How to Blend Fibers for Spinning Yarn with No Tools.
Blogger Brianna Mercer shows you how with our Monthly Spinning Fiber Braids.
Brianna Mercer is a friend of mine and a talented fiber artist, blogger and Home School Mama extraordinaire. she also loves sharing her work, knowledge, and projects with other spinners. Here is a tutorial on how she prepped the October Goosebumps braid into an art batt....without any fancy tools.
Blending fibers for spinning yarn without tools can be a delightful and tactile experience that invites creativity. Start by gathering small amounts of different fibers, whether it’s wool, alpaca, or silk, and hold them in your hands, letting the fibers naturally intermingle. Carefully pull apart the fibers while gently rolling them between your fingers to encourage a harmonious mix. You can also layer the fibers on your lap or a soft surface, folding and massaging them together to create an even blend. The key is to be patient and playful, allowing the fibers to dance together until they feel just right, ready to be spun into something uniquely yours.
Meet Brianna Mercer
Here is a break down of her tips on this processes.
"Pro-tip: even if your aren’t going to add in anything or blend multiple colors, pulling your fibers wider before drafting the length of it will add air to your roving and make it easier to draft as you spin.
I have 3 colors in my braid, and I want them blended through out my finished yarn. But this could also be done one color at a time.
1) pull off equal sections of each color.
2) fluff out color 1 so add to not making it longer, but make it wider and flat. Then, add your first blend in on top. I added the mulberry silk. The more you put, the more there will be in the finished yarn.
3) I added my glow in the dark fiber, making sure to fluff it out and distribute it in small sections all around since it is a short staple.
4,5,6,7) fluff out your next wool layer and lay it on top. Make sure the length and width are roughly equal to the first wool layer. Repeat until you have everything you wanting in your “batt sandwich” stack.
turn your batt sandwich sidewise to the main fiber is running left to right. Now, start rolling it up into a hot dog.
9) now you have a fiber tube, ready to draft out the end.
10) I prefer to pre draft my tube into a full roving, allowing the colors to pool randomly."
I just love how she took a simple color blocked braid and turned it into an amazing craft project. I’ve enjoyed adding in texture and marbling color as I spin but I’ve never done it this way and now I know I’m dyeing to try it out myself. Please follow Brianna on Instagram she has so many great projects she shares.
She also has a blog on her website.
I can’t wait to share more of her spinning adventures with our spinning fiber subscriptions with you here in our blog. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do. My favorite part of the subscriptions is seeing what everyone comes up with. Thanks Brianna!
Here is one of my alternative methods that elevate your yarn game! This innovative approach focuses on incorporating unique elements like neps, slubs, and even bits of novelty fibers during the spinning process. Experiment with blending different fibers using a drum carder or blending board to create enchanting batts that surprise and delight. From playful puffs to strategically placed textured sections, these techniques transform ordinary yarn into a tapestry of tactile wonder. Embrace your creativity and let your spinning wheel become a portal to a world filled with intriguing patterns and dimensions!
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