The two scanes look beautiful, I enjoy your tour de Fleece! I just finished crochet a old type of curten, this style used to hang in old home with old people, half across the window. For me the best compliment was; ' my grandma had this stuff in the window..you are becoming a granny...... ' 😂😂 i like it! It is very satisfiing to do what grandma's did but then being very young. 😊 Me in my 30's Cheers
Well yes, then they mean it is a compliment. But I had People Yell ''hier zit een oud moederke'' at me, then that is not meant as a compliment, clearly...
I had an old yoga mat, was drooling over needles stoppers ,was about to buy for an exorbitant price when the yoga mat said , cut me up and reuse me. Would you believe it! Perfect needle stoppers and I have enough yoga mat to see out several lifetimes.
I agree so much with your popular opinion! I went to a fiber festival a few months ago and was shocked at,mown complete lack of anything mill spun. Hanspun is unequivocally the winner
I made do with the auto caption, but just like with handspun yarn vs commercial, the handmade ones just can't be beat ❤️ (It was funny seeing them attempt to spell merino tho)
I got to chatting with a lady at jury duty a few months ago, and when I pulled out my knitting she went into the “you should start an Etsy shop!” stuff. And then would. Not. Stop. The rest of the day, even in the middle of a conversation, she’d say, “sorry, I just can’t stop thinking about how successful your Etsy shop would be!” Even after I’d explained all my reasons for why I would never even consider it. People are so strange. I draw as well, and people are much more considerate when I tell them that I don’t take drawing commissions for some reason.
People expect the knitting to be much cheaper than drawings, mostly, but still also will not pay what I ask for my artwork. Last time they tried to haggle off 50%. Yeah, I'm sorry, that drawing is just going home with me again.
All my life friends and relatives have been telling me to sell what I do (as many persons in the comments ,who has got one skill, has many others) as long as it is fun it's OK. Someone can make a job out of that, for me it won't be fun anymore. And it's hobby, not professional ,what I do. Easy. That's why I don't sell.
I feel you! I love to cook, smoke meats, bake, etc. “You should open a restaurant!” - “You need to sell your baking!” - “People would pay a fortune for your sugarpaste flowers! Sell them!” I doodle and draw a lot, enjoy painting, have fun with scrapbooking. “Sell it!” - “Open an Etsy shop!” I absolutely love to knit, especially lace knitting. “You could make a fortune selling those scarves and wraps!” I make meads, country wines and ciders. “You should sell them!” August last year (2023) I discovered spinning. “You absolutely NEED to sell your yarn and your knitting!” Erm… no. It’s not because I happen to have a few skills and enjoy making stuff that I am interested in selling any of it. In the case of my home made alcohols, it would be illegal to. And there is absolutely no way people could afford what I make if I were to charge even minimum wage. I don’t want to turn my “want to’s” into “have to’s”. I’m perfectly willing to trade skills. A colleague of mine exchanged a lace knit scarf for his wife, for several woodturning items. A vet friend of mine helped me trim my dogs nails in exchange of me decorating the cupcakes for her toddler son’s birthday. I’ve exchanged spun yarn for recently rooted plant cuttings. More often than not I already have something and offer an exchange that seems fair. Both parties donate time and skill, at times even the raw materials. But selling? Heck no. And I don’t give a rat’s (bleep) if people call me selfish. As soon as people offer money, they start haggling about the price, comment about the method and execution. I don’t have the time, energy or patience for that.
First off: those skeins of yarn are absolutely gorgeous! 😍 About selling your work: I’ve been there. Nope. No. Njet. Nein. Non. NO WAY. Not dealing with the “Do it for the EXPOSURE!”, the haggling, the 1001 changes to a design, the comments about it being too handmade or not handmade enough, the pressure (“Aren’t you done with it yet?”), etc. I cook, I bake, I cure/smoke foods, I prepare spice blends, rubs and pastes, I make meads, wines and ciders, I ferment vegetables, I dry foods, I draw, I paint, I do calligraphy, I knit, I crochet, I scrapbook, I spin yarn. I do all of it because I enjoy doing so. I enjoy doing all of it at my own pace, in the manner I choose, when I choose to do so. I enjoy sharing the end results. I do not at all enjoy the entitlement that seems to come with any monetary exchange that could potentially come with it, let alone the legalities involved. So no thank you. Whomever decides to start bugging me about selling can go find the door and see themselves out. I’ll even admit to at times secretly hoping the door hits them on the way out if they’re being particularly obnoxious about it. Because apparently I’ve got a petty streak when pushed far enough.
Hi Jente, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ Try Addi Circular Needles they come in 9in & 12 in sizes I'm not quite sure what their smallest size is but they do have a 2.5mm. Great for socks. Ohhh by the way I'm an "old lady" 68 almost 69 yrs old and No I'm Not Offended at all. I only started Spinning in 2221, using Drop Spindles and am self taught. So I guess you're Never too old to learn anything new. (66) when I started to learn to Spin. I love the Yarn. You knit whatever makes you happy. I actually made an Art Batt (successfully) on my Blending Board and Spun before the unfortunate flare up happened that meant that I couldnt spin Have made 2 more beautiful Art Batts. I say beautiful because the first one wasn't as good as these last 2. Hopefully will be able to get back Spinning this week. Happy Spinning and TDF Sweet Fibre Friend 🎡🚴♂️🐑🥰🌞 Take care and stay safe Lots of love and Big Hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🫂🐕
I'm not offended by being called an old lady, it's just the concept of devalueing spinning/knitting by saying it's only something little old ladies do, which in their condescending eyes makes it ''less of a craft'' that let's say woodworking, or any other male-dominated craft.
