A Little Known Treasure
The word treasure can be defined as something precious or valuable. For many, images of gold and jewels come to mind, but not for all. For those of us who love fiber, a special deal on yarn is often considered a treasure. Here at Halcyon Yarn a little known item, Weaver's Yarn Stash Bag, is a true treasure.
What is this exactly? Well, after making our own mini cones we have yarn leftover. Weaver’s Stash Bags are a collection of these odds and ends. It’s such fun because you never know what you’re going to get. Is it just for weavers you ask? NO! Although the yarns included in the bags are most often used in weaving, they are great for all kinds of projects.
For a little inspiration, I’ve done some brainstorming. Here’s a list of different ways I’ve used yarn from these stash bags.
1- My all time favorite use is making yarn ropes with the Schacht Incredible Rope Machine and Yarn Twister. As you can see the young boys in my house love these ropes for pretend play.
2 -Small amounts of yarn are just great for embellishing. In the picture that follows I’ve done a blanket stitch on the ends of my needle felted journal cover and made a yarn tie to be used as a page marker.
3- Most often these odds and ends are combined with other yarns to add bits of color in weaving projects. Think placemats, dish towels, scarves, etc.
4- This Valentine’s Day my sons gave all their classmates bookmarks complete with smashing yarn tassels. I just had to have a few for my own books.
5- Lastly, I’ll tell you of my most rewarding use. For the past 2 years I’ve gone into our local elementary school and taught a class of 1st graders to weave. Pearl cotton odds and ends are perfect warp for the handmade cardboard looms I use. If anyone would like to know more about this experience, I’d be happy to write a more detailed post or give a call on Mondays or Tuesdays (1-800-341-0282) and ask for Kendra.
How would you use a Weaver’s Yarn Stash Bag?
Related items of interest: • Weaving Equipment • Multi-Craft Equipment
Does the rope machine work in both directions? I would like to use it with linen, which is often a z-twist and would need to be wound anti-clockwise.
Hi and thanks for the question! The Schacht rope machine should indeed work in both directions! Indeed most of the finishers should work both ways. If you look closely, they are fairly simple mechanically and it’s just a matter of starting your rotation/twist in one direction or the other:
https://halcyonyarn.com/multi_craft/equipment/blocking-and-finishing/finishing
Let us know if there is anything else.
I’d like directions for summer classes for kids at the beach Thanks
Would love to have directions for my daughter in law who has a Brownie pack… Much like your girl scouts. What a terrific project for them.
Thank you so much!
Louise
Sally,
All I needed was one person to ask. I’ll put together a post with details of the loom and how I approached teaching the children. I have seen such benefits for the children. It is wonderful!
Dear Kendra, Please write more about teaching first graders to weave. My son teaches first grade and this sounds like it would be fun. I did see a cardboard loom in the photo. Any information , directions etc would be greatly appreciated. I would have the summer to play with it.