My grandmother wasn’t a spinner, but she was a stash-buster and a yarn recycler. She’d continually be taking apart old sweaters and jackets, washing the yarn and re-winding it into skeins to straighten it out again, and then re-purpose it along with odds and ends from other projects, leftovers she’d been gifted by friends etc. That meant keeping a close eye on grist and one of the ways she got around differences, was to switch up the yarns for different parts of the garments she was making. Borders would all come from one skein. Backs would come from another skein. The front panels (if knitting a jacket) would be knit simultaneously, evenly splitting the yarns throughout the front if she needed to use two skeins. Same with the sleeves. When using different colours, she’d also divvy up the yarns over each part and if there were two parts that needed to be symmetrical, she’d knit them simultaneously. If a stripe needed to run along the sale height through the front and back panels, she’d be knitting all three panels simultaneously until that stripe was done. She’d also say that if you’re knitting a jacket, the heaviest, densest part should be the back. It gives the garment structure, it needs more strength because it’s rubbing the most against the backs of chairs and the insides of coats. It doesn’t need to drape as much either. Then come the front panels. You don’t want wind to cut through the front and back of your clothing as much as you can handle on your arms (according to her). Arms, on the other hand, need drape and flexibility for ease of movement. You can cheat for your front and back pieces by adjusting the width, but it’s more unforgiving in the arm pieces if the garment stiffer in the arms. That being said, she’d also have no qualms at all adjusting her needle size to accommodate differences in grist. If a part felt stiffer than another because of grist, or simply because of how she was knitting (mood can greatly affect your tension), she’d switch up her knitting needles. She also used to say it made a big difference if you were using ‘new yarn’ or recycled yarn’. If she was re-using yarn from a piece that had been worn and washed several times, then taken apart, and was combining it with unused yarn from exactly the same origin but that had never been knitted up, that old yarn behaved very differently from her unused yarn. So she’d cleverly mix the old (recycled) yarn and the new yarn to even out those differences and make them less noticeable. The drapier bits would be used where draoe would benefit the garment. The stiffer bits would be used where structure was more beneficial. She wouldn't worry about looks, knowing only very, VERY close scrutiny would reveal those differences. As you said: it's subtle. I don’t know it what I’m trying to explain makes any sense. I know this video is old and that garment has probably been finished a long time ago. I hope so, because it's absokutely gorgeous and I hope you found a lot of joy in wearing it. As a beginning spinner whose main focus is lace weight yarn, I try to spin up enough singles to make an entire project, and then ply everything in one go, switching around bobbins as I go to even things out as much as possible. Hopefully, when knitting, I can apply my grandmother's principles as well in order to hide any differences in grist throughout my project. I'm now seriously considering weighing my skeins and calculating the weight-per-yardage as well. I've got the precision scales for my other hobby (mead making) anyways… LOL
Thank you for sharing your grandmother's amazing techniques! That level of skill only comes with years of experience and is lost so easily through the generations. My mum was a milliner and could sew any garment when she was young. She even regretted letting her skills go as fashion changed and was busy with work and family.
If you spin several bobbins before plying and then ply from them randomly, the grist changes won't be as noticible. Alternating skeins while knitting/crocheting can also even out grist.
When I can be patient enough I like to spin all my singles first and then ply the singles spun first with ones spun later in an effort to balance out any changes in my spinning.
You sound exactly like me. When something goes'wrong' with a project I am working on, I have learned to move forward with it and finish because in the end no body but myself even knows something went 'wrong' no one else will even see the 'flaw' in a hand made item.
Thank you so much for giving an in-depth example of how you get a different grist. I have a learning disability with math, and that makes it really hard for me to understand things like weight, volume, density, etc. I was worried when you first started explaining it that I wasn't gonna get it at all. So again, thank you! I learned something new!
I haven't gotten to the point where I'm spinning for a project yet. I spin and then decide what to knit based on what I ended up with since consistency is still one of those things I'm working on. I hope to spin for a project in the future. That's the goal anyway. Before this video, I wasn't exactly sure what grist was. You gave a really good explanation. It will be one of the things I will try to pay attention to in future spins.
When you are ready for a big project, everything you have learned from the previous projects will make it that much easier...and then you will learn more from the big project! Spinning is such a wonderful journey! 🧶💜✨😊
I really love your videos and the way you explain things to your audience as if they have a low baseline of knowledge (I do) so I needed every single word of preamble to fully grasp the concept. I don’t think I’m going to buy a wheel tomorrow but I definitely understand exactly what you’re talking about! 🥰
Also I think this is a great example of how handmade items have mistakes and that’s what makes it truly handmade and I think it’s worth celebrating. I really appreciate the information you provided but that project and yarn is gorgeous!!
I hate that you had this problem, but, as a beginner spinner, it is very encouraging to see someone as experienced as you still makes some of the same mistakes I do.
I could not tell the difference between the yarn. I can see how it happened though thanks for all these heads up. I'm new to spinning and using a hand spinner. I struggle getting everything the same grist. Thanks for the tips! I hope to get a wheel some day to make spinning easier. I hope it helps with consistency too. 🙏
Fiber density makes a big dif in sewing material too. if a manufacturer cuts costs and you need more material later, the fabric may feel or drape very differently.
I can totally relate to that 😂 I need to practice more because every time it’s a different result…🤦🏻♂️ it’s nice to see that others are making mistakes as well 🌿 it’s sad though since your jacket has amazing colours!!!!
Evie, I was most impressed by the colors in your video. Your sweater, the wall, the spinning wheel, your hair & the project ... so matchy & gorgeous! Grist has been a concern for me ever since I started spindle spinning a couple years ago though I didn't know it had a name or that it was a "thing". Now I just got an e-spinner & it's really becoming obvious! Thanks so much for the explanation! Yarn spinning is a challenging journey for the perfectionist. I have so far to go!
I spun two, two ply skeins. Both within the same week as each other, I was so proud of myself too I was all ‘these are the most perfectly balanced wools I have ever made, my grandma will be so impressed’ and then I knitted them into a scarf, no matter what I did, the second skein ended up thinner than the first. Their wpi was pretty much the same, they looked identical, they feel identical to touch, but yup as soon as I knitted one was thinner than the other. I’ve kept it anyway there’s nothing I can do about it, grandpa just gets a wonky scarf lol. Anyways this video explains a lot. I think for the scarf, I spun two singles, plied. Then spun another two singles, plied. That gave me the difference. Whereas if I had spun only one set of singles- then even if each of my singles were slightly different it would have probably still worked out fine after plying.