so ... I don't know much about spinning and I'm not sure that I acatually want to do all the combing and stuff of the wool but ... I have a wierd attraction to spinning wheels and I love handspun yarn and at the age of 60 I am learning to make my own natural dyes to dye my yarns and fabrics, I love textures and the natural variations in hand dyed yarns. I am from South Africa, where Merino is king but I honestly can't tell it apart from other wools, what matters to me is how the yarn feels and then I look at what its made from. I do love cottons, bamboo, silks, alpaca etc, unfortunately my bank account does not always allow for these beautiful things in life. I am also more of a crocheter than a knitter, but I never give up trying. Now this whole loooooooong story is a lead up to my favourite unpopular opinion ..... when people are of the opinion that because something is handmade it must be cheap. They are very quick to ask you to make something for them but are very rude when you ask a fair price (that is still waaaayyyyyy less than it should be). I very sweetly tell them that it is not just handmade, it is an original, once off DESIGNER item, and if they want cheap then they must go shop at Pick n Pay (similar to Walmart) and support child labour. These days I also only make as gifts for my loved ones, who know and appreciate all the love and energy that went into making their gift. I think you are dreadfully talented, just a little crazy (in a good way) and terribly funny - I love your video's - thankyou for sharing yourself with us 😘😘
I share these unpopular opinions 😂 I laughed, a lot!!! If you haven’t heard the haptic hue podcast give it a go. I think you will enjoy it. It’s my favorite fiber arts podcast.
hehehehe love your dances for dramatic effect! :) hehehe! And yes, I agree with most of your opinions, apart from i love chunkier knits - but that's mostly because I've only been spinning for 3 weeks and I can't spin anything finer atm haha!xx
I really like the extra video's during Tour de Fleece (and hat off to you for keeping up with it... editing must be a lot of extra work). I have barely spun since that medieval reenactment I did at the start of the Tour because I am an idiot and I keep filling up all my free time and then consequently being exhausted all the time... but at least I can get my spinning kick vicareously through you!
Editing is a lot of work, but I'm also having a lot of fun with it! And I enjoy the extra conversations made possible by the extra videos 😁 And yes, TdF + social life is hard. 😅
I love the long wools to spin with all of their shine and drape. And Gotland is also a favorite. I’m addicted to the dark colored wools like the one you spun and which are so beautiful to spin but can be challenging to knit with my old eyes. I mix some silk or bamboo into them for a pop of color. My husband keeps suggesting I open an Etsy shop because my handspun is growing at a rate beyond my knitting or weaving capacity but I just can’t stand thinking about the hassle of judgmental people not being satisfied with the effort and time it takes to make a beautiful skein. I enjoy watching your chaos goblin antics. Thanks for the fun videos which make my spinning time happier. ❤❤😊
So spicy 🔥🔥 thanks for sharing! I feel like "unpopular opinions" gives so much insight into someone's personality. Also I totally agree on the "selfish knitter"-thing. I think I can fairly say that i despise this term with every fiber (haha) in my body. In Denmark it's very popular to call everything you make for yourself "egostrik" (selfish-knit)... It's meant to be cute and like "I'm choosing to spoil myself"-ish, but to me, it's like you are bad for wanting the stuff you spend so much time on for yourself.. anyway. Sorry about the rant 😅 I loved this video as usual! And I LOVE that I don't have to wait until Wednesday to see it 🙌
Never apologise for ranting about such important topics! I agree that saying it is ''selfish'' just makes people feel bad about themselves. I developed this skill for me, not for anyone Else. (Or well, to make people laugh on the internet, but that's just a nice bonus 😁)
I found your channel a few weeks ago and I love it! I agree that merino is over rated. I have been trying critically endangered and threatened breeds here in the US. I love Gulf Coast Native it is soft like merino but without all of the lanolin and nepps. I love trying new breeds but my favorite ever is Gotland (Swedish breed). I love your comment on the price of selling things homemade. I'd pay for real wool over acrylic anyway. Also, I love your clothing choices!
Yes, I try to always spin with local endangered breeds too! Although I got gifted some other fleeces as well, but I'll defend my Flemish sheep every day 😁
@@MijnWolden haha we are the same. I won't turn down a fleece but try to spin endangered ones the most. I do like to try sheep from places my ancestors were from as well. I like history and the relating I guess 😁
Agreed with your hot takes, especially the one about nylon. My wool/nylon socks wear out such that the wool disappears and just thin nylon strands are left, which is functionally nearly the same as a hole and still needs to be darned.
I don’t know if you check comments on old videos but I’m absolutely in love with the short sleeve cardigan you have on around ten minutes in - if there’s any chance I can get the pattern name, I’d love to have a go at making it myself! I really love your videos! I’ve been binge-watching them while I’ve been weaving the last couple of days and you are inspiring me to have a go at prepping my own fleece - I’ve wanted to but been so nervous about it but your attitude of “just try stuff” is really encouraging me!
I like your opinions. 😁 Maybe 'unpopular' opinions are more popular than we often think, they just aren't getting communicated enough. ... That said, it really annoys me that even if a little helpy thingy might actually be helpful, its that god damn plastic sh***. And thanks for speaking up on that 'selfish'-crafter topic. Its kinda sad. I mean, thanks (to that strange person), for considering my creations worth any money, but then money isn't that much worth to me (at that point) in comparison to my creation and also i just startet learning to do that, can i please make something for myself first. etc. 🙄 Ok, fealing better now... Thanks for you (&-r Vlogs)! Your yarn is absolutely gorgeous, i really like that color! ❤
@@MijnWolden unfortunatelly and more marketable, cause who would buy i.e. wooden needle stoppers if you could just stick a hollow twig on it , i assume. ... glad we have the choice, even if its 'just' not buying it. Anyway... happy onward spinning! 🙂
I would agree as well, just finishing a project that contains Merino, chosen only because I was trying to match colors, and it wasn't as enjoyable as many of the heritage breeds I have spun.
