of the alpaca fiber from Fiesta Cat Yarn Co. has been un-treated and is ready for your dyeing, spinning, felting or crafting pleasures!! Alpaca fiber takes dye very well & I’ve had success dyeing it with several different techniques.

Q: How often are alpacas sheared?

A: In the US, generally alpacas are shorn once a year, towards the end of Spring/beginning of Summer.

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FRIDAY FIBER SALE:

Alpaca Fiber TRIO - $8.50 / 3 oz. (Reg. $12) 

->Less than $3/oz! Great deal to sample for spinning, felting or crafting projects!! & Once you go alpaca…you won’t want to go back!! :)

(*Fiber Sale price valid Fri  3/2/12)

“Portlandia” Show Opening this Fri. March 2nd, with Yarn Spinning Demo by Fiesta Cat Yarn Co.

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Fiesta Cat Yarn Co. is excited to be a part of several upcoming events, including an art show opening this Friday, March 2nd, in Portland, Oregon.  Splendorporium gallery is hosting a “Portlandia” show featuring local Art, Live Music, Food & a yarn spinning demo by Fiesta Cat fiber artist, Allison Ehle!

Come and watch as a unique piece of art yarn is hand-spun during the show opening from 7-9 pm at Spelndorporium.  View an eclectic collection of art, giving tribute to our unique city that is, “Portlandia”!

splendorporium.net

More info. on upcoming shows featuring art yarn by Fiesta Cat Yarn Co., Visit our {events} page!

2012 Color of the Year

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In case you haven’t already heard…..Pantone has announced the 2012 “color of the year”. Every year Pantone makes its choice for the up and coming color trend for the new year – be it clothing, home décor, gadget covers, pet supplies, or even, yarn!! ;) This year’s 2012 color of the year is…..”Tangerine Tango”!

This shade of orange has a spicy side with a hint of red for excitement, empowerment and energy in the new year! Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite  finds in this inspiring “tangerine” colorway!

Tangerine Creamsicle Modern Wall Clock by "uncommon"

Tangerine Creamsicle Modern Wall Clock by "uncommon"

Tangerine Tango Shoes available from Parisxox

Extra Long Scarf in Juicy Tangerine by EcoShag

Marimekko Tangerine Pillow Cover available from FiscallyChic

What’s your opinion of this years pick for “color of the year”? Love it? Hate it?

Valentines Inspired Handspun Yarn – Pink, Red, Hearts & Sparkle!

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With Valentines Day right around the corner…I thought I’d share some of my favorite, seasonally-inspired, handspun yarn!! This collection features everything pink, red, hearts or sparkle!! Regardless of your feelings on the holiday itself, you gotta love all the fabulous colors, right?? ;) Well, I personally am always a fan of anything pink or sparkly!

"LoveStruck" Handspun Yarn

"Cotton Candy" Handspun Yarn

"Love Child" Handspun Yarn

Red & Pink Hand-Felted Acorns

For more info or to get your paws on a skein of Fiesta Cat yarn…..click the photo or head over to our Online Shop.