Worsted...What the Heck is That?

As a newbie knitter. you walk into a yarn store and want to buy yarn. The sales person asks you about gauge and weight of yarn...Huh? The pattern says worsted...what the heck does that mean?

Knitting terms can be confusing..dk, aran, 16 stitches to 4", bulk, super bulky, gauge...There are many basic charts on the internet that will help you become more familar with the standards set by the Craft Yarn Council of America
 http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html  The chart lays out the different names used through the ages by different countries and the numbers that now go with them.

The term worsted originally comes from the 12th century weaving industry in Worstead England. It is also a term used for the carding of wool and the spinning of wool and the subsequent fabric made from it. Interesting but not relevant for the knitter who wants to know what size needles she needs and what yarn to buy.
In the end, its quite simple, its about creating a fabric that you like that will work with the pattern that you have chosen.If the pattern calls for a 4.5 mm needle and the fabric is too tight, then you are best to go up a needle size, and consequently if it is too loose go down. Making a swatch may seem silly or unnecessary, but it helps test the yarn you have chosen to see  if it works and mostly importantly whether you like it.  In the end its sillier to knit a whole garment to find out you don't like it or it doesn't fit.

Time of Change and Time of Goodbye

It's been quite a journey recreating and redefining myself since the days as a stay at home mom back in Basel Switzerland. Moving back to Canada when my children were older gave me an opportunity to step into the working world. My journey took me back to school and I completed  a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of British Columbia as a mature student. Its funny how your labels change as you age, child, adult, mother, teacher, artist.
I've left my day job, that I have had for the past 7 years, at my local yarn store, and look forward to spending more time in my studio....doing my art.

Through the years, I've meet many wonderful women at the yarn store, and I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to all of you and express my joy at having gotten to know you.

I've got lots of fiber to share, so check out my etsy store.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ColourSparks

Vessels Workshop June 7/8

 

 What a lovely weekend of fiber and felting. We had alot to do in two days. Two of the participants were beginner felters, so not only did they have to get the technique down, they also had to work with all the design elements. There were lots of new techniques and lots of inspiration flowing through out the group.Nesteled in my garage...i spent days cleaning it up, it was the perfect place to let the water flow on the floor and to include dyeing as a part of the workshop. 

If you are interested in participating in the next workshop, contact me at coloursparks@gmail.com