I know how you felt with the withdrawal symptoms, I had the same today. I was at a family members birthday party and I kept thinking I should be spinning now! I just started on my zwartbles alpaca blend and it's spinning so wonderfully! It feels so much nicer to spin than the marino I was doing last week. That one felt like I was felting it right there in my hands, this one feels a little more oily and silky and smooth! And it doesn't felt in my hands when I get the tiniest bit sweaty.
Just stopped shouting out "Yes" and laughing out loud. Another really refreshing video! I agree to your arguments, esp. concerning Merino and the selling of handspun/handknit wool. Since I started spinning wool myself, I haven't bought any more either.
As I said in other occasions, I like painting with oil colours. Just a hobby. I've studied languages not painting so it's rare I do something by commission (I made some good drawings as birthday gifts and a couple for my parents ,I love big canvas like 1 meter and more...)I let people who are really able to do it, doing it. But you're right. People just ask you to do something just because you have skill. Many friends asked me (well I did lots of drawings for tattoos to be sincere and all of them went done)but just once a friend of mine insisted so much to have something painted in her house. Other persons just ask once just to express a desire to have an image they like in their house. They forget immediately. So this gives the idea of the real importance they give to what I do. They just ask and then don't care. I don't mind. 😊 and the worse thing? I don't paint faces (ritratti)it's not my stuff. And what they ask? That. Just because you have a certain skill you have to be able to do everything. I like landscapes, OK? 😂😂😂And if I paint it's because I want something to hang in my room 😬😬😬
I paint mostly faces and very realistic, and then they ask "can you design me a logo?". Friend, do you not see that graphic design and realistic painting are two whole different skills?
So agree that knitting commissions are a no for me. I have no desire to turn my free time joy in my work time job. If I do I’ll just need a new free time joy.
My first hand spun, knit sweater is a big bulky ugly thing. Love it to death. No, I don't think I look good in it. Merino being overrated. Yes it is. On the other hand I see so many spinners fall in love with merino based breeds. And worse, I see people make merino spinners feel bad over their choice of wool. It is so easy to get merino no one should be shamed when they spin it. Instead they should be encouraged to branch out into other breeds. Handspun has life in it, unlike machine made yarns. We spin everything into our yarns. Have you thought about shoring up your niddy noddy joints with raw hide? Raw hide (untreated leather) stretches when wet and shrinks when it is dry. So if you soak raw hide strips in water then wrap the joints in your niddy noddy and let it dry it should almost cement it in place. If you ever need or want to take it off just rewet til it stretches again.
Oh for sure nobody should be shamed for their fiber choices! On the other hand I get the hibigibies from influencers making posts about how all other wool is itchy, and only using Merino Will not be itchy. Didn't know about those magic raw hide properties!
you nailed it, and you have come to realization much earlier in life than I did. Thick spunyarn with lumps is not fine. no, I don't spin and create for others, my time is as precious as yours. it takes a long time for me to spin and then knit, so my salary would be very low, almost free, if someone else would buy what I created, at a reasonable price. merino wool wool is overrated... thanks for your vlogs. Sweden on Gotland
Oooh you do your plying bracelets the opposite way from me... Interesting. Maybe I learned it wrong lol I'm very much with you on the podcasts tbh, I wish I could find them interesting but. They're just frustrating to me >_> unless it's for background noise. I do like me some Slightly Chunky sweaters tho, I'm heavy and the squish factor is important to me in terms of comfort. Also! The entire gig mindset is SO bad and it's rotted our relationship to so many hobbies and skills and even each other. The idea that everything must be monetised is so toxic, and yet it's so hard to fight it when so many of us need every scrap of financial stability we can get. It really sucks how this situation saps the joy out of everything.
A few years ago I was needle felting some gnomes. A woman asked me to make her a couple Christmas tree ornament sized gnomes. She didn't want to pay me the $10 because she said she could get ornaments at Walmart cheaper and besides, she says "you're just making them while you're watching Television anyway"
I don't necessarily hate spinning merino, but I hate the awful marketing ploys like "merino is the only wool that doesn't make you want to scratch you skin off!"
Other people go on about how beautiful it is to spin, honestly I really hate it. I'd much rather spin a long wool breed or a lovely rare bread that has character and is from down the road, not Australia. Also I find merino a bit tricky to spin, it can be (for me) a bit slippy and meh.
there is absolutely nothing wrong or bad about being a little old lady. my grandmother was one, and i have very fond memories of her, and i most certainly hope to be a little old lady like her some day myself. . she was loved and respected by most everyone - ecxept maybe some condescending fools.
Of course there is nothing wrong with being a little old lady, but calling a thirty year old a little old lady because of whatever hobbies... Well yes, that makes them condescending Fools.
I agree so strongly that merino is overrated that I'm developing and teaching a class on non-merino yarns for my LYS to try and get people to branch out. I have a hot take that's adjacent on audio knitting podcasts, which is that it's not interesting to listen to people describe their knitting projects. It's just not. Which is a problem, because that's what 90% of audio knitting podcasts are doing, and it's why I don't listen to them, despite being in desperate need of more audio podcasts. I will start working on my dances to accompany these takes ASAP. But perhaps my most burning, strongest current hot take is that anyone who tells you that vegetable matter will "drop out" while spinning is both lying and probably hates you (me), personally.
