sweetstitchingcrafts

Handmade with Love: A Cardigan and Special Friend for a Baby

sweetstitchingcrafts — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:08:11 +0000

It’s baby season! At least, that’s how it feels. Several of my close friends are expecting babies, and from April through June my calendar has been filled with baby showers.

As each shower approaches, my creative mind immediately gets to work. What can I make that truly shows how excited I am for my friends as they begin their journey into motherhood? Handmade gifts have always felt more personal to me. They carry a little piece of the maker, and every stitch and seam tells the recipient, “I was thinking of you.”

If I’m being completely honest, these occasions also give me the perfect excuse to dive into the collection of baby knitting and sewing books I’ve accumulated over the years. Although I don’t have children of my own, that certainly hasn’t stopped me from collecting patterns for tiny sweaters, adorable toys, and cozy blankets. I’ve always hoped that one day I’d have the opportunity to make these beautiful projects, and now another chance has arrived.

After spending several evenings flipping through books, comparing patterns, and changing my mind more than once, I finally settled on my trusted favourite: Vintage Baby Knits: More Than 40 Heirloom Patterns from the 1920s to the 1950s by Kristen Rengren.

For my friend’s gift, I chose the Rufus Textured Cardigan, knitting it in Loops & Threads Superwash Merino in a beautiful ocean blue. To accompany the sweater, I decided to sew a sweet little bear using a pattern from Katia Ferris’ Make Your Own Animal Friends. Together, they make a thoughtful gift that is both practical and full of personality.

Why These Patterns?

When choosing a handmade baby gift, I wanted to create something that would be useful today but treasured for years to come.

A knitted cardigan is wonderfully practical. It keeps little ones warm during cooler months, and with our recent cold winters, it’s something I know can get plenty of use. More than that, I like to imagine it becoming a keepsake—a tiny sweater tucked safely away after it’s outgrown and perhaps one day passed on to another generation.

Maybe that’s a little sentimental, but I think that’s part of the charm of handmade heirlooms.

The Rufus cardigan has a timeless design with beautiful texture that suits any little one, regardless of gender. That versatility is one of the reasons I love Kristen Rengren’s collection. Her patterns have a classic style that doesn’t feel tied to current trends.

Since this baby is arriving in the summer, I’m knitting the one-year-old size. By the time cooler weather arrives, the cardigan should fit perfectly and hopefully get plenty of wear.

Every Baby Needs a Special Friend

No handmade cardigan feels quite complete without a cuddly companion.

The little bear adds something extra to the gift—a comforting friend that can be hugged, carried around the house, and loved for years. One of my favourite features of this pattern is that the facial details are entirely hand embroidered. There are no plastic safety eyes or noses to worry about, making it an excellent choice for little ones.

Even though the pattern is available to anyone, every handmade toy ends up being completely unique. Each maker adds their own personality through fabric choices, stitching, embroidery, and those tiny finishing details that can’t be replicated.

For this bear, I chose a linen and cotton blend fabric, giving it a soft, natural look while making it practical enough to clean after inevitable baby spills.

I also like to think this little bear won’t simply be tucked away after the baby years. I can easily imagine it sitting on a bookshelf or floating shelf in a child’s bedroom—or even accompanying them into their teenage years as a treasured reminder of childhood.

Why I Love Making Handmade Baby Gifts

Whenever I make something for a new baby, my greatest hope is that both the parents and their little one will feel the love stitched into every part of it.

In a world where almost anything can be purchased with the click of a button, there’s something incredibly meaningful about receiving a gift that someone spent hours creating by hand. Every row knitted, every seam sewn, and every embroidered detail represents time, care, and excitement for the new life being welcomed into the world.

My hope is that these gifts become more than just a cardigan and a teddy bear. I hope they become cherished keepsakes, reminding a family that someone loved them enough to make something especially for them.

After all, the best handmade gifts aren’t simply made to last—they’re made to be loved for generations.

Stay tune to my Instagram account “sweetstitchingcrafts” for the final reveal!

