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.

Read More
handmade business tips Erin James handmade business tips Erin James

The Creative Entrepreneur’s Guide to Standing Out Online: How Handcrafted Businesses Can Build a Premium Digital Presence

The Creative Entrepreneur’s Guide to Standing Out Online: How Handcrafted Businesses Can Build a Premium Digital Presence

In a world where everyone seems to be shouting for attention, how do you make your handcrafted business stand out—not just as another option, but as the premium choice? The answer lies in a strategic, high-value digital presence that exudes confidence, creativity, and undeniable quality.

Read More
Erin James Erin James

Discover the Innovative SpinOlution Echo Spinning Wheel

Discover the Innovative SpinOlution Echo Spinning Wheel

Mar 5

Today, I wanted to highlight one of my favorites, the SpinOlution Echo spinning wheel, a tool that seamlessly blends modern design with top-tier functionality. Whether you’re a newbie spinner or a seasoned artisan, the Echo is here to elevate your spinning experience. After years of working with SpinOlution I know that the Echo is our most popular wheel with good reason. It is both lovely and a powerhouse. While it was not my first SpinOlution Wheel it is defiantly a well loved addtion to my fiber arts studio.

Read More
Erin James Erin James

Why You Don’t Just Need a New Website in 2025.

Why You Don’t Just Need a New Website in 2025.

Attention Handmade and Indie Entrepreneurs. Whether you're dipping your toes into the boundless waters of e-commerce for the first time, or boldly plotting your grand escape from the Etsy empire to forge a world of your own, there's something crucial we need to discuss. Spoiler alert: it’s more tantalizing than just a sparkling new website.

As we really get into 2025, standing out isn't just about having a place online; it’s about crafting an irresistible online aura that whispers (or shouts!) your name in rooms you've yet to enter. So, let’s take this journey with all the charm and confidence your handmade empires deserve. Here’s what you truly need to captivate, compel, and conquer:

Read More
Erin James Erin James

Cashmere, Silk, and Alpaca: The Ultimate Spinning Fibers for a Luxurious Crafting Lifestyle

There’s something undeniably exquisite about working with high-end natural fibers. The feel of buttery-soft cashmere gliding through your fingers, the gentle sheen of silk catching the light, and the sumptuous warmth of alpaca—all transform knitting, crochet, and weaving into an indulgent, sensory-rich experience. For those who embrace the art of slow crafting and seek to elevate their fiber practice, these luxurious materials are more than just yarn; they are a statement of refinement and craftsmanship.

Read More
Erin James Erin James

The Art of Slow Craft: How Handspun Yarns Elevate Your Fiber Practice

In a world that moves at breakneck speed, where fast fashion and mass production dominate, there is something undeniably indulgent about slowing down. The soft life lifestyle centered around ease, elegance, and intentionality has extended beyond skincare rituals and morning matcha lattes. It has found a home in the fiber arts.

For the discerning crafter, luxury isnt just about the final product; it’s about the process. It’s about the rhythm of the hands, the quality of the materials, and the quiet satisfaction of creating something timeless. This is where handspun yarns come in, turning your knitting, weaving, or crochet practice into an experience that is as meditative as it is exquisite.

Read More
Erin James Erin James

"Start Spinning Wool: Top Tools Every Beginner Needs to Know"

"Explore our Beginner's Guide to Hand Spinning and learn how to start spinning wool with essential tools and fibers. Discover the differences between spinning wheels and drop spindles, including types like DIY spindles, handcrafted spindles, and historical spindles. Find out about beginner wool fibers, choosing the right wool breed, and essential spinning accessories. Perfect for those new to hand spinning, whether using antique, vintage, modern spinning wheels, or e-spinners."

Read More
Erin James Erin James

How to Spin Beehive Yarn on a SpinOlution Spinning Wheel

Beehive yarn, also known as "cocoon yarn" or "egg yarn," is a delightful and unique addition to any fiber artist's collection. This type of yarn features spun nests of fiber that resemble little beehives or cocoons and adds fantastic texture and visual interest to your projects. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to spin beehive yarn on a spinning wheel.

Read More
boldly traditional Erin James boldly traditional Erin James

How to Eco Print on Silk- Natural Botanicals

How to Steam Fabric for Eco Printing

Hey everyone! I hope your week is going well. Today, I wanted to share a little slice of creativity and learning from my life, inspired by none other than and one of our talented yarn spinners, my mom. Let’s dive into her latest exciting project: eco printing on a white silk shirt. Mom recently came for a visit to hang out with the girls while the husband and I took a quick trip to Nashville for a concert. ( Colter Wall I was so excited). Any how when we picked her up at the airport and when to a little bakery to grab some much needed coffee and treat we all loved the shirt she had on over a tank top. She was telling me all about how she tried a new technique with a friend called Eco Printing. I’d never heard of it so I took notes and pictures of course.

Read More
knitting blog Erin James knitting blog Erin James

Yarn Struggles Be Gone: How to Use a Skein Coat to Tame Your Tangly Center-Pull Yarn Cake

Alright, fiber besties, grab your knitting needles and hold onto your spinning wheels because we’re about to dive into the not-so-glamorous world of tangled center-pull yarn cakes. Yes, I said it. Those pretty little cakes that look like yarn nirvana but quickly turn into a tangled nightmare. Enter the skein coat, your new best friend.

Read More