I have gone through and looked over my yarns following a warp disaster where 1/3 of the warp yarns broke. The yarn was purchased at a weaving auction and I think it's very old 10/2 cotton. It doesn't pass the hold a piece 12-18" long and apply tension test, it breaks.
I want to build my stash. I have 6 cones of brand new 5/2 Dragon Tale rayon in warm fall colors, I have 6 colors of brand new 8/2 homestead yarn from Halcyon Yarn and I have lots of worsted weight wool from my knitting days. I enjoy weaving scarves, shawls, table runners, placemats, napkins and towels.
Any suggestions for where to build from here? Colors? Oh and I have 2 cones of brand new 8/2 tencel, black and variegate purple/black/turquoise/pink.
TIA,Claudia
Lunatic Fringe is a good place to start (IMO) followed by Just Our Yarns and Red Fish Dyeworks. I like to buy colors I love and will enjoy looking at while I weave.
Is there a weaving guild in your area? Are you a member? They may have a member to member sale or wanted list. It is a good way to add to your stash and to meet new weavers.
I have also had some success with craigslist but you have to be paitent.
Erik
Hi Erik and welcome to Weavolution!
The weaving guild sale is where I bought most of my current stash which is now only weft=worthy. I need warp, strong, fresh warp. And, I have a birthday coming soon and my mother has sent weaving money.
I've done the craigslist ebay thing and been quite disappointed. I have a healthy amount of rug warp from a terrific ebay sale and it's mostly in good condition. Not so the yarn from other sources. I've decided it's time to invest in real yarn.
I have several nice colors of 3/2 cotton for the RH classes I teach but my stash is very sad and I want to build it up.
Claudia
I hate to pay retail and have had very good luck with eBay (and a few bad experiences). On eBay I only purchase from the dealers who are selling mill ends or closeouts. There are a few left and some have very good deals.
Don't automatically assume that dealers on ebay have good prices though! Some of the yarn offered is selling for retail or more! Always compare prices!
I stay far far away from estate sales or private sales of "grandma's yarn stash". Other red flags are "Some fading" or "Dusty" both of which are indications of old stock.
I like CraigsList because it is local. I can inspect the yarm in person and am not afraid to say "no" if the yarn is not in good shape. Most of the CraigsList sellers are either weavers with good quality stash or people who have no idea what they have. The latter group more commonly has old, estate sale yarn that belongs in the compost heap.
Like most things in life if you keep your eyes open and do a little work you can find good deals on yarn or equipment. You just need to be patient, picky, and knowledgeable.
Erik
Hi Claudia,
What fun to explore options for stash building! Your two cones of Tencel will make a lovely shawl or some scarves. For kitchen towels maybe some cotton linen from Webs or some white 8/2 from Henry's Attic? In my opinion, Webs' 8/2 cotton makes nice kitchen towels, but it sounds like you have enough 8/2 in colors.
I haven't tried it yet, but I got some of Webs' 2/10 Merino Tencel that I think will make wonderful scarves. Can you tell I buy most of my yarn at Webs? :-)
Have fun shopping!
Jennifer
PS Oh, and the Swedish yarns that Joanne of Glimakra USA sells are all lovely! I think you could not go wrong there!
Claudia, give Theresa a call at weaving southwest, she had some really nice, fresh... yarns at the convergence. She might even have some ideas on what would compliment what you already have. i have seen her advertise on this site .so i am sure you have her contact info.
good luck,
Justin
Hi Claudia,
I just got a 'yarn alert' from WEBS for their 8/2 cotton / linen. Good colors and good for towels, placemats, and napkins.
Carie