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Reflections on Crafting: Late 2025 and Early 2026

sweetstitchingcrafts — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:57:52 +0000

Music credit: ‘Rise’ by Natalie Duque

Back to the Joy of Making

It feels wonderful to be getting back into the rhythm of making again. Even though I haven’t been sharing much about my projects during the latter part of 2025 and the start of 2026, I’ve still been busy creating. Life gets hectic sometimes and can pull me in all sorts of directions, making it easy to lose my footing. I really miss putting my thoughts on paper and connecting over my love for making. So, I’ve decided to jump back in—no guilt, just a fresh commitment to why this blog exists: to feel connected again and see where the journey takes me in the making community.

What Have I Been Up To?

Lately, weaving and spinning have captured my heart, especially working with locally sourced wool. If you’ve followed my earlier posts, you know I’ve been bringing raw fleece to a local fiber mill, Wool 4 Ewe, and getting it processed into roving to spin on my wheel. I spent much of last year and even this year spinning that fleece into yarn for weaving projects. One big goal was to spin enough yarn to use as weft for a couch throw I made for someone. After finishing that project on my larger 45-inch Leclerc Fanny loom, I felt inspired to keep spinning for more throws—and maybe even bigger projects like a twin-size coverlet measuring about 60 by 80 inches.

For my previous project, I used an 8/2 cotton warp set at 16 ends per inch, as recommended in a book about traditional coverlets by Helen Jarvis. The single-ply wool yarn I spun was about DK weight. After wet finishing and drying, the blanket had a scrumptious drape—cozy for chilly nights, and light enough to hang nicely on the couch.

On my smaller antique loom, I’ve been weaving hand towels using Venne organic cotton 8/2 yarn, a new discovery for me. I’ve been mixing purples in a shadow play pattern from a Nov/Dec 2021 Handwoven magazine issue. I often wonder about the difference between regular cotton and organic cotton. Honestly, after washing and drying on low, these towels feel so much softer in hand. I’ll definitely revisit Venne organic 8/2 cotton yarn—it seems worth the extra splurge!

Knitting has been a bit slower lately. I’ve been working on finishing a pair of socks using hand-dyed yarn from a swap partner (who dyed it herself!). I tried using the yarn in different projects, but didn’t love how it looked, so I boldly ripped it out and kept hunting for the right pattern. This lace pattern I’m working with now lets the yarn’s color variation shine without pooling too much in any one spot.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026

My main goal for 2026 is more spinning and weaving—no surprise there—especially using natural, locally sourced fleece in new weaving projects.

I also want to get back into knitting sweaters. I’ve spun yarn for sweaters before but sometimes get distracted by quicker projects. Although prepping samples and doing gauge swatches isn’t my favourite, I know it’s important for getting the right fit. Right now, I have some alpaca yarn from a local fiber mill that I hope to use. I have my eye on a few patterns, but I’m not rushing—finding the perfect sweater pattern for that yarn is part of the fun!

I’m sure there will be more projects popping up and joining my to-do list, since I like to keep things flexible and let my creativity lead the way. Until next time, happy crafting—and I’ll be back soon to share more adventures!

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Weaving Yarn Basics

sweetstitchingcrafts — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:20:27 +0000

Back in June, I made the long trek—nearly an hour and a half—to Camilla Valley Farms, a local weaving supply store. Every trip there feels like a mini pilgrimage, so I always go with a well-thought-out plan of which yarns I need to stock up on. When it comes to weaving, choosing the right yarn is just as crucial as the pattern or loom—it can truly make or break a project. Each fiber and yarn construction behaves differently on the loom and transforms uniquely in the finished fabric. I wish someone had explained this to me when I first started—it would have saved me countless hours and a few frustrating mistakes! Whether you’re just beginning or have years of weaving under your belt, knowing the characteristics of different weaving yarns can help you choose the perfect material for your next project—and bring your creative ideas to life.

Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used weaving yarns, along with what makes each one special:

1. Cotton

Cotton is a staple in the weaving world. It’s soft, strong, easy to work with and generally affordable in comparison to other types of yarn. It is one of the first weaving yarns that I worked with as a beginner weaver.

Best for: Towels, napkins, clothing, baby blankets
Pros: Absorbent, durable, doesn’t stretch much
Cons: Can shrink if not pre-washed, less elasticity

Popular cotton yarns for weaving:

8/2 Cotton: Great for dish towels and lightweight fabrics
10/2 Cotton: Finer than 8/2, ideal for scarves, delicate table runner or other fabrics.

2. Linen Yarn

Made from flax fibers, linen has a crisp feel and adds a classic, elegant look to any woven project. A yarn that I recently started to use to make some hand towels for my friends wedding gift Hopefully with linens great durability they can be past down to future generations.

Best for: Table linens, summer wear, curtains
Pros: Strong, gets softer with use, beautiful drape
Cons: Stiff to start, can be tricky to tension

Tip: Wet-spun linen works better for warp than tow linen due to fewer slubs and more strength. Also, keep a water spritz bottle close by while weaving so it can be used on the warp to help the yarn to relax.

3. Wool yarn

Wool is a weaver’s dream for softness and warmth. From my limited experiences It has a natural elasticity that makes it forgiving on the loom. I have only used it small projects such as decorative pillow covers and scarves. I hope to make couch size throw with my recently restored 45 inch Leclerc Fanny weaving loom.

Best for: Blankets, scarves, clothing, tapestry weaving
Pros: Warm, elastic, felts easily for finishing
Cons: Can shrink/felt if not washed carefully, may be too stretchy for some warps and depending on the brands the cost.

Types to consider:

Worsted spun wool: Smooth and strong, ideal for warp
Woolen spun: Softer, more textured, better for weft or softer drapes like scarves

The remaining weaving yarns listed below are on my list to try soon:

4. Silk yarn

Silk brings luxury and sheen to woven fabrics. It’s strong and drapes beautifully.

Best for: Shawls, scarves, dressy garments
Pros: Lustrous, incredibly strong for its weight
Cons: Can be slippery, more expensive

Variants include:

Bombyx silk: Smooth and shiny
Tussah silk: Slightly matte and more textured

5. Bamboo yarn

Bamboo yarn is soft, shiny, and has a cool feel against the skin.

Best for: Summer wear, scarves, baby items
Pros: Hypoallergenic, sustainable, smooth
Cons: Can split easily, may need careful handling as warp

Choosing the Right Yarn: Warp vs. Weft

Warp yarns need to be strong and low stretch—cotton, linen, or strong wool work best.
Weft yarns can be more varied—this is your opportunity to play with texture, color, and fluffier or softer yarns.

Final Thoughts

The world of weaving yarns is vast and exploring it can be a fun part of your creative process. As you experiment with different types, pay attention to how each fiber feels on the loom and in the finished fabric. I am learning not to be afraid to mix and match!

Whether you’re weaving a functional kitchen towel or an expressive wall hanging, choosing the right yarn makes all the difference.

Do you have a favorite type of weaving yarn? Or a project where a certain yarn surprised you? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!

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The Final Chapter in Restoring Floor Loom

sweetstitchingcrafts — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:32:58 +0000

Finally, Floor Loom is refurbished and put back together!

It has been little over a year since I picked up this 1980s 45 inch Leclerc Fanny Floor Loom and brought it home to live with me. The previous owner was not using it any longer for health reasons and generously decided to give it to me hoping that it would be brought back to life. That is exactly what happened! For those who followed from the very beginning of this journey saw and read what steps I took to remove the old varnish and revarnished using a hard wax oil. I did not keep track of the exact number of hours I dedicated to this project and truthfully, I am glad I didn’t because it would deter me from doing anything like this again. I found renewed appreciation for the company, Leclerc who make these looms because it takes a lot of work to get a loom looking beautifully and functioning well. It is not my first time setting up a loom but I did underestimate the time and man power it would take to put it together. This loom is much bigger than my other loom which is actually 27 inch loom therefore it is a lot heavier to lift and more cumbersome to put it together in small space. But with help of my dad and a few hours of following the step by step instruction of manual we were able to put it together in 3 hours.