Wow! Firstly being such a newbie I had no clue what grist was and how it fit into the whole process. Thank you for explaining it so well and giving the tips to try and avoided different firsts in a project. Secondly I think your yarn is gorgeous and only you will be able to tell the difference because I truly couldn't tell the difference. Thank you for taking us with you and letting us be a part of your spinning journey fiber friend!! Much love😊💖
Mrs, Eve, in art school I used to view different shades on my cell, by switching from colours to black & white scales!. Try it and you'll see if you are close enough to the one that you like to match.
Ooooh, I think this is super perfectionist Evie! You now the saying, could you see it from a galloping horse? If not, no one will notice. If you can’t even capture it on camera…! I have a cardigan I made from a real mix of yarns. I’d been practicing fauxlags for woollen spinning from top and it was all over the place, from light fingering to super chunky. Not within skeins, but between them. Sure, the fabric’s stiffer at the bottom where the thicker stuff is, but it’s still a great garment 😁
Haha! I love that! I'll have to use that for myself because I can be super perfectionist sometimes! To be fair, if the project was stockinette, I could definitely notice it from a galloping horse, but cables and moss stitch are hiding it for me! 🐎💖
This is an excellent video Evie!! I feel bad that you made a mistake, but I guess that's how we learn best, right? Thanks for these wonderful tips to help us be better Spinners! You are so appreciated!!❤
Wow a simple explanation… some of the books and blog I have looked at for getting the idea of grist and what to do about it was making my brains leak out of my ears. This was easier to wrap my head around on all the technical things happening during a spin. The visual aspect of seeing the swatch comparison helped clarify what’s going on .
I had that happen. I ripped out some of the heavier yarn so I could use it alternating the the thinner. Then worked my way to just thinner. The change got averaged out gradually. You can do that with 2 dye lots that don't quite match as well,
I have a big grist divide on a sweater I’m knitting up. Don’t know what I did differently to spin, but it looks kinda cool since the border is just under where I separated for sleeves. I’m just going to rock it!! Thank you for the video! I’ve learned how to spin entirely from your channel (beginning from October) and I don’t think I can go back to store bought!
Mrs, Eve, you defiantly know what you are doing. I love your knitting pattern & colours its just beautiful. I'm dyeing to see more of your great creation thank you. Ps your choices of colours are amazing.
New subbie, spinning fascinates me, don't know anything, but love to know stuff....afraid to start one more addictive fiber craft. Lol so will live vicariously through you 💖💖💖💖
Thanks JillianEve , I am just returning to spinning after a twenty year break . Became allergic to the wool . Recently went to buy some wool and was shocked at the price . As I live in nz where fleece wool is abundant , decided to get a wheel and just cope with the allergy . Your tips are helpful . Cheers from NZ XxPat. PS I got pretty good at spinning , could hardly tell it from machine spun , so I started spinning bumps back into it !!!!
Thanks for posting this video. I'd only recently come.acroas the term grist and didn't really understand it. Excellent explaination. I've made some notes in my journal to reflect on as I learn. Thank you Evie!
What a great video Evie - thank you. You are so open and generous to share your ‘mistake’ with us and to take the time to make sure we can try to avoid a similar problem. Your jacket is beautiful and I’m glad you intend to continue with it. You are amazing and I always learn from you - thank you so much🙏
Beautiful sweater! Thanks for talking about this topic. I tend to mess up the grist more if I spin some yarn then spin the rest many months later...I have had this happen to me. Sometimes it's less noticeable after washing/blocking the finished project.
As a knitter and crocheter, you can see the difference on camera, you just have to know what to look for. It is really interesting seeing this from the perspective of a spinner. I have wanted to learn how to spin so I can try weaving tapestries, but this was one of the things I was always worried about. All the yarn looks beautiful but it does bring up a question. If you had accidentally spun the yarn too thick, could you go back and spin it thinner?
Thanks for sharing your mistakes, it is so helpful while I'm learning to spin. I'm trying to spin a sock yarn, so after doing a sample today I have left my wheel set up as I used it so if the finished yarn is ok I'll be able to spin the whole batch of yarn. I plyed it on a different wheel.
These are great tips, thank you. I still haven't spun yarn for a big project yet, but I will one day and now I have this super helpful video to reference when I do. I'm so sorry you had to experience this, and I appreciate you sharing your good moments and bad ones too. Fingers crossed it's not noticeable in the finished project.
I am new to your channel and very much enjoying your videos. I’ve just finished spinning my first 100gms of yarn on a drop spindle (from Polwarth roving), the result is not great, but much better than initially anticipated. Now to decide what to knit with it. I don’t think spinning will play a big part in my future but I’m pleased I gave it a “whorl” 🤭. I think I may have found your jacket/cardigan pattern. I don’t believe TH-cam allows links in comments, so for those who may be interested, the pattern can be accessed via Ravelry. Via Advanced Search enter Stylecraft, then select the following filters, Availability - Free; Category - Clothing then Cardigan; Attributes - Characteristics then Cables. The pattern is simply titled Cardigan.
I think I’ve done everything you said not to do in my first sweater spin🤣 So when I start knitting after I finish the last of the fiber spinning which has been sitting since May I’ll alternate skeins and see what happens. I was wondering what happened to that sweater spin of yours. Now I know.
First off, your yarn is gorgeous! Mine always turns out all twisty (but then looks fine when you knit/crochet it!) I am still practicing. I was thinking maybe you can just add another super thin ball of yarn that matches your colors and knit it with two strands? Or, maybe you can try aggressively blocking it? 🤷
I like to use 2 skeins at once, every other row or every third row is a different yarn source. Any difference is minimized if you do this when knitting.
@@ruthonell2739 i used to use yarn not ued by others, thrift store stuff and gifts. Some of this yarn was different dye lots, or varied in texture or density or color and I learned to use 2 or 3 sources on my projects. This helped a lot. Also I made hats of scraps and used up to 5 sources of yarn. The skill of using more than one source if yarn is so useful, if should be sought out.