Yes, that is my problem with video knitting podcasts too. I don't want to hear about a project you're holding... That's straight up boring. Show me what you're doing. I personally also find video knitting podcasts so overdone, everyone and their mom has one. And some are even so inexperienced that they'll tell you about their very first raglan knit. I'm no expert, but I also don't claim to be. If your video is just you talking, then I'd expect you know what you're talking about (I might sound a bit like a hypocrite here but I'm okay with it)
@@MijnWolden I'm more tolerant if someone is showing me something at the same time they're describing it. At least then I can actually see what they've made instead of hearing "it's this pattern in this yarn in this color" and I'm just like "well that gives me absolutely nothing".
You certainly hit on something this time think you have so many comments,I love my interchangeably needles but wish as you said they had more smaller needles in ther sets and longer cables had to buy them separately, sorry head spin catch you later
I'm guessing the widespread infatuation with merino is because it's the most available yarn with the best combination of sturdiness, softness, and affordability. You're overloaded with so many different kinds of fleeces, why even consider merino?
A lot of businesses and frankly also people are of the (very agressive) opinion that Merino is the only wool that doesn't itch. I personally never really consider merino, but I get very annoyed by this half-truth being spread everywhere.
Love your videos, totally agree with your 'unpopular opinions'. One unpopular option of my own... please don't start videos with "without further ado". Everybody does it. Its such a you tube clichè. Aargh! 🤪
Excema Gang Rise Up!! And "selfish knitter" gang rise up! I have straight up ruined family gatherings by getting into arguments over selling my knits or knitting on commission but they looked at my (large and lacy!!!) shawl they knew I knit myself and looked me in the eye and said "You should sell stuff like that! I would even pay $60 for it!!" and then got offended when I pointed out that it was 80$ in supplies alone and over $300 in labor. this was 5 years ago and im still steamed about it. :/ And a disagreement! I love my interchangeable needle set. I feel like I do use the full range but I do a lot of lacy knits and a lot of big needle small yarn mesh kind of knitting as well. I did have to buy a separate sock set of fixed needles but I havent purchased new needles in years in large part because of my trusty interchangeable set. Edited to add a personal opinion: I dont like how most botanical printing (when flower petals are arranged on a fabric and then beat to release the colors) looks. of course there are always some people who can make it lovely but I feel most of the time the colors all run together and become muddy. Even people who do it regularly make duds imo.
oh another thing, people who insist you start from the centre of the ball. Honestly it makes no dissernable difference from what I can see and often makes a mess when it collapses in on itself.
@@MijnWolden Only the locally sourced Icelandic sheep from my own flock just outside our patio window :D I'm still so, so new to this. Currently processing fleece for the first time.
Ooooh exciting! You'll be hooked in no time ;-) Icelandic wool is something I'd love to get my hands on one day. (After I finish all the Flemish sheep)
@@MijnWolden well if you're ever nearby in Scotland you can have a fleece as I've 30 to get through right now 🤣 Waiting on thermometer so I can get my water for scouring just right 👌🏻
No judgment, just trying to understand maybe you have an opinion. Why do people make podcasts? Why do we watch them? Why do we pay to see these beautiful things or see them earlier than someone else? Just trying to figure it out.
The two scanes look beautiful, I enjoy your tour de Fleece!
I just finished crochet a old type of curten, this style used to hang in old home with old people, half across the window. For me the best compliment was; ' my grandma had this stuff in the window..you are becoming a granny...... ' 😂😂 i like it!
It is very satisfiing to do what grandma's did but then being very young. 😊 Me in my 30's
Cheers
Well yes, then they mean it is a compliment. But I had People Yell ''hier zit een oud moederke'' at me, then that is not meant as a compliment, clearly...
I had an old yoga mat, was drooling over needles stoppers ,was about to buy for an exorbitant price when the yoga mat said , cut me up and reuse me. Would you believe it! Perfect needle stoppers and I have enough yoga mat to see out several lifetimes.
That's some clever reusing!
I'm one minute in and I'm already rolling! 😭🤣
Mission accomplished 😎
Closed Captions are live! Also, what's your favourite unpopular opinion?
I agree so much with your popular opinion! I went to a fiber festival a few months ago and was shocked at,mown complete lack of anything mill spun. Hanspun is unequivocally the winner
@@Coastalwoolwashing very much envious of fiber festivals! Not a thing here 🙃
I made do with the auto caption, but just like with handspun yarn vs commercial, the handmade ones just can't be beat ❤️
(It was funny seeing them attempt to spell merino tho)
Can I just say I really appreciate that you take the time to do captions!!
I got to chatting with a lady at jury duty a few months ago, and when I pulled out my knitting she went into the “you should start an Etsy shop!” stuff. And then would. Not. Stop. The rest of the day, even in the middle of a conversation, she’d say, “sorry, I just can’t stop thinking about how successful your Etsy shop would be!” Even after I’d explained all my reasons for why I would never even consider it. People are so strange. I draw as well, and people are much more considerate when I tell them that I don’t take drawing commissions for some reason.
People expect the knitting to be much cheaper than drawings, mostly, but still also will not pay what I ask for my artwork. Last time they tried to haggle off 50%. Yeah, I'm sorry, that drawing is just going home with me again.
All my life friends and relatives have been telling me to sell what I do (as many persons in the comments ,who has got one skill, has many others) as long as it is fun it's OK. Someone can make a job out of that, for me it won't be fun anymore. And it's hobby, not professional ,what I do. Easy. That's why I don't sell.
I feel you!
I love to cook, smoke meats, bake, etc. “You should open a restaurant!” - “You need to sell your baking!” - “People would pay a fortune for your sugarpaste flowers! Sell them!”
I doodle and draw a lot, enjoy painting, have fun with scrapbooking. “Sell it!” - “Open an Etsy shop!”
I absolutely love to knit, especially lace knitting. “You could make a fortune selling those scarves and wraps!”
I make meads, country wines and ciders. “You should sell them!”
