I woke up to another bad body day. Not much got done except for 3 loads of laundry, changing linens, tinking a project.
A blog about my life, my fiber arts and pictures of my finished work. I will also throw in the very occasional recipe or shopping tip.
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Saturday, August 30, 2025
I Have Stirred Up a Hornet’s Nest
Yesterday’s blog post stirred up a hornets nest. Apparently some fiber artists and business owners believe that there is only one way and one tool to measure wraps per inch. I disagree. Below are things I have used in the past to measure my wraps per inch. Everything in the picture, but one thing has been used. The only thing in the picture that I would not use is a ruler with a metal bar across one side. The reason for this is that the metal will cut into the fiber and damage to the yarn.
Yesterday’s blog was about the labeling of yarn. I stated that Yarn manufacturers and Indy Dyers needed to place the correct yarn weight on the package. That is not a huge ask considering that it is literally your job to get this right. The yarn I was showing in yesterday‘s blog was sold as worst weight yarn, the yarn was so thin that I decided to measure it. The yarn came out as fingering weight yarn at 14 wraps per inch. I have been told that I don’t know how to use a wraps per inch tool and that I don’t know how to measure Yarn weight correctly. I learned how to use a wraps per inch tool, OK it was a 12 inch ruler 20 years ago. I don’t think I need a lecture on how to measure yarn weight. What I also know that if the yarn comes in at 14 wraps per inch it is not worsted weight yarn and should have been labeled fingering weight yarn. Using your eyes to determine a yarns weight on your phone or computer screen is not scientifically possible. There are many different factors to consider, including did the photographer use any enlargement. Does your computer screen magnify your images? Can you really judge the size of yarn on your phone screen? To really judge a size of the yarn, you have to be there in person. You also need to rely on vendors to get the information right.
I usually only need to use my wraps per inch tools in spinning. I personally feel that the fiber arts need to be very inclusive. This includes everything including gender, race, and religion. We should not make economics a concern for anyone. As you can see from the picture below there are wraps per inch tools that we can even borrow from our kids school supplies. All you need is a 1 inch measure, Whether it be a piece of cardboard, a dowel, a ruler, a needle case, anything will work as long as you can put a 1 inch measure on it.
We as a group need to tell these people to stay in their own lane. My first spinning teacher ran a farm and raised fiber animals. She sheared them. She processed the wool. She spun the wool. Most importantly, she taught me how to use a wooden ruler to determine wraps per inch and what weight fiber I had spun. So unless you can show me how measuring an inch in the round or on a ruler is mathematically different, then stay out of my lane. My husband designed the wraps per inch tool that I use the most with my help. It is exactly 1 inch. So unless you are measuring the diameter of an object, a linear inch is always an inch.
We also have to be very aware of people’s budgets. Not everyone can afford to shop at a local Yarn store or even Michaels. Some people shop for their yarn at Salvation Army, Goodwill, or any other number of thrift stores or garage sales. Some people get their yarn from church. Some people get their yarn from other organizations in return for finished projects. It does not make you a better Knitter if you can afford expensive yarn. That just means you have money to spare. I have been known to rip out projects and not want to look at the yarn ever again. The yarn is still good and still usable, This is why I give the yarn as practice yarn to new students. I know that any art endeavor can be expensive, so because you’re your business owner it does not give you a right to tell everybody which tools to use. You can recommend tools that you carry, which is your prerogative. However, which tools an artist uses is up to them.
Friday, August 29, 2025
Yarn Standards
There are supposed to be standards in yarn sizes. When I first started knitting over 25 years ago we learned the names of the yarns. Lace, weight, fingering weight, sport, weight, double knit or DK, Worst weight, Aran weight, Bulky weight, super bulky weight.
Then when I started spinning, I found the code to those names and what they mean. It involves a tool called a wraps per inch tool. I wrapped the yarn around the tool and figure out how many wraps it takes to fill 1 inch. So the code gives me the size of the yarn. Lace weight yarn is 30 or more wraps per inch. Fingering/ sock weight yarn is 14 to 16 wraps per inch. Sport weight yarn is 12 wraps per inch. Double knit yarn or DK Yarn is 11 wraps per inch. Worsted weight yarn is 9 wraps per inch. Aran weight yarn is 8 wraps per inch. Bulky white yarn is 7 wraps per inch. Super bulky yarn is 5 to 6 wraps per inch. These numbers also determine the amount of yarn you will get per skein of yarn.