Apologies to you and everyone... but I watched a previous video concerning chain plying. I know that I have two breaks in my full bobbin of single. Am I going to be able to intuitively figure out how to join it or should I rewind it onto my bobbin... doing the joins BEFORE plying? so sorry it is a question from previous tutorial. Thank you for all the teaching you do. Ive learned SO much.
No apologies needed! It's a good question! You can just tuck it into the chain when you come to it as you are chain plying. Just overlap it a little with the end it broke off of and you can just keep on plying. 🐑🧶✨💜😊
I appreciate this explanation and your dedication. I learned so much listening to you and enjoyed every minute of it because of your delightful way of telling the story. Thanks Evie!
There are so many things to consider when spinning, especially if you’re spinning with a very specific project in mind. I have not been spinning very long and just let my yarn turn out how it’s going to turn out. For a while now, I’ve been feeling like this was going to bite me in the butt one day and now I can see that it most likely will. Lol I know this is totally off topic of this video but do you have any tips for spinning a fiber that is very heavy with tweedy bits and sari silk? I normally prefer to spin very smooth, worsted yarns, so I have a lot of combed tops and very silky smooth fibers, but I am starting to branch out and really fall in love with texture. I am currently spinning a very textured tweed yarn for my sister for Christmas, and it has really been hurting my hand to draft it. Love your channel, I’ve learned a ton from you but also just enjoy listening to you talk about things that you love. 🥰
Hi Evie, hope you're all OK. Thankyou so much for this video. I'd heard about grist but wasn't sure what it is, your explanation and the visual all makes sense now. I haven't made anything yet from fibres that I've been spinning. I'm still learning to get more consistency. I wouldn't have even considered that using 2 different Spindles could be where my problem lies. Next time I start a new fibre I'll make sure to Spin it on the same Spindle. Thankyou for all those tips. I hope your project works out OK , it would be a shame if it didn't. So I'd be interested to see if it does. Happy Spinning and knitting. Take care and stay safe. Love to you all Jen xx 😘❤💕
Thanks so much Jen! I find that if my spindles are about the same size/shape/weight my yarn is consistent between them most of the time. It would be different though if say, one was a supported spindle and one was a large bottom whorl drop spindle. I hope that encourages you! 🧶💜✨😊
@@JillianEve Hi Evie, thankyou so much for your reply. You are a great help and very much appreciated. Thanks again. Happy Spinning. 😊 Take care and stay safe Love Jen xx 💖🐏✨
I have never been a consistent spinner...I have always thought if you want a perfect balanced yarn go buy it. I was taught to knit with 2 balls at the same time. using 1 ball at each end of the row crossing them over at the end of the rows so that the thickness is a little more even. Im sure only you will notice. It looks beautiful. Your the Girl who's message has always been its OK.
This was really interesting! Amazing how just a little change in drafting changes it. I agree with other comments that it could be used for sleeves. It’s been a few years since I have done any spinning and I want to get back to it. Also one tip is the mood you are in when spinning!
Late to the party and maybe this has already been covered in other comments. I found out, that I obviously can't spin too consistent. I'm trying, but for larger projects (500 g or more), it just doesn't work somehow. I spin all the singles for a project in one go and only then start plying. If I ply from different bobbins (instead of chain ply), I mix and match bobbins. For a 2 ply I start with first and last bobbin and work my way to the middle when adding new bobbins. I then get the yardage and weight from each skein and calculate the ypp for each skein and lable all the skeins with all the information. Then I sort them - depending on the project I want to do. For a garment I might set aside the skein with the highest ypp for the hems, especially if I make ribbed hems. I'm going to go down in needle size for that portion anyway so take advantage of the thinner yarn, go down an additional needle size and start with the number of sts for above the hem. Or I set it aside for a shawl collar - better drape achieved. I also gradually work my way through the skeins. I've made a blanket where I started with the yarn with the least ypp and worked my way gradually through to the one with the most - the difference beween those two was nearly 50% more ypp. I used the same needle size throughout. Visually there isn't much difference, though it's noticable to touch. But it serves it's purpose as a blanket, so - not that big of a deal. To sum up a long comment: take advantage of the slightly different properties, make it a feature instead of a bug.
Wondering if this could have been eased with waiting to ply. If you spun 100% of your yarn single ply and half of your yarn was one density the other half a slightly different density then ply those two together rather than two heavy and two fluffy. I am brand new to spinning like first week I am actually impressed as how consistent my yarn is starting to get but it will be a think and thin yarn but I watched your video on waiting to ply I am going to wait and spin a lot and let it all rest a bit before plying it will still be an inconsistent yarn. I haven't decided on a project yet for what I am spinning first. I have picked out my next three spins and I know the one for my son will be first as I think it will work best for in consistent yarn I bought 8oz of roving and I am hoping that is enough. Its a solid and it would be fairly easy to buy more but I am going to make a top down sweater. He wanted sky blue so I might do the sleeves first and that way if I end up playing yarn chicken and they run out I can go with grass green and it can seem intentional. I ordered the same wool but in a different color for my daughter I will better now before I start what I will get out of the roving so I can make something that might do better if more consistent. I am doing to make a top for myself out of the raw wool I have.
Oh I hate it when this happens too 😥 It is quite demoralising! As much as I try to do all your 5 tips I still get “patches” of my spin that are inconsistent. I have to use an e-spinner (due to a leg injury) and find the tensioner is verrrrrry sensitive. I am beginning to wonder if I should spin a smaller quantity (fill the small bobbins instead of jumbo bobbins), but then you end up with smaller balls of yarn and more joins 🤷♀️ Most times I do 0.5-1 kg amount for a spinning project (blankets etc)
It's like every solution creates more problems to solve isn't it! But that's part of the creative process I really enjoy. I say, if you wonder about it, try it and see what happens!
I was wondering if using the different yarn on a different part of the cardigan might work… like the sleeves. The slight difference might not be noticeable then! I was also thinking that as I prep fibre and make batts, I need to aim for the best consistency because changes in density there will end up in the yarn (most likely for me, since I’m not that experienced as a spinner)!