August last year (2023) I discovered spinning. “You absolutely NEED to sell your yarn and your knitting!”
Erm… no. It’s not because I happen to have a few skills and enjoy making stuff that I am interested in selling any of it. In the case of my home made alcohols, it would be illegal to. And there is absolutely no way people could afford what I make if I were to charge even minimum wage. I don’t want to turn my “want to’s” into “have to’s”.
I’m perfectly willing to trade skills. A colleague of mine exchanged a lace knit scarf for his wife, for several woodturning items. A vet friend of mine helped me trim my dogs nails in exchange of me decorating the cupcakes for her toddler son’s birthday. I’ve exchanged spun yarn for recently rooted plant cuttings. More often than not I already have something and offer an exchange that seems fair. Both parties donate time and skill, at times even the raw materials.
But selling? Heck no. And I don’t give a rat’s (bleep) if people call me selfish. As soon as people offer money, they start haggling about the price, comment about the method and execution. I don’t have the time, energy or patience for that.
For one of your videos I would love to know more about your country and culture. I believe other peoples cultures are fascinating.🥰
Coming up next Sunday!
That wool has such a gorgeous colour 😍
:D It does, right?!
Agreed with everything you said and I must say you have got some sick dance moves!
💃
First off: those skeins of yarn are absolutely gorgeous! 😍
About selling your work: I’ve been there. Nope. No. Njet. Nein. Non. NO WAY. Not dealing with the “Do it for the EXPOSURE!”, the haggling, the 1001 changes to a design, the comments about it being too handmade or not handmade enough, the pressure (“Aren’t you done with it yet?”), etc. I cook, I bake, I cure/smoke foods, I prepare spice blends, rubs and pastes, I make meads, wines and ciders, I ferment vegetables, I dry foods, I draw, I paint, I do calligraphy, I knit, I crochet, I scrapbook, I spin yarn. I do all of it because I enjoy doing so. I enjoy doing all of it at my own pace, in the manner I choose, when I choose to do so. I enjoy sharing the end results.
I do not at all enjoy the entitlement that seems to come with any monetary exchange that could potentially come with it, let alone the legalities involved. So no thank you. Whomever decides to start bugging me about selling can go find the door and see themselves out. I’ll even admit to at times secretly hoping the door hits them on the way out if they’re being particularly obnoxious about it. Because apparently I’ve got a petty streak when pushed far enough.
That's an *obvious* opinion and I love it
I agree on the chunky knits, however...there's something great about being a giant cloud blob during winter in the comfort of your own home 🤣
I achieve cloud blob my layering all the wools on top of each other 😁
@@MijnWolden adapt. Overcome. 😂👌
Hi Jente, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️
Try Addi Circular Needles they come in 9in & 12 in sizes I'm not quite sure what their smallest size is but they do have a 2.5mm. Great for socks.
Ohhh by the way I'm an "old lady" 68 almost 69 yrs old and No I'm Not Offended at all. I only started Spinning in 2221, using Drop Spindles and am self taught. So I guess you're Never too old to learn anything new. (66) when I started to learn to Spin.
I love the Yarn. You knit whatever makes you happy.
I actually made an Art Batt (successfully) on my Blending Board and Spun before the unfortunate flare up happened that meant that I couldnt spin Have made 2 more beautiful Art Batts. I say beautiful because the first one wasn't as good as these last 2.
Hopefully will be able to get back Spinning this week.
Happy Spinning and TDF Sweet Fibre
Friend 🎡🚴♂️🐑🥰🌞
Take care and stay safe
Lots of love and Big Hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🫂🐕
I'm not offended by being called an old lady, it's just the concept of devalueing spinning/knitting by saying it's only something little old ladies do, which in their condescending eyes makes it ''less of a craft'' that let's say woodworking, or any other male-dominated craft.
so ... I don't know much about spinning and I'm not sure that I acatually want to do all the combing and stuff of the wool but ... I have a wierd attraction to spinning wheels and I love handspun yarn and at the age of 60 I am learning to make my own natural dyes to dye my yarns and fabrics, I love textures and the natural variations in hand dyed yarns. I am from South Africa, where Merino is king but I honestly can't tell it apart from other wools, what matters to me is how the yarn feels and then I look at what its made from. I do love cottons, bamboo, silks, alpaca etc, unfortunately my bank account does not always allow for these beautiful things in life. I am also more of a crocheter than a knitter, but I never give up trying. Now this whole loooooooong story is a lead up to my favourite unpopular opinion ..... when people are of the opinion that because something is handmade it must be cheap. They are very quick to ask you to make something for them but are very rude when you ask a fair price (that is still waaaayyyyyy less than it should be). I very sweetly tell them that it is not just handmade, it is an original, once off DESIGNER item, and if they want cheap then they must go shop at Pick n Pay (similar to Walmart) and support child labour. These days I also only make as gifts for my loved ones, who know and appreciate all the love and energy that went into making their gift. I think you are dreadfully talented, just a little crazy (in a good way) and terribly funny - I love your video's - thankyou for sharing yourself with us 😘😘
We should say that our handmade stuff is actually couture. 😎
@@MijnWolden I agree 100%
I share these unpopular opinions 😂 I laughed, a lot!!!
If you haven’t heard the haptic hue podcast give it a go. I think you will enjoy it. It’s my favorite fiber arts podcast.
I'll look it up!
@@MijnWolden let me know what you think.
also agree, great podcast!