These are all mathematical formulas. The math is supposed to be precise, not subjective. These formulas are all standardized. They’re standardized to the point where they now have code numbers 0 which is lace weight yarn all the way through size 7, which is Super Bulky yarn.
With yarn sizes presented to makers and users of yarns, why in heaven‘s name am I getting mislabeled yarn from some dyers of yarn. Take my current project for example. The label clearly states that the yarn is a worsted weight Yarn. This would call for a US 7 to 9 knitting needle. My only question is why am I knitting “worsted weight” yarn With a US size 3 knitting needle. As you can see below, the stitches are perfectly fine with a size 3 knitting needle. If I were to use a US size 7 to 9 knitting needle, I would have a very lacy project at this point. For a size 3 knitting needle, the yarn is supposed to be a fingering or sock weight yarn. The yarn is at least four knitting needle sizes too small for the stated size.
As you can see from the two different measuring tools I used to measure the weight of the yarn. It is definitely a fingering weight yarn. The brown measuring tool comes from Katrinkles.com and the red wraps per inch tools are made by my husband and available only at Grandma’s Spinning Wheel.
This problem is not limited to Indy Dyers or large multinational yarn companies. I know it can be quite difficult to get exact specifications from some mills. But all yarn must meet the standardized sizes. If ordered the quantity of yarn that I needed for a sweater in a worst of weight yarn and a fingering weight yarn was substituted, I would have multiple problems. First off I would not have enough yarn to complete the sweater. Secondly my gauge would be off by at least 25%. And if I use the proper size needle called for worsted weight Yarn, I would not have a sturdy sweater, but a lacy sweater. The size would most definitely not fit right. The desired pattern would be useless to a newer knitter. A more experience, knitter would first curse out the producer of the yarn for mislabeling the yarn. Then would have to decide after making a swatch in each of the desired patterns if it is worth rewriting the pattern to use the yarn or pick a different project. If they really wanted to make the sweater, they would have to re-order the yarn possibly from a different vendor.
I know it can be quite pricey to have to reprint labels. My humble suggestion would be to determine the actual size of the yarn before printing the labels for the yarn. By all means, please measure the yarn before you label it. I am lucky, I am only making a scarf so the needle size doesn’t matter. However, I did order a worsted weight yarn and got a fingering weight yarn, which makes me very unhappy. This has happened with several different Yarn companies to me this year. With the price of yarn drifting ever upwards we expect better from everyone. We expect the yarn to be properly labeled. We don’t want to buy a worsted weight Yarn and get a DK or fingering weight yarn when we order a worsted weight yarn. We really want a worsted weight Yarn. Otherwise, we would’ve ordered a different size yarn.
Inflation does not shrink the width of the yarn. However, spinning the yarn to the wrong standards will shrink the size of the Yarn. Please don’t think your customers are fools. We demand the best from you.
Changes Ahead
Yesterday afternoon in an effort to make my purse lighter, I changed the projects in my purse out. My current project was was almost 400 grams or 14 ounces and growing. Think making a shawl. I changed it out for 10 ounces which will shrink once I finish the scarf. The scarf pattern will be finished soon, once I have the energy. This is the third time that I am making this pattern. I really love the ease and look.
The next change is dealing with health matters in a reasonable way. I have been dealing with the same health issues for 17 months. With 17 more months of treatment currently planned. I do have a hard time walking long distances without resting. So I have applied for a new license plate for my car. With the personal caveat that on good body days, I will park near the back of the parking lot and on bad body days will use it to park in the front of the lot. This way I can gain back a little more independence. Hopefully this will allow me to look and feel a little less haggered after doing just a few errands.
Of course I am spending a few minutes each day organizing y knitting room. I can get a lot done in 5 or 10. I utes of work. This way things don’t feel so overwhelming.
Monday, August 25, 2025
This and That
To day was all about getting paperwork done and packages out the door. I packed the boxes and John went to the post office. I was reminded again to pack the books separately because the postage is less that way. I must say that I took a few minutes to swoon over the Golding Fiber Company Spinning Wheels. The only one in my budget range is a small traveling spinning wheel. Not to say if budget was not a problem there were one or 2 spinning wheels that I might consider.