That's a great idea! If I had realized the difference, I would have alternated the rows with the difference skeins to spread it out. I might rip back just a bit and do that. I think putting the really different skein in the sleeves is another great solution! You are right about prep making a huge difference in the yarn! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
Could the cake be the culprit? I saw Very Pink knits talk about how you need to wind twice because otherwise it can over-tension the yarn. I made that mistake with commercial yarn and *could not* get tension on my second sock
Great tips. I am in the middle of a large project (sweater). I calculated the grist of every cake. There is some variability. I was wondering how much difference is okay?
That will depend on your project and your preference and if there are work arounds like how people had the great suggestions of using the different grist yarn for the sleeves or alternating 2 balls on every other row to blend the differences. 💖🧶😊
Funny enough, grist is basically the reason I got into spinning. I had a dream sweater project, thats made with an expensive (and discontinued yarn) and I tried subing another yarn of the same weight... well a lightly spun two ply camilid blend is not the same as your average four ply wool even if both say 4 on the package and your gauge is the same while knitting.... so here I am seven months later with a spinning wheel... because that was cheaper somehow. Unrelated have you considered ripping down a bit, and knitting a row of each alternatively? I wonder if that would even out the feel of the fabric.
Anyone who has tried to sub yarn realizes the struggle of matching grist is real! I also think the alternate knitting is a great tip and I would have done that if I realized. I might rip back a little and do that still. 🐑🧶✨💜😊
Hi Evie! I have a question, are there any fibre shops from Ireland that you know of? I just got into spinning and am stuck to get fibre. The only places I can get fibre from would have multiple problems. From cheap fibre to import fees. If you know any shops set in Ireland then please tell me! I love your work and videos in general. Thanks for being you and helping everyone else who likes spinning with your tips and tricks. -Stevie
I don't know of any personally, but do you follow Grace O'Neill of Babbles Traveling Yarn? She's closer to your part of the world so she might have some suggestions, plus her content is awesome! Another thing you can do if you are particularly brave is to go talk to a farmer who has sheep. Many farmers are struggling to sell their wool and might be very happy to sell you a nice fleece to work. You would have to be up for the project of scouring it though and that is a huge project. I hope you find some good wool either way! Happy spinning! 🧶😊💜
I had a couple questions. You seem very knowledgeable so I figured I’d ask you. Do you oil your wheel at all? I’ve heard people talk about oil and wheels and I’m not sure what they mean. Also I just got the 3-D printed wheel so if you could watch my first time video on Grimm’s so called life and give me any pointers I would love that and be forever in your debt. I’m just very confused and I’m not consistent at all I’ve been trying for a full 24 hours now
I oil my wheels wherever there is a point of friction and frequently. Some modern wheels have self lubricating or sealed gasket parts that might not need oil though so I always say check with your wheels manufacturer if it's a modern wheel.
I haven't spun for a large project yet. Now that I understand that gist matters I am kind of nervous to attempt it. When I spin more than 1 skein from a fiber I know there are subtle differences. I do try to spin from the same wheel and jot down what whorl I was on and how I spun it and I am getting more consistent. Do you think I need more practice before attempting a big spin. I have a bunch of alpaca that I want to spin to make a sweater.
I think the best way to learn is to go for it! There are things you will discover from a large project that you won't discover from multiple small projects. But, you know, I'm always going to say spin more yarn! 😁💜🧶✨
Hi! Grist has to do with the density, diameter, and length of the yarn. Ply is how many strands are twisted together to make one length of yarn. I hope that helps! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
I think the beauty of handspinning is how random the results are. When we really need consistent yarns, we buy them. Finish that beautiful sweater with what you have and wear it with pride. I would be really surprised if someone walked up to you in the grocery store and said, "Your sweater is beautiful but I couldn't help noticing that your grist is inconsistent."
My grandmother wasn’t a spinner, but she was a stash-buster and a yarn recycler. She’d continually be taking apart old sweaters and jackets, washing the yarn and re-winding it into skeins to straighten it out again, and then re-purpose it along with odds and ends from other projects, leftovers she’d been gifted by friends etc. That meant keeping a close eye on grist and one of the ways she got around differences, was to switch up the yarns for different parts of the garments she was making. Borders would all come from one skein. Backs would come from another skein. The front panels (if knitting a jacket) would be knit simultaneously, evenly splitting the yarns throughout the front if she needed to use two skeins. Same with the sleeves. When using different colours, she’d also divvy up the yarns over each part and if there were two parts that needed to be symmetrical, she’d knit them simultaneously. If a stripe needed to run along the sale height through the front and back panels, she’d be knitting all three panels simultaneously until that stripe was done.
She’d also say that if you’re knitting a jacket, the heaviest, densest part should be the back. It gives the garment structure, it needs more strength because it’s rubbing the most against the backs of chairs and the insides of coats. It doesn’t need to drape as much either. Then come the front panels. You don’t want wind to cut through the front and back of your clothing as much as you can handle on your arms (according to her). Arms, on the other hand, need drape and flexibility for ease of movement. You can cheat for your front and back pieces by adjusting the width, but it’s more unforgiving in the arm pieces if the garment stiffer in the arms.
That being said, she’d also have no qualms at all adjusting her needle size to accommodate differences in grist. If a part felt stiffer than another because of grist, or simply because of how she was knitting (mood can greatly affect your tension), she’d switch up her knitting needles.
She also used to say it made a big difference if you were using ‘new yarn’ or recycled yarn’. If she was re-using yarn from a piece that had been worn and washed several times, then taken apart, and was combining it with unused yarn from exactly the same origin but that had never been knitted up, that old yarn behaved very differently from her unused yarn. So she’d cleverly mix the old (recycled) yarn and the new yarn to even out those differences and make them less noticeable. The drapier bits would be used where draoe would benefit the garment. The stiffer bits would be used where structure was more beneficial. She wouldn't worry about looks, knowing only very, VERY close scrutiny would reveal those differences. As you said: it's subtle.
I don’t know it what I’m trying to explain makes any sense.
I know this video is old and that garment has probably been finished a long time ago. I hope so, because it's absokutely gorgeous and I hope you found a lot of joy in wearing it.
