Tag Archives: pdx

Handspun Yarn, Before & After (Knit Samples)

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With each skein of handspun yarn being one-of-a-kind, it’s hard to know exactly what it will look like when knit or crocheted.  For me, that is some of the fun when working with handspun, watching the yarn blend together to create a truly unique color way. 

I found a few odds and ends and decided to knit some sample squares from a few of my newest handspun yarns. *If you’d like more info. on any of the yarns, just click on the pictures.

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->As always, to get your paws on some handspun yarn of your own, visit my Online Shop.

Creative Process: Fiber Batts

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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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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.

“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”!

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

Coffee Tiiimme!, Green Tea & DIY Cozies

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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…!

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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}

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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.