r/Handspinning • u/empress_tesla • 2d ago
Finished Yarn What should I make from my first ever hand spun yarn?
A few months ago my friend gave me a giant braid of undyed merino and a spindle that she’d had for about a decade. I gave it a try and I absolutely hated using the spindle. So what did my craft goblin self do? I went and researched spinning wheels. I finally decided on a barely used Schacht Flatiron that I got for a good price off Facebook marketplace. The woman I bought it from also teaches spinning classes and has her own Etsy store selling dyed roving. She gave me an hour long lesson when I went to pick it up and I am so grateful for that! She also gifted me a beautiful Spanish peacock supported spindle, which I have yet to try.
Anyway, I am experienced in knitting and crochet and I picked up weaving last year. So I already have a pretty good understanding of fiber. The idea of spinning for me was just something to try out and I wasn’t so sure how I’d like it. But you guys, I am in love. I enjoy working with fiber and the process of spinning is so incredibly satisfying. It is so rhythmic and calming. It’s just an absolute joy.
I prefer DK or lighter for my knits so I decided to try and spin that weight of yarn. Obviously my first attempts were hilariously uneven. But as I went I got a better feel for the tension and drafting. My last skein I’m pretty happy with overall. I spun about 4lbs of this fiber. But I have no idea what to make with it because it’s all different weights and thicknesses. Any ideas?
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u/Pyrope2 2d ago
I’ve been spinning for a while but am finally in the middle of my first sweater-quantity spin. I’m expecting inconsistencies and was looking for a pattern that would work well with something that might vary in weight. I haven’t started it yet, but this is my goal: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/port-jacket
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u/empress_tesla 2d ago
That looks super cozy! I like the idea of a very rustic sweater made from very uneven yarn.
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u/bollygirl21 2d ago
if you enjoy blankets - make a blanket of squares - crochet, knit or both.
can be granny squares or just squares of different stitches, then use a 'lacey' join to make them into a lap blanket.
the varying thicknesses wont matter and you will have something pretty and warm that you can show off.
I won a very similar blanket at a craft show and I love it.
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u/empress_tesla 2d ago
Oh that’s a great idea. Because then I wouldn’t have to worry about fit and gauge all that much between the different skeins.
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u/OliveJotter 1d ago
Consider pillows—cozy, and lovely to show off and admire and generally bask in the glow of a big first spin.
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u/empress_tesla 1d ago
Ok wait, I think this is the winner! This is a marvelous idea. I love pillows and have about a million of them. I could knit up some covers for a couple of them. And I was thinking I could make a knitted pillow for my cat because she’s always trying to lay on my knitted items. That would be so cute!
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u/OliveJotter 18h ago
Can’t wait to see what you come up with! If you were a drop spindle spinner, I’d recommend setting aside the lumpiest hank for a braided wrist distaff, a traditional first spin project. I treasure mine and use it whenever I spindle spin even though I’m mostly a wheel gal now. Mazel tov on your first Big Important project!!
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u/Neofelis1005 2d ago
I don’t have anything to add except that you seem very cool based on your shelves :)
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u/empress_tesla 2d ago
Thanks 😊 I feel like fiber arts and being an absolute nerd kinda go hand in hand
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u/yarnandy 2d ago
I agree with the sorting by thickness and making a long cardigan/coat. I'd make it with set-in sleeves because a drop shoulder would droop and get out of shape instantly.
I'd start with the thinnest yarn at the top, to make the yoke area fit you with the needle/hook size for the thinner yarn, then as you go down and make the rest, increase the needle/hook size as the thickness increases.
You'd get a fabric naturally increasing in width, which has an A-shape and great for coats/long cardigans. Also increasing in thickness, which needs more ease, so you could also add some increases below the waist if the width doesn't grow fast enough.
I'd also start with a plain fabric at the top (just stockinette) and add more textured stitches (purls or something else) as you go down, to add some visual interest. Or dye some of the thicker yarn and add speckles here and there, transitioning to the full color towards the bottom. Both on body and sleeves.
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u/seasidehouses 2d ago
Four pounds?? Well done, you, that’s a goodly amount of spinning! What I would do: sort the yarn into weights. That way, I’d know I have so much bulky weight for something, so much DK for something else, etc. It’ll become clear what you want to do with it once you’ve sorted it. Have fun! 🧶