The loom is all put together so what is left? I have to make sure the harness (the part of the loom) that holds the thread are at the proper level. I am finding it the most tedious part of the process because it involves rebalancing how the harness seat on the horizontal bar. It has been at certain height and leveled.

The next thing I must do is add more heddles to the harness so I can add more yarn/thread to make larger projects such as lap blankets. Each harness had approximately 50 heddles on each one and I need to have at least 150 heddles to make those large projects. Adding the heddles must be done precisely so that they are oriented properly so the thread/yarn is not twisted and possibly snap while weaving.

Lastly, I have to remove the rust of one the reeds which helps to spread the individual yarn thread properly while weaving. I plan to use Bar keeper friends that you can get your local hardware store and make a paste out of it with water and cover the bars within the reed with it. After some scrubbing with a fine steel wool pad and letting it sit for a few hours then it can be rinsed off. Why not just buy a new one? They are not inexpensive, and it would be good if I could save them from ending up in a land fill.

What is the first thing I plan to weave on this loom you may be wondering. I plan to weave a lap size blanket using an 8/8 cotton which is almost equivalent to worsted weight yarn, so it is relatively thick yarn and weaving it in a simple plain weave structure. It will give me the opportunity to make the last fine tune adjustments to the loom so the shed (the area which yarn travels across the warp thread) is large enough.

So far the floor weaving loom is working well. As you can see by the picture the warp is already put onto the loom and the yarn threads are in bundles waiting to be threaded into the heddles. I am so excited to show you the lap size blanket when it is completed please check out my Instagram feed for those pictures. Let me know what you think about my refinished loom in the comments below and thank you for following me on this journey.

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Restoring My Floor Loom: An Update!

sweetstitchingcrafts — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 20:37:12 +0000

The start of 2025 has been a busy one as I work to catch up on some of the projects I started last year—projects I had optimistically hoped to finish before the year ended. The biggest and most important of them all? Refurbishing the floor loom I acquired early last year.

The Restoration Process

During the summer months, I sanded the loom down to bare wood using a combination of a Black & Decker Mouse sander and good old-fashioned hand sanding. It was a big job, and I completely underestimated how long it would take. My initial goal was to complete the sanding by late fall, but thankfully, the weather held up long enough for me to continue working outdoors.
When it came time to varnish, I opted for Osmo PolyX Oil—a product I had never used before but discovered through Felicia Lo’s YouTube video on refurbishing her Fanny loom. I was drawn to this finish because of its low fumes (since I’m sensitive to strong scents) and its ability to enhance the natural beauty of the maple wood without an overly glossy finish.

Finding the Right Varnish

Osmo PolyX Oil wasn’t readily available at my local hardware stores, so I had to do some searching. I found it on Amazon and Lee Valley Tools, with the latter offering a better price—so that’s where I made my purchase. They had two sizes available: 125ml and 750ml. Estimating how much I’d need was tricky since, unlike flooring, I couldn’t easily calculate the square footage of wood I’d be covering.

The Application Process

Applying the oil has been much easier than expected! The varnishing process is moving along quickly, as a little bit of PolyX Oil goes a long way. I purchased staining pads from my local hardware store to ensure an even, thin coat. To make application easier, I cut the pads into small rectangular pieces that fit inside the container. So far, I believe the small container will be enough to complete the project, but I’m considering getting another one—just in case. I’d rather not risk running out when I’m so close to the finish line!
The oil requires two coats with an eight-hour drying time between applications, but thankfully, no sanding between coats is necessary—definitely a plus in my book.