As a beginning spinner whose main focus is lace weight yarn, I try to spin up enough singles to make an entire project, and then ply everything in one go, switching around bobbins as I go to even things out as much as possible. Hopefully, when knitting, I can apply my grandmother's principles as well in order to hide any differences in grist throughout my project. I'm now seriously considering weighing my skeins and calculating the weight-per-yardage as well. I've got the precision scales for my other hobby (mead making) anyways… LOL
That was an interesting message. Thank you for sharing, that is inspirational!
Thank you for sharing your grandmother's amazing techniques! That level of skill only comes with years of experience and is lost so easily through the generations. My mum was a milliner and could sew any garment when she was young. She even regretted letting her skills go as fashion changed and was busy with work and family.
If you spin several bobbins before plying and then ply from them randomly, the grist changes won't be as noticible. Alternating skeins while knitting/crocheting can also even out grist.
When I can be patient enough I like to spin all my singles first and then ply the singles spun first with ones spun later in an effort to balance out any changes in my spinning.
That's an awesome tip!!! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
I don't spin my own yarn, but I find these videos SO fascinating
You sound exactly like me. When something goes'wrong' with a project I am working on, I have learned to move forward with it and finish because in the end no body but myself even knows something went 'wrong' no one else will even see the 'flaw' in a hand made item.
Oh WOW. I totally see how this can happen to anyone when you make your own yarn. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for giving an in-depth example of how you get a different grist. I have a learning disability with math, and that makes it really hard for me to understand things like weight, volume, density, etc. I was worried when you first started explaining it that I wasn't gonna get it at all. So again, thank you! I learned something new!
I'm so, so glad! 💖
I haven't gotten to the point where I'm spinning for a project yet. I spin and then decide what to knit based on what I ended up with since consistency is still one of those things I'm working on. I hope to spin for a project in the future. That's the goal anyway.
Before this video, I wasn't exactly sure what grist was. You gave a really good explanation. It will be one of the things I will try to pay attention to in future spins.
When you are ready for a big project, everything you have learned from the previous projects will make it that much easier...and then you will learn more from the big project! Spinning is such a wonderful journey! 🧶💜✨😊
I really love your videos and the way you explain things to your audience as if they have a low baseline of knowledge (I do) so I needed every single word of preamble to fully grasp the concept. I don’t think I’m going to buy a wheel tomorrow but I definitely understand exactly what you’re talking about! 🥰
Also I think this is a great example of how handmade items have mistakes and that’s what makes it truly handmade and I think it’s worth celebrating. I really appreciate the information you provided but that project and yarn is gorgeous!!
I hate that you had this problem, but, as a beginner spinner, it is very encouraging to see someone as experienced as you still makes some of the same mistakes I do.
Oh yes! It happens to everyone! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
You rock! I have been looking for a video that explains grist clearly!
I'm so glad I got this one up for you! If you have any other questions, make sure to leave another comment! 🧶💜✨
I could not tell the difference between the yarn. I can see how it happened though thanks for all these heads up. I'm new to spinning and using a hand spinner. I struggle getting everything the same grist. Thanks for the tips! I hope to get a wheel some day to make spinning easier. I hope it helps with consistency too. 🙏
Fiber density makes a big dif in sewing material too. if a manufacturer cuts costs and you need more material later, the fabric may feel or drape very differently.
Very informative information. Thank you. As others have suggested, knit the sleeves from the odd skein.
Yes! I think this tip is fantastic!
I’ve watched this video multiple times in the last couple years. It is a great reference.
I can totally relate to that 😂 I need to practice more because every time it’s a different result…🤦🏻♂️ it’s nice to see that others are making mistakes as well 🌿 it’s sad though since your jacket has amazing colours!!!!
Wow, learned about grist like you!! I didn't have a name for it, now I do. Thank you, Evie 😊
Thanks so much for this video! I think I've had a light bulb moment, and understand better!💡
Evie, I was most impressed by the colors in your video. Your sweater, the wall, the spinning wheel, your hair & the project ... so matchy & gorgeous! Grist has been a concern for me ever since I started spindle spinning a couple years ago though I didn't know it had a name or that it was a "thing". Now I just got an e-spinner & it's really becoming obvious! Thanks so much for the explanation! Yarn spinning is a challenging journey for the perfectionist. I have so far to go!
I spun two, two ply skeins. Both within the same week as each other, I was so proud of myself too I was all ‘these are the most perfectly balanced wools I have ever made, my grandma will be so impressed’ and then I knitted them into a scarf, no matter what I did, the second skein ended up thinner than the first. Their wpi was pretty much the same, they looked identical, they feel identical to touch, but yup as soon as I knitted one was thinner than the other.
I’ve kept it anyway there’s nothing I can do about it, grandpa just gets a wonky scarf lol.
Anyways this video explains a lot.
I think for the scarf, I spun two singles, plied. Then spun another two singles, plied. That gave me the difference. Whereas if I had spun only one set of singles- then even if each of my singles were slightly different it would have probably still worked out fine after plying.
You could alternate between the two skeins, 2 rows from each 😊
Just a thought use the yarn that’s “off” on the sleeves. Won’t be as noticeable that way.
That is an excellent tip! 💜🧶✨
I had the same idea!!
I'm not sure the casual observer would notice the difference. It's beautiful, and I can't wait to see the finished project!
As a new spinner, thank you for all the information! You helped me a lot!
Wow! Firstly being such a newbie I had no clue what grist was and how it fit into the whole process. Thank you for explaining it so well and giving the tips to try and avoided different firsts in a project. Secondly I think your yarn is gorgeous and only you will be able to tell the difference because I truly couldn't tell the difference. Thank you for taking us with you and letting us be a part of your spinning journey fiber friend!! Much love😊💖
You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
Mrs, Eve, in art school I used to view different shades on my cell, by switching from colours to black & white scales!. Try it and you'll see if you are close enough to the one that you like to match.
