SpinOlution Queen Bee: The Ultimate Spinning Wheel for Fine Fiber & Lace Lovers
When it comes to spinning fine fibers and lace-weight yarns, not all wheels are created equal. You need precision, control, and a wheel that enhances—not hinders—your experience. Enter the SpinOlution Queen Bee, a compact, innovative, and high-performance wheel designed for spinners who crave versatility and ease.
Made in the USA from high-quality California birch, the Queen Bee isn’t just a spinning wheel—it’s a game-changer for fiber artists who work with delicate, lightweight fibers. Whether you’re spinning silk, alpaca, cashmere, or ultra-fine wool, this wheel is built to handle it all with grace.
Let’s dive into what makes the SpinOlution Queen Bee stand out from the rest.
Targhee Sheep: The Unsung Hero of the Spinning World
When it comes to spinning the perfect yarn, fiber choice is everything. Some wools are too coarse, others too delicate, but nestled in that sweet spot of softness, elasticity, and durability is Targhee wool—a fiber that deserves a prime spot on every spinner’s wheel.
Whether you’re a seasoned spinner or just starting, Targhee wool offers a luxurious experience without the finicky nature of some finer wools. But what makes it so special? Let’s break it down.
Targhee Sheep in the USA: A Homegrown Fiber Powerhouse
Targhee sheep are one of the few truly American-bred sheep breeds, developed to meet the unique demands of Western ranching while producing high-quality wool. Their story is one of innovation, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that make them as valuable today as they were nearly a century ago.
A Breed Born in the American West
Targhee sheep were first bred in 1926 at the USDA Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho. The goal was to create a dual-purpose breed that could thrive in the harsh, high-altitude conditions of the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin. To do this, scientists carefully crossbred Rambouillet, Corriedale, and Lincoln sheep, selecting for traits like:
The Soft Life Knitter: How to Curate Your Dream Crafting Nook
There’s an art to crafting, and then there’s an art to crafting in luxury. The Soft Life Knitter doesn’t just stitch and purl—she creates in an environment that feels as indulgent as the fibers she works with. If you’re ready to elevate your knitting, crocheting, or weaving experience, it’s time to curate a dreamy, cozy, and effortlessly chic crafting nook that speaks to your refined sensibilities.
I've noticed a pattern in my life. When I first started crafting, it felt a lot like when I first started going to the gym. Initially, my mindset was all about practicality—I thought I should just get by with the most no-nonsense supplies and outfits possible.
But over time, I realized these two things were connected by a much deeper shift in perspective. It wasn’t just about getting the bare necessities of what I could tolerate to get the job done. It was about creating an experience I actually enjoyed—one that made me want to come back, one that made me feel like I was living the life I wanted and becoming the person I aspired to be.
Drop Spindle Spinning for Complete Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Yarn.
Drop Spindle Spinning for Complete Beginners: From Zero to Yarn Hero
Hey there, fiber friends and future spinners! So, you've decided to dive into the wild world of drop spindle spinning. Awesome choice! Whether you're a hobbyist, a DIY enthusiast, or just someone longing to dip their toes into the magical realm of fiber arts, we've got you covered. Think of this guide as your trusty handbook, your seasoned cheerleader, and your no-BS buddy, all rolled into one. Ready to spin your way into greatness? Let's do this.
Why the SpinOlution Bullfrog Spinning Wheel is Your new Favorite in the Spinning World
Meet the SpinOlution Bullfrog Spinning Wheel. Now, before you start thinking I’ve gone off the deep end, diving into some fairytale about frogs and princesses, let me set the record straight. The Bullfrog is the big sister of the ever popular SpinOlution Pollywog. Same design just larger.
Spinning Yarn: Roving Braid vs. Blended Fiber Batt
In the world of handspinning, the choice between spinning from a roving braid and a blended fiber batt can significantly impact the texture, color, and experience of spinning yarn. Both preparations offer unique characteristics and cater to different preferences and projects. This blog will delve into the properties, advantages, and considerations of each, helping spinners make an informed decision on their spinning journey.
A Beginner's Guide to Spinning Yarn: Tips & Techniques
Beginners Guide to spinning yarn, tips tricks and tools
Spinning yarn is a craft as ancient as civilization itself. Throughout history, spinning yarn has evolved from a necessity into a creative and meditative hobby. Beginners may find the art of spinning a bit daunting, but with a few key tips and an understanding of the basic tools and materials, anyone can start their journey into this fulfilling activity. Let’s unravel the essentials of yarn spinning for a beginner.
Spinning a Color-Changing "Fractal Style" Yarn with Wool Roving
How to Spin a Color-Changing "Fractal Style" Yarn
Creating handmade yarn can be a rewarding and creative experience. If you love working with yarn and want to add a unique touch to your projects, why not try spinning a color-changing "fractal style" yarn? In this blog post, we will explore the process of spinning such a yarn using wool roving. So, let's dive in!
Exploring Color Blocked Spinning Fiber Roving vs Marbled Spinning Fiber Roving: A Yarn Spinning Crafts Blog
Exploring Color Blocked Spinning Fiber Roving vs Marbled Spinning Fiber Roving: A Yarn Spinning Crafts Blog
In today's article, we are going to explore the differences between color blocked spinning fiber roving and marbled spinning fiber roving. Whether you are an experienced spinner or just starting out, understanding the characteristics and potential applications of these two types of roving can help you create unique and beautiful handspun yarns. So, let's get started!
The Importance of Using Reclaimed Wool
The Importance of Recycled Wool
The First time I heard of using recycled yarn was from my friend Dawn who owns Twice Sheared Sheep. You are probably falmilur with this brand because I love to collaborate with her for our yarn kits and bundles. Like most of us she started her business out in one direction and then it has grown and changed since then but I know that one of her main focus when she started was “recycled" or “ reclaimed yarn” You can hear more about that directly from Dawn here
Here at CHY I’m not so much up cylicing yarn but rather enjoying using reclaimed wool in our products. In our case that is where wheel the fleeces are processed into clean and useable wool for our batts or custom rovings we are able to work with boutique mills that will save and reuse some of the wool that didn’t make it though the first pass. If you’ve ever used a drum carder yourself you know all about how a good bit of lovely wool and fiber can be stuck on the machine while hand blending. Where in many cases larger mills would end up not saving this wool we love that we can reduce it and give it another life. I had fun using some myself for some incredibly soft Merino Batts I was dividing up. You've also proababy seen it in our work in the way of reclaimed Sari silk and “ wool neps “ for a tweed texture.