For a while now I’ve been aware that Black-eyed Susan flowers can be used for natural dyeing, and they’re specifically used to achieve a pale or sage green. But I admit, I’ve been skeptical. Green is a difficult color to dye on it’s own, and past attempts on my part have yielded browns, beiges, and
Fiber Arts
Dip Dye Yarn: An easy technique creates striped or variegated effects
One of my favorite dye techniques to date is dip-dyeing. I love self-striping yarns for socks, but dip-dyeing can also be used for subtler effects. There are a couple of ways to do this depending on which colors you are combining and how you want the final yarn to turn out. In this example I’ll
How to overdye a piece of clothing: tips for success
Sometimes, we end up owning a piece of clothing that we like the fit of, but we’re not happy with the color. Or, perhaps it’s something that’s hard to match in an outfit. With some inexpensive materials you can overdye fabrics in natural materials (wool, silk, linen, and cotton) to change the look and suit
Sweater plans: Yarn choice and techniques for knitting “Wool & Honey”
We’re back after a week off due to illness. And even though my voice is still a bit frog-like, I wanted to share the yarn I purchased at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, and some tips for making the sweater that I’ve had my eye on for a while. Resources mentioned in this video
Knitwear Design: why, and how, I develop my own patterns
In the past few years, I’ve noticed that I began modifying the patterns I was knitting more and more. Then I wrote out a pattern from scratch because I couldn’t find one that fit my needs at the time. Though I still consider myself a novice designer (I’ve had no formal training), I have noticed some
Inner Harbor pattern, Maryland Sheep & Wool preview 2019
As preparations for the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival continue here at GHC headquarters, we reveal a few more items that we’ve been working on behind the scenes, including project bags and Sarah’s latest knitwear design. The Inner Harbor shawl pattern was inspired by the saturated tones of Neighborhood Fiber Company’s beautiful merino yarn. Featuring
Colorful Handspun Yarn: Creativity born from constraints
Sometimes, a new design or product will capture your attention and imagination to the point of obsession. This is what happened with me and the Nightshift shawl by Andrea Mowry. The combination of colors and the visual texture she created are mesmerizing, and the effect didn’t wear off after a few days, or even a
25 The Knitting Nook, Portland Maine: This cozy neighborhood café is also a yarn shop.
Sometimes, it takes a life-changing experience to realize what you really want to do with your life. That’s what happened to the owner of The Knitting Nook, Lisa Plourd, when she fell through the ice and ended up in the emergency room. After her recovery, Lisa decided to combine her favorite things: eating, drinking, and knitting,
Art Yarn Spinning – First Time with Multiple Techniques
In my latest spinning session I decided to try my hand at an art yarn skein. It’s not a style, that I’ve had any experience with, and I would say the end product is also well out of my usual comfort zone. But, inspired by a spinning class I took last fall with Jillian Moreno,
Sewing a Skirt & Sash – A Project for a Special Night
If you’ve been reading the blog or following on our YouTube channel for a while, you’ll know that I don’t talk about sewing much. That’s because I don’t sew much, or at least haven’t in a long time. This year I’m hoping that will change. I believe everyone should know how to sew their own