I third this recommendation! It has been my go-to podcast while spindle spinning these past few weeks :)
hehehehe love your dances for dramatic effect! :) hehehe! And yes, I agree with most of your opinions, apart from i love chunkier knits - but that's mostly because I've only been spinning for 3 weeks and I can't spin anything finer atm haha!xx
Just wait a few weeks 😉 finer spinning will come so natural that chunky Spins require effort 😁
I really like the extra video's during Tour de Fleece (and hat off to you for keeping up with it... editing must be a lot of extra work). I have barely spun since that medieval reenactment I did at the start of the Tour because I am an idiot and I keep filling up all my free time and then consequently being exhausted all the time... but at least I can get my spinning kick vicareously through you!
Editing is a lot of work, but I'm also having a lot of fun with it! And I enjoy the extra conversations made possible by the extra videos 😁
And yes, TdF + social life is hard. 😅
I love the energy in the hot takes part! 😁
Thanks 😁
I love the long wools to spin with all of their shine and drape. And Gotland is also a favorite. I’m addicted to the dark colored wools like the one you spun and which are so beautiful to spin but can be challenging to knit with my old eyes. I mix some silk or bamboo into them for a pop of color. My husband keeps suggesting I open an Etsy shop because my handspun is growing at a rate beyond my knitting or weaving capacity but I just can’t stand thinking about the hassle of judgmental people not being satisfied with the effort and time it takes to make a beautiful skein. I enjoy watching your chaos goblin antics. Thanks for the fun videos which make my spinning time happier. ❤❤😊
That and if you would ever want fair compensation for your yarns, people will judge the prices too...
@@MijnWolden For sure. They could not/would no pay my hourly rate or the price of the valuable wools that I spin.
So spicy 🔥🔥 thanks for sharing! I feel like "unpopular opinions" gives so much insight into someone's personality.
Also I totally agree on the "selfish knitter"-thing. I think I can fairly say that i despise this term with every fiber (haha) in my body. In Denmark it's very popular to call everything you make for yourself "egostrik" (selfish-knit)... It's meant to be cute and like "I'm choosing to spoil myself"-ish, but to me, it's like you are bad for wanting the stuff you spend so much time on for yourself.. anyway. Sorry about the rant 😅 I loved this video as usual! And I LOVE that I don't have to wait until Wednesday to see it 🙌
Never apologise for ranting about such important topics! I agree that saying it is ''selfish'' just makes people feel bad about themselves. I developed this skill for me, not for anyone Else. (Or well, to make people laugh on the internet, but that's just a nice bonus 😁)
I usually use a centre pull ball instead of a plying bracelet. It’s what I do for my spindle yarn.
But then you'd have to cut the yarn, right? I like that with a bracelet it's still part of the same skein
I found your channel a few weeks ago and I love it! I agree that merino is over rated. I have been trying critically endangered and threatened breeds here in the US. I love Gulf Coast Native it is soft like merino but without all of the lanolin and nepps. I love trying new breeds but my favorite ever is Gotland (Swedish breed). I love your comment on the price of selling things homemade. I'd pay for real wool over acrylic anyway. Also, I love your clothing choices!
Yes, I try to always spin with local endangered breeds too! Although I got gifted some other fleeces as well, but I'll defend my Flemish sheep every day 😁
@@MijnWolden haha we are the same. I won't turn down a fleece but try to spin endangered ones the most. I do like to try sheep from places my ancestors were from as well. I like history and the relating I guess 😁
Amen 😊to your comments so agree. Let us keep it real. Thanks for the video and joy ❤ sending happy fiber warm hugs from Katy from NZ
Thank you ☺️
Another great video. Thanks for making it.
Thank you for commenting on it 😁
Agreed with your hot takes, especially the one about nylon. My wool/nylon socks wear out such that the wool disappears and just thin nylon strands are left, which is functionally nearly the same as a hole and still needs to be darned.
That's an interesting development I hadn't heard yet! Thank you for sharing ☺️
I totaly agree on you saying that nothing beats a handspun yarn. Amen!
Amen 😁
I don’t know if you check comments on old videos but I’m absolutely in love with the short sleeve cardigan you have on around ten minutes in - if there’s any chance I can get the pattern name, I’d love to have a go at making it myself!
I really love your videos! I’ve been binge-watching them while I’ve been weaving the last couple of days and you are inspiring me to have a go at prepping my own fleece - I’ve wanted to but been so nervous about it but your attitude of “just try stuff” is really encouraging me!
I didn't use a pattern, just followed instructions for the crochet wave stitch and made a couple of rectangles and sewed them together 😅
@@MijnWolden ahh thank you!! I will see if I can create my own version of that then :)
I like your opinions. 😁 Maybe 'unpopular' opinions are more popular than we often think, they just aren't getting communicated enough.
...
That said, it really annoys me that even if a little helpy thingy might actually be helpful, its that god damn plastic sh***. And thanks for speaking up on that 'selfish'-crafter topic. Its kinda sad. I mean, thanks (to that strange person), for considering my creations worth any money, but then money isn't that much worth to me (at that point) in comparison to my creation and also i just startet learning to do that, can i please make something for myself first. etc. 🙄 Ok, fealing better now...
Thanks for you (&-r Vlogs)! Your yarn is absolutely gorgeous, i really like that color! ❤
Yes! Why does it all need to be plastic? Why not Cork, or wood, or metal? It's all possible. Plastic is just the cheapest I assume...
@@MijnWolden unfortunatelly and more marketable, cause who would buy i.e. wooden needle stoppers if you could just stick a hollow twig on it , i assume. ... glad we have the choice, even if its 'just' not buying it. Anyway... happy onward spinning! 🙂
"Merino is vastly overrated" YES!!! 100000% agree!
That's a lot of % 😎
I would agree as well, just finishing a project that contains Merino, chosen only because I was trying to match colors, and it wasn't as enjoyable as many of the heritage breeds I have spun.
@@billijo111 All the love for heritage breeds!