How It’s Coming Together

I’m loving how the loom is turning out! It doesn’t look brand new, but that was never my intention. Instead, it looks refreshed and beautiful. Once varnishing is complete, I’ll apply a wood conditioner to enhance the sheen, give it a smoother feel, and provide extra protection against dry conditions.
At this point, I have just a few more pieces to varnish. After that, I’ll assemble the loom and make sure everything fits together properly. The last major task is removing some rust from one of the reeds—then I’ll officially be done!

What’s Next?

I can’t wait to see this loom in action. My biggest motivation for completing this project is getting it up and running with a weaving project. Plus, I’m excited to update Grace, the loom’s original owner, on its transformation.
If you missed Part 1 of this restoration, you can check it out [link here]. Stay tuned for a future blog post where I’ll share the final reveal!

Have you ever restored a floor loom or considered taking on a similar project? I’d love to hear about your experiences—feel free to leave a comment below.
Until next time, happy crafting!

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Winter Crafts: Staying Busy & Cozy

sweetstitchingcrafts — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:56:14 +0000

Winter has never been my favorite time of year. My dislike of snow and the chill in the air often encourages me to hibernate. I could easily spend my days nestled under a pile of blankets with a cup of hot tea, binge-watching my favorite crafting channels on YouTube. However, instead of letting the season pass me by, I’ve found joy in celebrating winter through craft projects that reflect its unique beauty. Surprisingly, these colder months have become some of my most productive and enjoyable times. Here are a few of the projects I’ve been working on to stay cozy and creative.

Winter Wreaths

I’ve always admired seasonal wreaths but had never made one myself until this winter. Unlike holiday-specific designs, I opted for a seasonal winter theme so the wreath could stay up longer and reflect my personal taste.
To make my wreath, I started with a base from Michaels to eliminate the challenge of shaping the frame myself. The decorative elements, however, were entirely handmade. I’ve been making soft toys for years, but for this project, I shrunk the patterns to create ornaments that fit within the wreath. This required some adjustments, like using a smaller stitch length on my sewing machine and slowing down while sewing. Tools like hemostats were lifesavers for turning out tiny pieces like arms and stuffing them with poly-fil.
I also made fabric stars to add to the wreath, using both handwoven and commercial fabric. The handwoven ones, with their unique textures, turned out to be my favorite. The result was a wreath that felt both personal and perfectly suited to the winter season.

Macramé Snowflakes

These delicate macramé snowflakes were inspired by a fellow guild member. A few years ago, my guild hosted a workshop on making snowflakes, but I wasn’t able to attend. Fortunately, my friend gave me a personal lesson using the pattern “Wish Upon a Star” by Annie’s Kit Clubs.
The project required minimal supplies—just wooden rings (about 2 inches in diameter) and twine, both of which I found at Michaels (and, of course, used a 40% off coupon for a great deal!). While the pattern included clear written and visual instructions, having someone demonstrate in real-time was invaluable for me. So far, I’ve made six snowflakes, which are now proudly displayed on my wall. The process is so relaxing and satisfying that I plan to make many more.

Rug-Hooked Standing Ornament

Rug hooking is a craft I’ve loved for years, and lately, I’ve been exploring its versatility beyond traditional rugs. This winter, I came across a pattern for a standing ornament in an older issue of Rug Hooking magazine and decided to give it a try.
I enlarged the design and used #3 wool strips (3/8th inch wide) to hook the pattern. To add texture and visual interest, I experimented with pulling loops at different lengths and incorporating sculpting techniques. Buttons served as eyes for the gingerbread man in my design, and I’ve since sewn up the sides by hand for a precise finish. The ornament is stuffed with poly-fil, with some gravel-filled bags at the bottom to add weight so it can stand upright. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect bell to finish off the top, but I’m thrilled with how it’s coming together.

