My hand spun yarn.

You're invited to visit me at my new blog Buckingham Road to see my latest creation - my hand spun yarn from Aries (a blended Merino tops).

I hope it inspires some of you knitters to give spinning a try!

Sam xox

Quince & Co. yarn.

Quince & Co. is a rare gem to be found online when searching for quality yarns. Where I live in Australia, there simply isn't a decent local yarn store that stocks a variety of brands at competitive prices. Since adding knitting to my repertoire, I have been keen to look beyond my shores for suppliers of yarns made from natural fibres at a price I can afford (including shipping). My sister in law pointed me in the direction of this company, and I have fallen in love. 

The website is easy to navigate, with the different yarn weights being identified through species of birds such as lark, sparrow, and osprey. I just had to share their colour book with you all. For anyone who is a knitter, crocheter, or utilise yarns for their crafts, this is a real treat for the eyes...

Fine yarn is such a treat and can be so soft to work with. I am thinking carefully about what colour I like and more importantly for what project I would use it. Until those decisions are made I will just dream. So far, since learning to knit, I have worked through the yarn that I buy, with not a hint of a stash building up.

Also, I have finished a couple of knitting projects I realised I haven't yet blogged about. I will take photos and get them up soon.

Have a fabulous weekend all,

Sam xox

This blog post expresses my personal opinion only. 

I am in no way affiliated with, or benefiting from discussing, 

the above mentioned company or persons.

Can I call myself a spinner yet?

Last week I was fortunate enough to find an Ashford wheel for very cheep. As I am new to this hobby I did not want to invest much money in my first wheel, but did hope that for the small price I paid I wouldn't be receiving a total lemon.  Luckily for me, after doing some simple maintenance on the wheel (new hooks, leather piece, string, and a bit of oil) it is running smoothly. I did a little research and believe this wheel was made circa 1975, judging by this timeline. 

What I was most excited about was that it was a vintage Ashford wheel. Ashford is a New Zealand company, that was founded by Walter Ashford in 1934. Ashford designed flat pack wheels for people to use during war time and following there after. It has evolved to become a leading producer of top quality spinning and weaving equipment.

 ~ One must wear an apron when spinning ~

 ~ Beautiful fleece from a merino sheep in Oberon ~

I have been teaching myself to spin via youtube videos, online articles and books. The skill of spinning is evolving slowly. I have mastered the motion of the treadle, however my grafting leaves a lot to be desired! My yarn is spinning well sometimes, and other times it is over spun and twists up too much. I am troubleshooting this problem and can see I am getting better and stopping this happening. 

~ Some twisty bits in there! ~

Practice makes perfect right? 

But the good news is I very much enjoy it and look forward to when my skills improve.

It is also important to note: spinning (like any other fabric/yarn craft) appears to be a cat magnet. But even more so when the slight scent of sheep is in the air...

Sam xox

Yarns of Italy.

Yarns of Italy was an Etsy store I discovered last month. I placed my first order and was really pleased with the quality of their yarn. That's why I am excited that Yarns of Italy have just launched their new website www.yarnsofitaly.com, where they are selling a beautiful range of Italian yarns.

Best of all they are running a promotion. Free shipping for to the US or Canada, and half price shipping anywhere else in the world! Simply go to their Facebook page to get the codes.

I plan to knit these into a vest.

Sam xox

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Yarns of Italy, have been asked to post this by them, nor am I benefiting from this post in any way. I am simply a happy customer.