Creative Process: Fiber Batts

Today I’m sharing a little insight into part of my creative process.  One thing I always talk about is my love of color and texture.  Working with fiber allows me to use my color theory knowledge to mix up some exciting and one-of-a-kind color combos. The textural aspect come in when I’m continually transforming the fiber, from start to finish, dyeing, carding, spinning and knitting.

Fiber Batts ~ Hand-dyed wool carded & ready for spinning

It’s very satisfying to watch things “come to life” and for me, feels similar to a painter, carefully considering color and composition. Though some combinations are random, most are made with specific intentions.

Creating a fiber batt starts with the fiber.  I generally source local fiber and enjoy using alpaca with accents of wool for support and lofty yarn. Most of the dyed fiber I have was hand-dyed by me, using a truly unique dye that a friend brought back from Peru.  These unique dyes use a plant and mineral base to create vibrant, rich color.  More about the dye another day…

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Sometimes I grab from a pile of fiber, other times I line it up purposefully beforehand. Next, the carding machine.  Those not familiar with carding machines can find a video online:  “Blending colors on a drum carder”

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After you’ve blended the colors, you gently “peel” the fibers off the carding machine and roll into a fiber batt! *Ta Da*! Now it’s ready for spinning or felting! :)

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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!

Sunny Day Handspun Photo Shoot

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!

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

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”!

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

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

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.

Coffee Tiiimme!, Green Tea & DIY Cozies

Free Pattern from MountGigantic. Enjoy this quick & easy to knit pattern! (Click the photo to get the free pattern)Free Pattern from MountGigantic. Enjoy this quick & easy to knit pattern! (Click the photo to get the free pattern)

What can I say? I’ve turned into your typical west-coast convert who despises the day I have to go without my daily dose of caffeine!! ;) Generally for me, it’s all about “Coffee Tiiimme!!!”, but I do like to switch it up for an occasional cup of tea as well.

Green tea sweet mochi bites!! Yumm~! (Gluten free / vegan)

Lately, I’ve been really enjoying my instant “green milk tea” mix from the local asian market….but any type of tea with a dash of sugar/honey & milk(or soy!), mmmm….! That’s the way to go!!

From coffee time to tea to DIY cozies, I can’t help but always take a subject back towards DIY or crafting. Soooo, today I want to share some of my favorite DIY coffee/tea/beer cozies that are a perfect gift or instant gratification crafting project for an afternoon or evening. (..Or morning, if you want to do it while you enjoy your morning cup o’ joe!)

Twisted Coffee Cozy ~ Free Pattern from Red Knits. Easy to follow, instant download pattern!

Crochet "Cup of Tea" Free mug cozy pattern! Thanks to "Mrs. Greene"! (Click the photo to get the free pattern!)

Free Knit pattern from Natural Suburbia! Tea / Coffee Cup Cozy (Click photo to get the pattern!)

These kind of small craft projects are perfect for handspun, which makes a gift or personal item even more unique & special. Many bulkier style handspun yarns require about 15+ yards for a cozy, or, if you prefer finer weight yarns, plan on using at least 30+.

To see what’s in the Fiesta Cat shop right now, head on over to the {shop online} to browse the one of a kind, handspun yarns!

"JackPot" handspun yarn

"Rivers Edge" handspun yarn

"Sugar & Spice" handspun yarn

Have you ever made a coffee cozy? Share your photo or pattern by emailing to fiestacathandspun @ hotmail.com for your chance to be featured on the blog!

Happy Crafting~!

Allie

@ Fiesta Cat Yarn Co.

Not your average ball of yarn…!

Have been feeling inspired & productive! So many creative ideas in my head right now, I wish I had some helpful little elves to assist with some of the prep & washing so I wouldn’t even have to stop spinning! Hehe~!

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Thought I would share a couple of my most recent unique, handspun yarns:

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“Snow Day” – A true “luxury” yarn! This handspun yarn is a 2 ply of natural white alpaca (from “Patish”, the alpaca!), along with un-dyed curly wool locks & accents of an off-white, natural silk noil fiber! So soft & lush! ;)

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“Feathers & Fawn” – Not your average yarn ball!!

“Feathers & Fawn” is handspun with a natural alpaca fiber (“Madora” the alpaca!), with sparkle from pale yellow tulle accents, as well as

glittery Angelina fiber & soft add-ins of tan, undyed *camel* fiber & an off-white, natural silk noil fiber! This wonderful combo will have you on your way to heaven!!

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Want to get your paws on some handspun yarn? Check out our {shop online}, or send custom requests to fiestacathandspun @ hotmail.com

Handspun Yarn featured in {shop online}

Have you visited the Fiesta Cat Yarn Co. {shop online}?

You can find a fun, ever-changing mix of my handspun yarn as well as fiber for spinning, felting & crafting!

Alpaca Fiber Trio ~ All Natural {3 oz}

 

"Sour Grape" {150 yds}

 

"Cookies & Cream Duo" {52 yds}

I source my fiber locally & enjoy sharing my local, sustainable & eco-friendly practices throughout both my business and personal life!

 I hope you enjoy my handspun yarn as much as I enjoy spinning it!! :)

~Happy Crafting!

Allie
@ Fiesta Cat Yarn Co.