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

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

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

Friday Fiber Sale: Alpaca Sampler Trio

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)

Metal Free Jewelry ~ Faux Feather Necklace

It’s fun to craft and give things away, but making something for yourself can be an exciting project~! Sometimes we need to spoil ourselves a little too, right?! ;)

Last night I had plans to go out with a few friends for music & dancing. Still feeling in the spirit of the new year celebrations, I reached for my glitter and sparkles, right away!

When I designed the “faux feathers”, I was really thinking of something that I would actually *want* to wear & something that would be fun year-round.

Using a sparkly Angelina fiber, paired with a handspun, all natural alpaca yarn…a bead for weight & style & ~voila~! 

The “faux feather” necklace was the perfect compliment to my outfit for a fun night out….& today I’m wearing it again to jazz up a simple sweater! :)

~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.

…and, just who is this…Fiesta Cat??

Who, or what, is Fiesta Cat?

Fiesta Cat Yarn Co. is a handspun yarn company located in the beautiful Pacific NW, near Portland, in the Columbia Gorge.

Fiesta Cat yarn is made with unique character and offers a depth and one of a kind quality that you can only get from a yarn that is handspun. Some of our yarns are even spun on a drop spindle, and/or feature hand-dyed accents. While some skeins are able to be recreated, many of our Fiesta Cat yarns are one of a kind and limited edition.

We are growing our local presence in yarn shops in the Pacific NW (offering Wholesale discounts), as well as expanding our ever-changing collection of yarns for sale in our online shop. We hope you take a peek at our blog too, which offers a behind-the scenes look at our daily spinning, knitting, crafting, gardening, cooking, or , just general. mischief. ;)

Follow our wordpress site for general updates, or find us on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Happy Crafting!!

Fiesta Cat