Ooooh, I think this is super perfectionist Evie! You now the saying, could you see it from a galloping horse? If not, no one will notice. If you can’t even capture it on camera…! I have a cardigan I made from a real mix of yarns. I’d been practicing fauxlags for woollen spinning from top and it was all over the place, from light fingering to super chunky. Not within skeins, but between them. Sure, the fabric’s stiffer at the bottom where the thicker stuff is, but it’s still a great garment 😁
Haha! I love that! I'll have to use that for myself because I can be super perfectionist sometimes! To be fair, if the project was stockinette, I could definitely notice it from a galloping horse, but cables and moss stitch are hiding it for me! 🐎💖
This is an excellent video Evie!! I feel bad that you made a mistake, but I guess that's how we learn best, right? Thanks for these wonderful tips to help us be better Spinners! You are so appreciated!!❤
Wow a simple explanation… some of the books and blog I have looked at for getting the idea of grist and what to do about it was making my brains leak out of my ears. This was easier to wrap my head around on all the technical things happening during a spin. The visual aspect of seeing the swatch comparison helped clarify what’s going on .
I had that happen. I ripped out some of the heavier yarn so I could use it alternating the the thinner. Then worked my way to just thinner. The change got averaged out gradually. You can do that with 2 dye lots that don't quite match as well,
That is a wonderful tip! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
I have a big grist divide on a sweater I’m knitting up. Don’t know what I did differently to spin, but it looks kinda cool since the border is just under where I separated for sleeves. I’m just going to rock it!!
Thank you for the video! I’ve learned how to spin entirely from your channel (beginning from October) and I don’t think I can go back to store bought!
You and me both, we will rock those wonky grist sweaters! Lol! 👕😊🧶✨
Mrs, Eve, you defiantly know what you are doing. I love your knitting pattern & colours its just beautiful. I'm dyeing to see more of your great creation thank you. Ps your choices of colours are amazing.
New subbie, spinning fascinates me, don't know anything, but love to know stuff....afraid to start one more addictive fiber craft. Lol so will live vicariously through you 💖💖💖💖
Thanks JillianEve , I am just returning to spinning after a twenty year break . Became allergic to the wool . Recently went to buy some wool and was shocked at the price . As I live in nz where fleece wool is abundant , decided to get a wheel and just cope with the allergy . Your tips are helpful . Cheers from NZ XxPat. PS I got pretty good at spinning , could hardly tell it from machine spun , so I started spinning bumps back into it !!!!
I love that handspun yarn character too! ❤🧶
Glad you are continuing 😃 love your honesty
Hope you get that project finished, it looks beautiful - hope we get to see it when it's done. Thanks for the five tips.
Thanks for posting this video. I'd only recently come.acroas the term grist and didn't really understand it. Excellent explaination. I've made some notes in my journal to reflect on as I learn. Thank you Evie!
You're very welcome! 🧶✨💜
What a great video Evie - thank you. You are so open and generous to share your ‘mistake’ with us and to take the time to make sure we can try to avoid a similar problem. Your jacket is beautiful and I’m glad you intend to continue with it.
You are amazing and I always learn from you - thank you so much🙏
Thank you so much! I'm really glad! 💖😊
Beautiful sweater! Thanks for talking about this topic. I tend to mess up the grist more if I spin some yarn then spin the rest many months later...I have had this happen to me. Sometimes it's less noticeable after washing/blocking the finished project.
Thank you for the explanation. Someday I may be ready to spin for a specific project rather than just spinning to spin.
As a knitter and crocheter, you can see the difference on camera, you just have to know what to look for. It is really interesting seeing this from the perspective of a spinner. I have wanted to learn how to spin so I can try weaving tapestries, but this was one of the things I was always worried about. All the yarn looks beautiful but it does bring up a question. If you had accidentally spun the yarn too thick, could you go back and spin it thinner?
Thanks for sharing your mistakes, it is so helpful while I'm learning to spin. I'm trying to spin a sock yarn, so after doing a sample today I have left my wheel set up as I used it so if the finished yarn is ok I'll be able to spin the whole batch of yarn. I plyed it on a different wheel.
I often ply with a different set up or wheel than I spun with. I love that you are sampling! I hope you have the warmest socks! 💖🧶🧦
These are great tips, thank you. I still haven't spun yarn for a big project yet, but I will one day and now I have this super helpful video to reference when I do. I'm so sorry you had to experience this, and I appreciate you sharing your good moments and bad ones too. Fingers crossed it's not noticeable in the finished project.
Thank you so much! 💖🧶😊
I am new to your channel and very much enjoying your videos. I’ve just finished spinning my first 100gms of yarn on a drop spindle (from Polwarth roving), the result is not great, but much better than initially anticipated. Now to decide what to knit with it. I don’t think spinning will play a big part in my future but I’m pleased I gave it a “whorl” 🤭. I think I may have found your jacket/cardigan pattern. I don’t believe TH-cam allows links in comments, so for those who may be interested, the pattern can be accessed via Ravelry. Via Advanced Search enter Stylecraft, then select the following filters, Availability - Free; Category - Clothing then Cardigan; Attributes - Characteristics then Cables. The pattern is simply titled Cardigan.
I think I’ve done everything you said not to do in my first sweater spin🤣 So when I start knitting after I finish the last of the fiber spinning which has been sitting since May I’ll alternate skeins and see what happens.
I was wondering what happened to that sweater spin of yours. Now I know.
It was hidden away with my UFOs for a bit! Lol! The alternating skeins method is a great idea!
First off, your yarn is gorgeous! Mine always turns out all twisty (but then looks fine when you knit/crochet it!) I am still practicing. I was thinking maybe you can just add another super thin ball of yarn that matches your colors and knit it with two strands? Or, maybe you can try aggressively blocking it? 🤷
Yes, those are great tips! I'm not sure how this one is going to block out in the end. I guess we will find out! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
I like to use 2 skeins at once, every other row or every third row is a different yarn source. Any difference is minimized if you do this when knitting.
Thanks for this awesome tip! 🧶💖😊
Totally was going to add this comment. I would rip the back out and knit every other row with alternating skeins.
@@ruthonell2739 I like tgee idea of making the sleeves different and leaving the body alone, but there and more than one good way to do this.
@@ruthonell2739 i used to use yarn not ued by others, thrift store stuff and gifts. Some of this yarn was different dye lots, or varied in texture or density or color and I learned to use 2 or 3 sources on my projects. This helped a lot. Also I made hats of scraps and used up to 5 sources of yarn. The skill of using more than one source if yarn is so useful, if should be sought out.