I know how you felt with the withdrawal symptoms, I had the same today. I was at a family members birthday party and I kept thinking I should be spinning now! I just started on my zwartbles alpaca blend and it's spinning so wonderfully! It feels so much nicer to spin than the marino I was doing last week. That one felt like I was felting it right there in my hands, this one feels a little more oily and silky and smooth! And it doesn't felt in my hands when I get the tiniest bit sweaty.
How dare people plan things during TdF, right?!
I thought the caterpillar was a bit of fluff rolling in the wind haha! I never understood the knitting needle caps.
The caterpillar did fit with my floofs yes 😁
Just stopped shouting out "Yes" and laughing out loud. Another really refreshing video! I agree to your arguments, esp. concerning Merino and the selling of handspun/handknit wool. Since I started spinning wool myself, I haven't bought any more either.
Mission accomplished 😎
@@MijnWolden 👍💪Yes!!!
As I said in other occasions, I like painting with oil colours. Just a hobby. I've studied languages not painting so it's rare I do something by commission (I made some good drawings as birthday gifts and a couple for my parents ,I love big canvas like 1 meter and more...)I let people who are really able to do it, doing it. But you're right. People just ask you to do something just because you have skill. Many friends asked me (well I did lots of drawings for tattoos to be sincere and all of them went done)but just once a friend of mine insisted so much to have something painted in her house. Other persons just ask once just to express a desire to have an image they like in their house. They forget immediately. So this gives the idea of the real importance they give to what I do. They just ask and then don't care. I don't mind. 😊 and the worse thing? I don't paint faces (ritratti)it's not my stuff. And what they ask? That. Just because you have a certain skill you have to be able to do everything. I like landscapes, OK? 😂😂😂And if I paint it's because I want something to hang in my room 😬😬😬
I paint mostly faces and very realistic, and then they ask "can you design me a logo?". Friend, do you not see that graphic design and realistic painting are two whole different skills?
@@MijnWolden here we are ,you hit the point. "Drawing"is just an "umbrella word", that encloses billions of things. People only see one concept. 🙈
I'm totally with you, handspun yarn can't be beat!🥰
Handspun best spun 😎
So agree that knitting commissions are a no for me. I have no desire to turn my free time joy in my work time job. If I do I’ll just need a new free time joy.
Exactly! And I already have a job, don't want to turn the rest of my day into another job.
I was gifted an interchangeable needle set that went down to 2.75 mm, but yeah they are a bit pricey.
having quarter sizes is rare!
Proud mom ❤
I agree with your "not popular" comments.
😁 thanks
do you have video how to make the ply bracelet? Enloy your videos
I don't have an actual tutorial, but there are many on TH-cam!
True! Tiny Fibre Studio has a very good one.
Lols I didn’t realise I agreed with so many unpopular opinions 😂😂😂
Hmmmm maybe they're not so unpopular After all then 🤔😂
My first hand spun, knit sweater is a big bulky ugly thing. Love it to death. No, I don't think I look good in it. Merino being overrated. Yes it is. On the other hand I see so many spinners fall in love with merino based breeds. And worse, I see people make merino spinners feel bad over their choice of wool. It is so easy to get merino no one should be shamed when they spin it. Instead they should be encouraged to branch out into other breeds. Handspun has life in it, unlike machine made yarns. We spin everything into our yarns.
Have you thought about shoring up your niddy noddy joints with raw hide? Raw hide (untreated leather) stretches when wet and shrinks when it is dry. So if you soak raw hide strips in water then wrap the joints in your niddy noddy and let it dry it should almost cement it in place. If you ever need or want to take it off just rewet til it stretches again.
Oh for sure nobody should be shamed for their fiber choices! On the other hand I get the hibigibies from influencers making posts about how all other wool is itchy, and only using Merino Will not be itchy.
Didn't know about those magic raw hide properties!
you nailed it,
and you have come to realization much earlier in life than I did.
Thick spunyarn with lumps is not fine.
no, I don't spin and create for others, my time is as precious as yours.
it takes a long time for me to spin and then knit, so my salary would be very low, almost free, if someone else would buy what I created, at a reasonable price.
merino wool wool is overrated...
thanks for your vlogs.
Sweden on Gotland
Thank you! Then I guess you also understan: "But you like knitting, so why would you even charge that much" - rolls eyes agressively...
And the accountant likes numbers, the hairdresser likes hair, the singer loves to sing and Everyone has to eat, live and...
Even artists must Eat
❤️
Oooh you do your plying bracelets the opposite way from me... Interesting. Maybe I learned it wrong lol
I'm very much with you on the podcasts tbh, I wish I could find them interesting but. They're just frustrating to me >_> unless it's for background noise.
I do like me some Slightly Chunky sweaters tho, I'm heavy and the squish factor is important to me in terms of comfort.
Also! The entire gig mindset is SO bad and it's rotted our relationship to so many hobbies and skills and even each other. The idea that everything must be monetised is so toxic, and yet it's so hard to fight it when so many of us need every scrap of financial stability we can get. It really sucks how this situation saps the joy out of everything.
If you can ply from your plying bracelet, you didn't do it wrong! Just different from Jente 😊
@@alexvanderpol1 hah, I guess you're right. I do wonder if I'd have to twist my wrist more or less while plying though, worth experimenting.
Yes, exactly as Alex said!
I don't care for chunky yarn for wearing either, but it makes for very squishy rugs.
Squishy they are indeed!
A few years ago I was needle felting some gnomes. A woman asked me to make her a couple Christmas tree ornament sized gnomes. She didn't want to pay me the $10 because she said she could get ornaments at Walmart cheaper and besides, she says "you're just making them while you're watching Television anyway"
That's so insulting!