Then it was on to the paperwork. I am not surprised that the durable medical equipment company who refused to take my insurance also failed to provide their company tax identification number on the paperwork they sent me for the insurance claim. I will be going to another more reputable company for the on going supplies.
I even managed to get some paperwork out for a nonprofit out 2 months early. I still have 2 on line forms to fill out. I really hope that they are quick forms and the pages are not to long.
On the fiber front. I unravel 3 rows of Tunisian crochet due to a dropped stitch. I also worked on the Doodling Shawl for 40 minutes and knit a little over an inch.
Well it’s time to call it a day.
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Reorganizing Again
I got a new mushroom shaped ottoman for the knitting room. It has enough storage space for most of my very small warping yarns. This in turn gave me room to swap out to shelves that store yarn and projects. The warping cones went to the small bookshelf and the kits to the more roomy bookshelf. The advantage to this is that when I want a larger cone of yarn, I will not have a bunch of cones falling on my feet. I also have a larger area to put kits of yarn. This makes them more visible.
To tell you the absolute truth is that I am searching my yarn stash for a certain shade of brown and yellow in a luxury fiber like silk and linen blend or just silk or maybe something more exotic, before I search the bins. This of course is for my bespoke shawl. So far I have not found neither. So the bins it is for some stash diving.
I also put away a slew of books and started a Bookman’s bag. All totaled it took all of 30 minutes. Which was wonderful, because I only had 30 minutes of spoons.
I also got 6 inches into a broken rib charity scarf from the 3 pound cone of yarn. This will be scarf number 5, with at least 15 to 20 more to go. At least when I pair the yarn on the cone with a worsted weight yarn I can use U.S. size 13 knitting needles so it goes extremely fast.
I am wishing everyone a wonderful week.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
My Doodling Shawl
Today’s progress was made on another one of my favorite designs. My Doodling Shawl by Sheri Karobonik , this time using Perth by Queensland Yarn in the color Bay of Fires. Using US 10.5 circular knitting needles. The pattern can be found on Ravelry.com under Sheri Karobonik. The shawl is very easy to knit. It is a perfect beginner pattern or a break from lace knitting.
No projects got finished today
Friday, August 22, 2025
The Best Way to Work Down My Yarn Stash
I am making a good amount of progress in knitting and Tunisian crochet projects today. Except for weaving in the ends they are basically finished. So today’s knitting and crochet count is one of each. I do wish I had a bigger Soak Wash tub to hold the projects that need seaming or weaving in the ends. The basket includes one pair of Maxi Fingerless Gloves to seam in the Della Q snap bag and 3 scarfs that need the ends woven in. Maybe it is a good thing that this is the small wash tub. I am sure I could get 3 times the amount of projects in the bigger wash tub. I like to weave in the end in natural light. I also tend to have more energy earlier in the day.
Currently I am on a finishing binge on the project front. My body seems to require more rest right now. So the best thing besides napping that I can do is listen to a book and knit. Also winter is coming, so I need to knit faster. I say this tongue in cheek, because today was yet another day over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There has not been enough rain this summer. So the summer seems longer than normal. A good afternoon rain storm just makes the day more pleasant. Because of the long-term drought in the desert Southwest, we haven’t seen regular afternoon rain showers for a long time.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Projects Half Done
It was a day for drop spindles and Tunisian Crochet. I am almost done with the first ply of a lace weight yarn of Striken Lock. I got a four ounce or 100 grams worth to try out. I fell in love with the roving It has taken almost all my feather weight drop spindles to complete the project. As soon as I am done with the first ply then it will be time to get the yarn off the spindles to ply.
I also made progress on two Tunisian Crochet projects. One is a charity scarf that I am completing the edging. The other is my advent calendar from last year. I am almost finished with the first of 5 sections. The next section will be solid white. Then the next color section, followed by white and the last color section followed by a white boarder.
If you have not guessed it already, I am working on my Ph.D in knitting and spinning = projects half done. I think the projects half done have won.
