If you have never worked with handspun yarn, now is the time to try it! Handspun yarn has become huge in the last few years, with fiber spinners from all over the globe working their butts off to bring handspun yarn to the masses of knitters, crocheters and weavers out there. This article will highlight 5 reasons why you should have it in your stash. Be careful though – once you go handspun there is no turning back.
Custom Colors
Because it’s handmade, there is virtually no limit on color, and most spinners are overjoyed at the idea of providing a custom color for you; something that is not an option with commercially spun yarn. Many spinners also use natural dyes in their work, some even making the dyes themselves from what they forage from nature!
Ethically Sourced Fiber
Spinners have a special connection with the animals whose fiber they spin. Many get their wool from local farms when possible, and use only verified ethically sourced wool when it has to be brought in from elsewhere. This not only supports their local economy but supports small farms globally. You won’t find this with commercially spun yarn, where the priority is sourcing the cheapest fiber possible to keep costs low and profits high.
Adds Character to Projects
Whether you are using art yarn for your entire project or just using it as an accent, it is going to stand out. No two skeins of art yarn are alike, which means whatever you create will be one of a kind! Some art yarns add a subtle touch while others add a nice pop of color. This makes knitted gifts more personable!
Much Nicer to Knit With
The tactile difference with handspun art yarn is one of those things that has to be experienced. The spinner has this wool going through their fingers for hours on end so it stands to reason that they would only use the softest, most comfortable wool to work with. This is also crucial for quality control because they have personally touched every inch of the yarn and can easily identify and pull anything that doesn’t make the cut.
Supports Independent Artists
The four reasons listed above tie directly to this point. Independent spinners rely on a great product to get their love of handspun yarn into the hands of others. It’s not only about making the sale. Seeing somebody squish a skein of yarn that you’ve worked so hard to produce and gleefully comment on how lovely it is makes their heart melt. Every time you purchase a skein of handspun art yarn from a hand spinner you are keeping the spinning community alive!
The Author:
Ken McEachern