@@eastlynburkholder3559 What a good idea! That can be translated well to handspun as there is, more often than not, grist variation.
Thanks, trying to learn how to do the right tension for the yarn
Love the colour and the pattern, beautiful!
Great tips! I’m just learning to spin and love your videos
Apologies to you and everyone... but I watched a previous video concerning chain plying. I know that I have two breaks in my full bobbin of single. Am I going to be able to intuitively figure out how to join it or should I rewind it onto my bobbin... doing the joins BEFORE plying? so sorry it is a question from previous tutorial. Thank you for all the teaching you do. Ive learned SO much.
No apologies needed! It's a good question! You can just tuck it into the chain when you come to it as you are chain plying. Just overlap it a little with the end it broke off of and you can just keep on plying. 🐑🧶✨💜😊
I appreciate this explanation and your dedication. I learned so much listening to you and enjoyed every minute of it because of your delightful way of telling the story. Thanks Evie!
There are so many things to consider when spinning, especially if you’re spinning with a very specific project in mind. I have not been spinning very long and just let my yarn turn out how it’s going to turn out. For a while now, I’ve been feeling like this was going to bite me in the butt one day and now I can see that it most likely will. Lol
I know this is totally off topic of this video but do you have any tips for spinning a fiber that is very heavy with tweedy bits and sari silk? I normally prefer to spin very smooth, worsted yarns, so I have a lot of combed tops and very silky smooth fibers, but I am starting to branch out and really fall in love with texture. I am currently spinning a very textured tweed yarn for my sister for Christmas, and it has really been hurting my hand to draft it.
Love your channel, I’ve learned a ton from you but also just enjoy listening to you talk about things that you love. 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing 💖
Hi Evie, hope you're all OK.
Thankyou so much for this video. I'd heard about grist but wasn't sure what it is, your explanation and the visual all makes sense now. I haven't made anything yet from fibres that I've been spinning. I'm still learning to get more consistency.
I wouldn't have even considered that using 2 different Spindles could be where my problem lies.
Next time I start a new fibre I'll make sure to Spin it on the same Spindle.
Thankyou for all those tips. I hope your project works out OK , it would be a shame if it didn't. So I'd be interested to see if it does.
Happy Spinning and knitting.
Take care and stay safe.
Love to you all Jen xx 😘❤💕
Thanks so much Jen! I find that if my spindles are about the same size/shape/weight my yarn is consistent between them most of the time. It would be different though if say, one was a supported spindle and one was a large bottom whorl drop spindle. I hope that encourages you! 🧶💜✨😊
@@JillianEve Hi Evie, thankyou so much for your reply. You are a great help and very much appreciated.
Thanks again.
Happy Spinning. 😊
Take care and stay safe
Love Jen xx 💖🐏✨
Thank you for the video. Helps me understand a little more 🙂
Thank you for this evie I never thought about all this different stuff like grist extra xx
Hi Sadie!!! 💖💖💖
@@JillianEve hi beautiful lady x
It's gorgeous! Have you shown the finished project in any video?
this is the video I needed, thank you for sheering your wisdom!
You're so welcome! 🧶✨💜🧦
I love your wheel behind you! It’s my dream one day to own one.
So informative and timely!! Thank you!
I have never been a consistent spinner...I have always thought if you want a perfect balanced yarn go buy it. I was taught to knit with 2 balls at the same time. using 1 ball at each end of the row crossing them over at the end of the rows so that the thickness is a little more even. Im sure only you will notice. It looks beautiful. Your the Girl who's message has always been its OK.
This was really interesting! Amazing how just a little change in drafting changes it. I agree with other comments that it could be used for sleeves. It’s been a few years since I have done any spinning and I want to get back to it. Also one tip is the mood you are in when spinning!
Great tips, Jillian!
Thank you so much! I know you have spun some beautiful yarn for sweaters and large projects too. Do you have any wisdom to add?
I had no idea about grist. I am spinning all my wool as a single ply first and then will ply randomly. Wish me luck.
You could also do something like using the lighter yarn on the sleeves or collar/finishing parts.
Late to the party and maybe this has already been covered in other comments. I found out, that I obviously can't spin too consistent. I'm trying, but for larger projects (500 g or more), it just doesn't work somehow.
I spin all the singles for a project in one go and only then start plying. If I ply from different bobbins (instead of chain ply), I mix and match bobbins. For a 2 ply I start with first and last bobbin and work my way to the middle when adding new bobbins.
I then get the yardage and weight from each skein and calculate the ypp for each skein and lable all the skeins with all the information. Then I sort them - depending on the project I want to do. For a garment I might set aside the skein with the highest ypp for the hems, especially if I make ribbed hems. I'm going to go down in needle size for that portion anyway so take advantage of the thinner yarn, go down an additional needle size and start with the number of sts for above the hem. Or I set it aside for a shawl collar - better drape achieved. I also gradually work my way through the skeins. I've made a blanket where I started with the yarn with the least ypp and worked my way gradually through to the one with the most - the difference beween those two was nearly 50% more ypp. I used the same needle size throughout. Visually there isn't much difference, though it's noticable to touch. But it serves it's purpose as a blanket, so - not that big of a deal.
To sum up a long comment: take advantage of the slightly different properties, make it a feature instead of a bug.
Hi Evie, maybe try a different needle size to obtain the same gauge. As you knit it should even out
That's a good tip!
Great information! New to me.
Very clear and helpful!
Wondering if this could have been eased with waiting to ply. If you spun 100% of your yarn single ply and half of your yarn was one density the other half a slightly different density then ply those two together rather than two heavy and two fluffy. I am brand new to spinning like first week I am actually impressed as how consistent my yarn is starting to get but it will be a think and thin yarn but I watched your video on waiting to ply I am going to wait and spin a lot and let it all rest a bit before plying it will still be an inconsistent yarn. I haven't decided on a project yet for what I am spinning first. I have picked out my next three spins and I know the one for my son will be first as I think it will work best for in consistent yarn I bought 8oz of roving and I am hoping that is enough. Its a solid and it would be fairly easy to buy more but I am going to make a top down sweater. He wanted sky blue so I might do the sleeves first and that way if I end up playing yarn chicken and they run out I can go with grass green and it can seem intentional. I ordered the same wool but in a different color for my daughter I will better now before I start what I will get out of the roving so I can make something that might do better if more consistent. I am doing to make a top for myself out of the raw wool I have.