Of course I had a bad body day and spent most of the day resting.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Today Was All About Knitting
I am currently designing 2 new knitting patterns. The good news is that the elements for one pattern have come together. I will begin to type up the relevant information and instructions. Taking pictures in 100 degrees Fahrenheit is not ideal for this pattern. So I’m going to have to come up with an alternative that’s indoors.
The Bad news is that the second pattern on the third section will have to be tinked. I can say at this point having two out of three sections done is helpful. However, the last section is the largest section. Tinking will take place soon.
I have finished the Maxi Fingerless Gloves for my daughter. All I can say is that The yarn is scrumptious. It is an alpaca, silk blend from the Yarn Dragon in Seattle, Washington. It even came in a worsted weight which was needed for the pattern. He has a beautiful on line shop. It is a luxurious fiber that I’m sure my daughter will love. And hopefully there won’t be any allergies involved. On gloves looks larger then the other because I just had to try them on. I might have to get a skein of this yarn for a pair of gloves for me.
Monday, August 18, 2025
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
While visiting in San Diego last week we had a chance to visit the state historic park called Old Town, San Diego. When going through La Casa de Estudillo, we got to see some very old spinning and fiber preparation tools. In the main bedroom there was a very small spinning wheel. In one of the other rooms we spotted a squirrel cage for taking skeins of yarn and wrapping them into balls. There was no adjustments to be made like the Squirrel cage I purchased from Shepard’s Woodworking . Of course all the skeins of yarn would have been made the same size, so there was no need to make it adjustable. What I am really saying is that if you wind large amounts of yarn at home you definitely need a squirrel cage at home. Some things never change. I have had mine for a few years now and wish that I had gotten it sooner. The hand carders looked very similar to the hand carders produced today. The difference was in the handles. The handles looked like they were carved or whittled by hand. The blacksmith would have added the pins on the carders with each one made by hand. The handles had no grip like the modern ones that I use.
Of course there were no acid dyes around to dye the yarn. It is my humble opinion that various plants, spices and flowers were used to make the colors.
Below are a few pictures.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
A Travel Tip
We took a break from the heat. We spent 4 days in San Diego. The weather was nice. The food was good. The Doctor Who exhibit at the Comic Con Museum was well worth the time and money. My favorite picture from the museum was the Tom Baker scarf. It was awesome in person. I loved the length.
You always have to be aware of pickpockets. They are all sizes and all ages. The one that tried to pick my wallet was in her later years. When traveling I normally put my wallet under my knitting or Tunisian Crochet project in a medium Della Q snap bag and my medicine in a Stasher bag. The pickpocket thought that the Della Q snap bag was my wallet. Because of the size of the shawl in progress she could not get it out of my purse. I was rewarded with a very deliberate body slam. She put a lot of shove in that for someone her age. I do still have my wallet. Double pointed knitting needles have also been used to foil a pickpocket In the past.
*I purchased both the Stasher bag and the Della Q Snap Bag. I am a fan of both companies and use there products on a regular basis. I am not being paid by either company. I will however earn a commission on purchase from ads on the website
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Progress Report Advent 2024
This week I started working again on the Advent Kit that I bought in 2024 from Cornbread and Honey. The good news is that I am working on it again. The bad news is that I probably will not be done by December 2025. I working on this with on this with Tunisian Crochet on a size H, 8 or 5mm, on fingering weight yarn. That being said, I am 4.5 mini skeins in. The oak pattern that I designed has 6 mini skeins followed by a white section, repeat once and add the last 6 mini skeins. With a crochet boarder in white.
I am getting a lot of nice compliments from complete strangers. That feels really good. I also did the next 2 Russian joins so I won’t have to weave in any ends. I can also use all the yarn with less waste.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
A Progress Report

Last night I started a new pair of Maxi Fingerless Gloves, by Sheri Karobonik Designs. Tonight I finished the first glove, Except for seaming. I have started the second glove and I’m Two rows in.
As you probably guessed I gave up looking for my lost gloves. I am trying something different this time. I am using my Maxi Fingerless Gloves pattern, but am doing stocking stitch in the garter stitch section. I am really liking how it’s turning out. I’ll have to see what they’re like when they’re seemed up, and I tried them on. Although, as with most patterns, I had a small difference of opinion with a designer on one section and I think I’m going to leave it there just because it’s a cute addition to the design. If I like it, you’ll see a new pattern soon. If you’re adventurous and have the skill set, go ahead and order the maxi fingerless glove pattern off of ravelry. You will find it under Sheri Karobonik designs.