Hand-Embroidered Sheep Ornaments

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with sheep, and I’ll incorporate them into my crafts whenever I can. This winter, I’ve been making hand-embroidered sheep ornaments that are as adorable as they are resourceful.
For the fleece, I used crewel wool to create French knots, while the faces were satin-stitched with black embroidery thread. I made little caps for the sheep from tiny wool scraps that were too small for other projects. As for stuffing, I used both poly-fil and leftover fleece from a spinning project. I’ve been leaning towards fleece lately as it gives a firmer yet soft feel to the ornaments.
To make the most of my leftovers, I used scrap fabric for the ornament bases and even backed some with handwoven material. These ornaments are not only

Crafting has transformed winter from a season I used to dread into one that I can handle better. Each project brings warmth, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s wreath-making, macramé, rug hooking, or embroidery, these crafts help me celebrate the beauty of winter while staying cozy and productive. If you’re looking for ways to brighten up your own winter days, I hope these ideas inspire you to pick up a new project or revisit an old favorite. What are you crafting during these winter months? Please feel free to comment below!

Happy crafting!

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Creating with Handspun Yarn: Endless Possibilities

sweetstitchingcrafts — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 20:06:46 +0000

If you’ve ever worked with handspun yarn—or are thinking about it—you’ve probably wondered: Is there a plan for what this fluff will become? The truth? Sometimes yes, but often no.

For me, spinning yarn is more about the process than the product. The rhythmic hum of the spinning wheel, the tactile pleasure of the fiber slipping through my fingers, and the anticipation of how the colors will blend together are the reasons I spin. Sure, I love seeing the final product—whether it’s a cozy sweater or a woven scarf—but by the time the yarn is finished, I’m often already dreaming about the next fleece or hand-dyed fiber I’ll spin.

Still, the magic doesn’t stop at spinning. The real adventure begins when you start working with your handspun yarn. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way, which might help you as you embark on your own handspun projects.

1. Understanding Your Yarn’s Structure

When using commercial yarn, we often choose based on its thickness or weight, categorized as lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, aran, or bulky. With handspun yarn, determining the weight is a bit more hands-on.

I use a wraps per inch (WPI) tool—a simple ruler will do! Wrap the yarn around the ruler for one inch, count the wraps, and compare it to a WPI chart to find its weight.

The number of plies also affects the yarn’s thickness and structure. A two-ply yarn is versatile and works well for most projects, offering a balanced feel and good stitch definition. For sturdier projects, like socks or outerwear, a three-ply yarn provides more roundness and strength. Even the way you ply matters—traditional plies versus chain plies can change the drape, durability, and overall look of the finished project.

2. Swatching: Your Yarn’s Test Drive

Swatching might feel optional, but it’s incredibly informative, especially with handspun yarn.

A small swatch can reveal:

Color changes: How do the hues transition from one to the next?
Stitch definition: Will the yarn’s texture shine in cables or lacework?
Drape: How does the fabric feel and move?

For knitters and crocheters, swatching helps you decide on patterns that highlight the yarn’s unique qualities. For weavers, a sampling step can help determine the fabric’s density (ends per inch) and ensure your yarn is suitable for the weave structure you have in mind.

3. Choosing Patterns or Weave Structures

When it comes to handspun yarn, the possibilities are endless. You can work with nearly any pattern—as long as you can match the required gauge.

Personally, I gravitate toward simple designs that let the yarn take center stage:

Knitting: Garter stitch and stockinette stitch allow the natural variations in handspun yarn to shine.
Crocheting: Simple, repetitive patterns enhance the yarn’s beauty without overwhelming it.
Weaving: I’ve found that using handspun yarn as weft yarn in overshot patterns adds stunning texture and depth. For single-ply yarns, plain weave structures beautifully highlight the yarn’s natural striping, especially when it’s multicolored.

A great resource for selecting knitting or crochet patterns is Ravelry’s pattern browser. You can filter by yarn weight, yardage, and even specific attributes to find a project that fits your handspun perfectly.

The Journey of Handspun Yarn

Working with handspun yarn is more than just crafting—it’s an exploration of creativity and texture. Each skein holds a story, from the fiber it once was to the fabric it will become. And as much as I love the finished products, it’s the journey—the hours spent spinning, swatching, and creating—that brings me the most joy.

So, if you’ve been hesitant to use your handspun yarn, don’t wait! Embrace the process, experiment with patterns, and discover the magic hidden within each handmade skein.