Question: Could you spin the rest with the correct grist. Then use the lighter grist yarn in the arms?
Oh I hate it when this happens too 😥 It is quite demoralising!
As much as I try to do all your 5 tips I still get “patches” of my spin that are inconsistent.
I have to use an e-spinner (due to a leg injury) and find the tensioner is verrrrrry sensitive.
I am beginning to wonder if I should spin a smaller quantity (fill the small bobbins instead of jumbo bobbins), but then you end up with smaller balls of yarn and more joins 🤷♀️
Most times I do 0.5-1 kg amount for a spinning project (blankets etc)
It's like every solution creates more problems to solve isn't it! But that's part of the creative process I really enjoy. I say, if you wonder about it, try it and see what happens!
I was wondering if using the different yarn on a different part of the cardigan might work… like the sleeves. The slight difference might not be noticeable then!
I was also thinking that as I prep fibre and make batts, I need to aim for the best consistency because changes in density there will end up in the yarn (most likely for me, since I’m not that experienced as a spinner)!
That's a great idea! If I had realized the difference, I would have alternated the rows with the difference skeins to spread it out. I might rip back just a bit and do that. I think putting the really different skein in the sleeves is another great solution! You are right about prep making a huge difference in the yarn! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
What did you end up doing with your yarn? I think I would have used the finer yarn for the sleeves. It really is beautiful!
Could the cake be the culprit? I saw Very Pink knits talk about how you need to wind twice because otherwise it can over-tension the yarn. I made that mistake with commercial yarn and *could not* get tension on my second sock
It could be!
Great tips. I am in the middle of a large project (sweater). I calculated the grist of every cake. There is some variability. I was wondering how much difference is okay?
That will depend on your project and your preference and if there are work arounds like how people had the great suggestions of using the different grist yarn for the sleeves or alternating 2 balls on every other row to blend the differences. 💖🧶😊
Funny enough, grist is basically the reason I got into spinning. I had a dream sweater project, thats made with an expensive (and discontinued yarn) and I tried subing another yarn of the same weight... well a lightly spun two ply camilid blend is not the same as your average four ply wool even if both say 4 on the package and your gauge is the same while knitting.... so here I am seven months later with a spinning wheel... because that was cheaper somehow.
Unrelated have you considered ripping down a bit, and knitting a row of each alternatively? I wonder if that would even out the feel of the fabric.
Anyone who has tried to sub yarn realizes the struggle of matching grist is real! I also think the alternate knitting is a great tip and I would have done that if I realized. I might rip back a little and do that still. 🐑🧶✨💜😊
Can you adjust you needle size to get a matching gauge?
Can you please tell me the name of the jacket. The link is not working for me. I think it is an issue with my computer😍😍😳
Love your videos 😊😊❤❤
I had no idea what Grist was. Mind you I still can get a consistent size never mind texture.
It's just practice, practice, and more practice! 😊🧶💖
Hi Evie! I have a question, are there any fibre shops from Ireland that you know of? I just got into spinning and am stuck to get fibre. The only places I can get fibre from would have multiple problems. From cheap fibre to import fees. If you know any shops set in Ireland then please tell me! I love your work and videos in general. Thanks for being you and helping everyone else who likes spinning with your tips and tricks.
-Stevie
I don't know of any personally, but do you follow Grace O'Neill of Babbles Traveling Yarn? She's closer to your part of the world so she might have some suggestions, plus her content is awesome! Another thing you can do if you are particularly brave is to go talk to a farmer who has sheep. Many farmers are struggling to sell their wool and might be very happy to sell you a nice fleece to work. You would have to be up for the project of scouring it though and that is a huge project. I hope you find some good wool either way! Happy spinning! 🧶😊💜
@@JillianEve Thank you soo much for the advice!
Someone recommend that when im knitting with something that isnt that isnt constant knit them one row than the next row with the alternative
I had a couple questions. You seem very knowledgeable so I figured I’d ask you. Do you oil your wheel at all? I’ve heard people talk about oil and wheels and I’m not sure what they mean. Also I just got the 3-D printed wheel so if you could watch my first time video on Grimm’s so called life and give me any pointers I would love that and be forever in your debt. I’m just very confused and I’m not consistent at all I’ve been trying for a full 24 hours now
I oil my wheels wherever there is a point of friction and frequently. Some modern wheels have self lubricating or sealed gasket parts that might not need oil though so I always say check with your wheels manufacturer if it's a modern wheel.
I needed to hear this Ty!!!
I haven't spun for a large project yet. Now that I understand that gist matters I am kind of nervous to attempt it. When I spin more than 1 skein from a fiber I know there are subtle differences. I do try to spin from the same wheel and jot down what whorl I was on and how I spun it and I am getting more consistent. Do you think I need more practice before attempting a big spin. I have a bunch of alpaca that I want to spin to make a sweater.
I think the best way to learn is to go for it! There are things you will discover from a large project that you won't discover from multiple small projects. But, you know, I'm always going to say spin more yarn! 😁💜🧶✨
@@JillianEve lol ok I will. soon.
Hi 👋
Is Grist the same as Ply?
Hi! Grist has to do with the density, diameter, and length of the yarn. Ply is how many strands are twisted together to make one length of yarn. I hope that helps! 🐑🧶✨💜😊
You have a wonderful channel 👍🪡🧵
Nice! 🎁🌺
Thank you! 😊
If you do the chunk of one and chunk of another, might look like it's planned that way
I think the beauty of handspinning is how random the results are. When we really need consistent yarns, we buy them. Finish that beautiful sweater with what you have and wear it with pride. I would be really surprised if someone walked up to you in the grocery store and said, "Your sweater is beautiful but I couldn't help noticing that your grist is inconsistent."
Did you ever finish this sweater???
can we do a zoom meeting like an meet and greet for all of us??
I do a monthly Zoom with my Patrons. We all hang out and share our projects. 🧶💖