Corespinning Ribbons and Threads

Many people ask me, how did I learn to spin so well. Truthfully, I've been lucky and unfortunate enough to not have classes available to me, either because I can't afford them or they are within a reasonable distance. Unfortunate, obviously, because there was no one to show me the baby steps when it comes to spinning. Lucky, because I have not been influenced by the way someone spins. I am purely self taught, and have evolved my own way to spinning.

So, when it came to core-spinning, I loved the idea of wrapping fiber around something to give it a unique look that you can't do with traditional drawing. For me, I get more bang for my buck because I can use less fiber to get a lot of yardage.

I recently received a swap package from a friend on Ravelry with big pieces of tinsel in it. Tinsel like what comes off the 1970's Christmas tree. I've spun ribbon and smaller Angelina into fiber before, so it wasn't anything new. I soon realized that the way I spin it in is different than the techniques I've seen others use.

My method in the most simplest words is
1. insert
2. cover
3. flip
4. wrap
5. cover

Better yet, here's a video of how it works.



A larger video can be found on my YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/DawningDreams.

Spinner's Lap Cloths

My friend Carissa and I have been working together on many projects lately. Being in a small town away from any major city, materials don't come easy and having someone to chat about ideas with can be even fewer. Luckily I found a friend and fellow crafter in Carissa. When we are looking for opinions of ideas and projects we can discuss without being negative or disheartening.

One project that we have worked on as a pair, is the spinner's lap cloth. I told her my idea a while ago, and since she was really getting into sewing, she went home and made a mock-up. After many samples and discussions, we finally settled on a creation we both love and can make without breaking the budget. Believe me, with fabrics costing above $10, it's easy to make a simple pattern cost $50 just because of the materials. Keep in mind, though, that doesn't include time to photograph, upload, and package each item either.

So, now we have our cloths, she with her favorite fabrics and me with mine. I tend to lean towards most whimsical, while Carissa's are more traditional.

Check out more in either of our shops at:
DawningDreams.etsy.com
OR
DawningDreamsYarns.com

Carissa's site:
Loksi Company
LoksiCo.etsy.com