Friday, August 8, 2025
A Busy Time
We seem to be in a cycle of replacing and repairing things around the house. The latest thing that was about to die was the air conditioning unit. It was 16 years old. So I think we got our moneys worth from the old unit.
We did a lot of research into air conditioning units and installers. We learned some new things along the way, such as when they say an air conditioner is so many tons. What it really means in the original meaning was how many tons of ice would it take to keep a building in England cool for a day in the summer. We also learned that our old air conditioner use the old ser Ratings. The new ser Ratings are much different. We landed up getting a Lennox air conditioning unit from Costco. It was a mid range unit. Not the best and not the worst unit, but it suited our needs. The new air conditioner is now fully installed and running well.
What we didn’t realize is the day that we picked in advance was going to be the hottest day of the year in Tucson. The outside temperature reached 112 Fahrenheit. The inside of the house got up to 85°, despite pre-cooling the house to try to keep it cooler. I went out after lunch to find some cool places to knit.
First, I went to Bird House Yarn on 6th Street and Tucson Boulevard. Birdhouse Yarn is under new ownership. The new owner is Sarah and she has done a lovely job with the shop. I even signed up for class next month. Tunisian Crochet in the round. If you haven’t been to Bird House Yarns since the change of ownership, I would highly recommend a visit. There is a lot of dyed in Arizona yarn from independent artists. The store has a nice layout with yarns group by weight.
I then headed over to Grandma’s Spinning Wheel on Tanque Verde. What I did didn’t realize as I had it down sixth Street going east was how much road construction there really was. I would probably avoid sixth Street and fifth Street until the construction is over. I spent the afternoon knitting and catching up with friends. Around dinner time I went next-door to the pizza place and got a nice sub sandwich for John and I to share. Then I headed home. I took a different route home mileage wise. It was a little longer drive, but time wise It was really shorter. In avoiding Grant Ave, I cut At least10 minutes off my drive time. With less traffic too.
John also repaired our shower door. Cleaned up a pack rats nest by our back door. I on the other hand went through 5 drawers, getting rid of clothes that were too big. Yeah me! Filling up 3 bags for Bookman’s. Then repeating the process on Friday.
I nearly forgot to mention that I started trying to get back in some semblance of A fitness level. In the last 12 days, I have exercised 10. I have not done that since I got sick last March. Hopefully, it will have some positive effect on my life and my body.
Monday, August 4, 2025
Should I Write the Pattern?
I think about this a lot lately. It takes so much time and energy to write a new pattern and everything that goes along with it being a one woman show. The only pattern that I have ever exceeded the cost of the yarn was a washcloth. The cotton yarn was on sale for $2.50 USD. The pattern sells for $5.00. I have sold less than a dozen patterns since I listed the Cactus Washcloth on Ravelry.com more than 10 years ago.
I designed it to based on a saguaro cactus in my backyard. I initially used it to teach a guild class. Then I figured I had put about 60 hours into this washcloth. So why not try to recoup money for some of my time and supplies? The money made off the pattern was less than $60. After supplies they came, my profits were less than $57.00 in “profits” after 10 years. I also made less than $1.00 An hour for all the work. That is my best selling pattern. Most I have not even recouped the cost of the yarn.
I’m thinking about this now, because I’ve designed an easy to make pattern whilst doodling with yarn. The pattern can be used for Yarn tastings, leftover yarn from other projects, or one skin of yarn. Please let me know if you think I should write the pattern. Is it something that you would buy? Is it something that Yarn store Owners would consider selling by making a kit or selling the yarn and pattern together. I know people love free patterns. But the time spent, and the expense, it just does not seem right to be given away my intellectual property like that. I’m not sponsored by any Yarn companies. I pay for all my Yarn. I take all my pictures. I type and edit the patterns. Since I’m running on a lot less spoons I used to, is it really worthwhile?
Please note that this is a first draft and changes will be made for the final version. I usually just doodle out my first drafts and decide whether it’s worth while to do a second draft. I also edit the patterns like writers do.