Happy spinning—and even happier creating!

What’s your favorite way to use handspun yarn? Share your experience in the comments below!

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Processing Sheep Fleece At My Local Fiber Mill: Part 2

sweetstitchingcrafts — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 23:25:00 +0000

Music: Happiest Year by Jaymes Young

Earlier this year, I had an incredible opportunity to tour my local fiber mill, Wool 4 Ewe, when I dropped off my raw sheep fleece to be processed. This was my first time visiting a mill and seeing the steps involved in transforming raw fleece. Historically, I’ve always spun from roving that was already pre-processed and hand-dyed, so taking part in the entire journey—from washing to carding and spinning—felt like a whole new world. You can review more details in my past blog post, Processing Wool Fleece at a local mill: Lessons learned.

I recently received the email that my fleece was finally ready for pickup. After months of anticipation, I couldn’t wait to see the results of the processing. The raw fleece I brought in weighed around 5.395 pounds, and after scouring and processing, it yielded five beautiful bumps of 110-gram roving each. Now, if you’re doing the math, you might notice a discrepancy in weight. The difference stems largely from removing the lanolin in the scouring process, which can reduce the original fleece weight by up to 30-40%.

Ann, the owner of Wool 4 Ewe, kindly documented the processing steps with photos, showcasing the journey from a raw, lanolin-rich fleece to clean, fluffy roving. The fleece underwent several stages: it was first scoured (washed) to remove dirt and lanolin, then picked and carded to untangle and align the fibers, and finally drafted into rovings. The transformation was amazing, and I now have five soft bumps of roving, ready for crafting.

What’s Next for My Valais Blacknose Roving?

Now that I have the roving in hand, I’m contemplating what to make with it. This is my first time working with Valais Blacknose wool, and it’s known for its long staple length, which is ideal for spinning into a single-ply yarn. My goal is to achieve a sturdy single-ply with minimal fraying and piling, allowing me to use it for multiple projects. I’m leaning towards incorporating it into an upcoming weaving project, but I’ll need to assess how it feels once spun—if it’s too scratchy for wearables, it may be better suited for items that won’t sit directly against the skin, like a cozy throw.

One possibility I’m excited about is exploring rug hooking with this roving. The fluffy, dense texture would work well to create soft clouds in scenic designs or even the illusion of fur or textured details in animal motifs. Another practical use I’m considering is using the roving as a natural stuffing for pillows or knitted toys. Typically, I use polyester filling, but I’m shifting toward more sustainable materials, and the density and softness of this roving would provide fantastic definition and texture for stuffed crafts.

The Joy of Using Local Fiber

Using local wool has added a special connection to my crafting. Knowing that the fibers came from a nearby farm and were processed at a local mill makes each project feel more personal and intentional. Supporting local farmers and fiber mills has also become a meaningful part of my journey as a crafter.
This experience has been such a joy, and I’m excited to keep building my stash with locally grown fibers! Are you currently working with locally sourced fiber? Please feel free to comment below, I would love to hear from you.

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Sweet Stitching Crafts Blog: Celebrating One Year Anniversary!

sweetstitchingcrafts — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:49:58 +0000

Wow, I can hardly believe it’s been a year since I embarked on this adventure of documenting my creative journey with Sweet Stitching Crafts. What a whirlwind it’s been—full of excitement, growth, and a few moments of disbelief. But those unsure moments are far outweighed by the overwhelming joy this blog has brought into my life.

When I first started, I had a few specific goals in mind. One of the most important? Putting myself out there—something I don’t naturally do. I’ve always been more comfortable with my thoughts and my own space, partly because of that universal fear of being judged. But I decided that this blog was going to be my way of challenging myself, pushing into uncomfortable situations, and seeing where it led me. And I love what I’m seeing! It feels so freeing to express myself creatively, whether I’m crafting or writing, and I hope to keep pushing myself to embrace even more freedom in the year ahead.

