A Whirlwind of Colour and Craft: My Journey into Traditional Yarn Making

Have you ever felt the pull of old-world charm calling you back to simpler, more tactile times? About a year ago, I dove headfirst into an enchanting process that mixes creativity, nostalgia, and a dash of randomness—all in one go!

A Kaleidoscope of Fibres

Armed with a vibrant assortment of fibres—from a variety of coloured wool and soft merino to sturdy corriedale, smooth bamboo, and luxurious silk—I spread them out on my trusty blending board. There was no rigid plan, just a playful spirit and a desire to see what magic might emerge. The random blend of these fibres created a mesmerizing pattern, as if each strand was whispering its own story of colour and texture.

Carding: The Art of Teasing Out Beauty

Once the fibres were harmoniously mixed, the next step was a bit like gentle persuasion. Using my blending board brush, I carefully carded the fibres, teasing each strand out with deliberate, meditative strokes. With every pass, the fibres began to reveal their true character—a tactile symphony of softness and strength, ready to be transformed.

The Wooden Dowels Dance

The excitement built as I moved on to drafting the fibres. Here, two wooden dowels played the starring role, gracefully drafting and removing the finished rolag. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching those dowels work their magic, turning a chaotic mix into a neatly formed, cohesive rolag. It’s a step that truly bridges the gap between creative spontaneity and the precision of a time-honoured craft.

Spinning into Fine Yarn

With the rolag complete, the final flourish was to spin it into fine yarn—perfect for hand weaving. As the yarn twisted and turned into life under my fingers, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the art of fibre spinning. This wasn’t just a craft; it was a journey back to the olden times, where every twist of the spindle echoed the heartbeat of centuries past.

A Timeless Joy

Engaging in this process reminded me how wonderful it is to slow down and embrace traditional crafts. Each step—from blending to carding, drafting to spinning—carries with it a sense of history and a celebration of creativity. In a world that’s always rushing forward, these timeless techniques invite us to pause, savour the moment, and create something uniquely beautiful.

Have you ever tried your hand at blending and spinning fibres? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have about this delightful craft. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!

Happy crafting!