I know I'm commenting on a one year old video...but knitting podcasts! I feel the same. haha
Ya, I'm glad I'm not the only one :D
I agree fully.lol😊😊😊
Thanks!
Agree, I hate spinning merino, its better mixed with other stuff.
I don't necessarily hate spinning merino, but I hate the awful marketing ploys like "merino is the only wool that doesn't make you want to scratch you skin off!"
Other people go on about how beautiful it is to spin, honestly I really hate it. I'd much rather spin a long wool breed or a lovely rare bread that has character and is from down the road, not Australia. Also I find merino a bit tricky to spin, it can be (for me) a bit slippy and meh.
Next time you might take a spindle to the dinner date. Lol
I might yes haha
there is absolutely nothing wrong or bad about being a little old lady. my grandmother was one, and i have very fond memories of her, and i most certainly hope to be a little old lady like her some day myself. .
she was loved and respected by most everyone - ecxept maybe some condescending fools.
Of course there is nothing wrong with being a little old lady, but calling a thirty year old a little old lady because of whatever hobbies... Well yes, that makes them condescending Fools.
I agree so strongly that merino is overrated that I'm developing and teaching a class on non-merino yarns for my LYS to try and get people to branch out. I have a hot take that's adjacent on audio knitting podcasts, which is that it's not interesting to listen to people describe their knitting projects. It's just not. Which is a problem, because that's what 90% of audio knitting podcasts are doing, and it's why I don't listen to them, despite being in desperate need of more audio podcasts. I will start working on my dances to accompany these takes ASAP.
But perhaps my most burning, strongest current hot take is that anyone who tells you that vegetable matter will "drop out" while spinning is both lying and probably hates you (me), personally.
Yes, that is my problem with video knitting podcasts too. I don't want to hear about a project you're holding... That's straight up boring. Show me what you're doing. I personally also find video knitting podcasts so overdone, everyone and their mom has one. And some are even so inexperienced that they'll tell you about their very first raglan knit. I'm no expert, but I also don't claim to be. If your video is just you talking, then I'd expect you know what you're talking about (I might sound a bit like a hypocrite here but I'm okay with it)
@@MijnWolden I'm more tolerant if someone is showing me something at the same time they're describing it. At least then I can actually see what they've made instead of hearing "it's this pattern in this yarn in this color" and I'm just like "well that gives me absolutely nothing".
You certainly hit on something this time think you have so many comments,I love my interchangeably needles but wish as you said they had more smaller needles in ther sets and longer cables had to buy them separately, sorry head spin catch you later
I love my set too, very durable and lovely to work with. But most patterns I like are on sizes 3, 3.25 or smaller...
I'm guessing the widespread infatuation with merino is because it's the most available yarn with the best combination of sturdiness, softness, and affordability. You're overloaded with so many different kinds of fleeces, why even consider merino?
A lot of businesses and frankly also people are of the (very agressive) opinion that Merino is the only wool that doesn't itch. I personally never really consider merino, but I get very annoyed by this half-truth being spread everywhere.
Love your videos, totally agree with your 'unpopular opinions'. One unpopular option of my own... please don't start videos with "without further ado". Everybody does it. Its such a you tube clichè. Aargh! 🤪
Clichés are hard to get rid of :D
Excema Gang Rise Up!! And "selfish knitter" gang rise up! I have straight up ruined family gatherings by getting into arguments over selling my knits or knitting on commission but they looked at my (large and lacy!!!) shawl they knew I knit myself and looked me in the eye and said "You should sell stuff like that! I would even pay $60 for it!!" and then got offended when I pointed out that it was 80$ in supplies alone and over $300 in labor. this was 5 years ago and im still steamed about it. :/
And a disagreement! I love my interchangeable needle set. I feel like I do use the full range but I do a lot of lacy knits and a lot of big needle small yarn mesh kind of knitting as well. I did have to buy a separate sock set of fixed needles but I havent purchased new needles in years in large part because of my trusty interchangeable set.
Edited to add a personal opinion: I dont like how most botanical printing (when flower petals are arranged on a fabric and then beat to release the colors) looks. of course there are always some people who can make it lovely but I feel most of the time the colors all run together and become muddy. Even people who do it regularly make duds imo.
I Prefer botanical dyeing over botanical printing any day too, just give me one bright colour.
oh another thing, people who insist you start from the centre of the ball. Honestly it makes no dissernable difference from what I can see and often makes a mess when it collapses in on itself.
If I can easily find the center then I will start there. If I can't, outside it is. 😁
@@MijnWolden Doesn't make any difference at all really. I will stop ranting and start spinning.
At this point, only my husband gets to "commission"anything I make.
Husbands and their special privileges :D
Lucky husband!
You betcha 😉
Hell yeah, screw merino!
I have a gutfeeling you support the use of local sheep fleeces ;)
@@MijnWolden Only the locally sourced Icelandic sheep from my own flock just outside our patio window :D
I'm still so, so new to this. Currently processing fleece for the first time.
Ooooh exciting! You'll be hooked in no time ;-)
Icelandic wool is something I'd love to get my hands on one day. (After I finish all the Flemish sheep)
@@MijnWolden well if you're ever nearby in Scotland you can have a fleece as I've 30 to get through right now 🤣
Waiting on thermometer so I can get my water for scouring just right 👌🏻
@@VikingGrazers We can trade for one of my 30 kilos of Flemish sheep fleeces :D
No judgment, just trying to understand maybe you have an opinion. Why do people make podcasts? Why do we watch them? Why do we pay to see these beautiful things or see them earlier than someone else? Just trying to figure it out.
I don't really understand your question?
Varigated yarn looks awful crocheted unless the colour changes are really really long, there, I have said it!
Agreed! Also only looks good with plain knitting patterns.
@@MijnWolden Agree on that too.