Another goal I set was to embrace all my crafts! Yes, all of them! Spinning, weaving, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, rug hooking—the list goes on. Sometimes I joke that I’m cheating on one craft with another, but the truth is, I love them equally. People might say that focusing on one thing would help me master it, and sure, becoming an expert in one craft has its appeal. But that’s not why I craft. I do it for the way it makes me feel—it lifts my mood, builds my confidence, and melts away stress.

I also started this blog with the hope of encouraging others to dive into crafting. I’ve met so many people who say they wish they knew how to craft but are too afraid to try. My advice? Just go for it! Pick any craft that intrigues you and give it a shot. If it’s not for you, move on to the next one. Crafting is such a personal journey, and there’s no wrong way to approach it. To those of you who’ve reached out to tell me that the blog has inspired you, thank you. Your messages mean the world and remind me that my crafting is making a positive impact!

So, what’s next for Sweet Stitching Crafts? Plenty more of what you’ve already seen! I hope to take you along on field trips (fingers crossed!), share helpful tips, and keep you updated on ongoing projects. I still need to share my experience with my Valais Blacknose sheep fleece that I sent to Wool4Ewe for processing, as well as the refurbishment of my “new to me” floor loom. I’m also toying with the idea of adding a book review feature, since I love reading about crafts and often enjoy book recommendations from other bloggers.

If there’s anything you’d like me to explore more deeply, feel free to drop a comment below. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who’ve spent time with me on this journey. Here’s to another year of crafting and connecting!

Happy Crafting! 😊

The post Sweet Stitching Crafts Blog: Celebrating One Year Anniversary! appeared first on sweetstitchingcrafts.

Restoration Journey of a Weaving Floor Loom: Part #1

sweetstitchingcrafts — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:47:21 +0000

Where do I begin? How did I end up with this loom? I wasn’t searching for a floor loom since I already have a 1920s 36-inch Leclerc Mira that works well for me. But when I found out that a 45-inch Leclerc Fanny was available for free, I couldn’t resist. I saw pictures of it and imagined what might happen if I didn’t save it. The loom was a bit worn out, but nothing that hard work couldn’t fix. The important parts were intact; it just had some cosmetic issues like scratches and dents. While I don’t mind a few scratches, there were too many for my liking, especially since this loom will be in a prominent spot in my home. So, I decided to take you along on my journey of refurbishing this 45-inch Leclerc Fanny.

Step 1: Identify what needs fixing and make a list of tasks to complete.

Here is the list I have to date. This list may change over time during the process of refurbishing this loom.

Remove the scratches and minor dings by sanding the old varnish.
Varnish wood with 2 coats.
Replace the rusty heddles with new wire heddles or possibly texsolv heddles (made from polyester and lightweight in comparison to wire heddles)
Scour and clean rusty reeds
Replace friction brake (metal circular band)

Step 2- Tackle the most important and biggest job first!

At this stage, I’m focused on sanding. With the summer weather, it’s perfect to do this messy work outside. I’m not new to sanding, having started a coffee table project before, though I didn’t finish it. I learned from a Sweet Georgia YouTube video that I need three grades of sandpaper: 60 grit to remove old varnish, 120 to smooth the wood, and 220 to sand between coats. I’m using a Black and Decker mouse hand sander for larger areas and sanding by hand in tighter spots. Ideally, I would remove all the hardware first, but I didn’t want to fully disassemble the loom, so I’m doing more hand sanding. As I strip the old varnish, the original light wood color is revealed, while areas like the logo will keep the darker aged wood color. I’m not aiming to make the loom look brand new, just cleaner and more polished. I’ll see if my approach was the right one once the project is complete!

I’m still sanding and haven’t kept track of the hours spent, but I know it’s taken a lot of time. My next task will be scouring and removing rust from the reeds or varnishing the loom, which I’ll cover in another blog post. As you can see, there will be a series of posts about refurbishing the Leclerc Fanny, and I’m excited to share this journey. If you’ve ever refurbished a loom, feel free to comment below!

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