I’ve been following String Harvest on Instagram for over a year now and they always have the nicest and most unique yarns and fibers I’ve ever seen. So finally after months of “window shopping”, I finally placed an order. And of course I purchased some unique fibers that I’ve never tried before. There are more standard fibers available, but I thought I might as well get the hard to find stuff. Which I must admit has been really intimidating, to the point where I have had these fibers for possibly months now and only just made myself try them now (yikes). But wow they are beautiful.
So let me tell you about these fibers…
The first (and possibly my favorite) thread is a grey paper thread that is wrapped in maroon silk. I absolutely love the look of it. Just by itself this thread has texture and as I started to weave with it, I realized that the paper gave it a bit of stiffness. I played around with it and realized that if I left some ends dangle or made loops with it, it made a very beautiful and delicate volume.
The second thread I purchased is paper raffia, which is the prettiest jeweled toned blue. This one really threw me for a loop. I’ve never worked with raffia before and I’ve been trying to get used to what it will and won’t do.
The third thread I bought is a linen roving that is made in Italy. The color reminds me of a pale denim and it’s really lovely and soft. This thread was just like the wool and cottons I’m used to working with, but with so much more texture and depth. I really love it.
I plan on sharing what I’ve made with you this week, so hopefully I can get it finished and if not I’ll share anyway. I really love to work with new-to-me fibers because it really pushes me to try new things. I’m so happy with my purchases from String Harvest and will definitely be watching as more fun fibers are listed in the shop. If you’re looking for unique fibers, I highly recommend this shop (plus Cass, the owner, is such a sweet person).
Have you worked with any new fibers lately? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I had previously shared some other “different” fibers to weave with here, if you’re interested.
Happy Weaving!
Kate
For more fun, follow me here ->
judy leffler
September 27, 2016 at 3:27 pmI too follow String Harvest on IS and mine came today. I should have read more before purchasing though, my fault. I got 3 cones of string and thought it would be thicker than it is and a coconut fibre that is more like rope and stiff as a board that can’t possibly be used for weaving. It is a pretty blue so I don’t know what I’ll do with it. Last one is I guess some kind of string that is a little thick so I may be able to incorporate it into my weaves. Bonus was a sample of yarn as I know it so that was nice. I don’t mean this comment to be negative but I guess it does sound that way. It wasn’t their products it was me not knowing. Can’t wait to see what you make from your purchase!
Kate
September 28, 2016 at 9:37 amHi Judy, yes I’ve made mistakes that like too as a purchaser when I didn’t read the description in detail, it’s always hard to get something you were expecting to be different. I really like your idea about making the thin thread into rya knots, I love that look on weaves. Hopefully you can find a lot of use from the thread you got, maybe it will grow on you 🙂
judy
September 28, 2016 at 8:07 amAfter thinking about the thin thread, I’ll make rya from it.
Caroline
October 1, 2016 at 6:20 pmPlant based fibres, like nettle, hemp, and similar fibres that spin up like rope, and rip your fingers as you use them, will soften if you abuse them. Get them into skeins, and tie them several times so nothing escapes, and if they are natural, put them through a machine wash with your jeans. Once they have spun dry, grab the skein and start beating it against something solid, like a wall or a metal pole. Don’t be scared of doing this! It needs a good thwack! You will feel how much more pliable the yarn is becoming and when it feels OK, let it dry and start using it. I have even done this with handspun banana yarn and commercially spun sari silk yarns to make them softer and weavable. It works. Just don’t do this to raffia or paper yarns unless you want paper mache.
The Japanese use nettle in their weaving and it starts its long life as harsh as it comes, like sandpaper. The cloth is used for saddles, animal bedding and things like that. As its washed it gets softer, so it becomes outwear, then things like blouses, and eventually clothing that goes next to the skin and face cloths! It works for some of the rougher linen threads as well, but I would not recommend it for anything that is not tightly spun or fragile as it will come apart.
Hope this helps!
Kate
October 2, 2016 at 5:45 pmThat is really interesting! Thanks for sharing this tip 🙂