Hello all! I am relatively new to weaving and curious where a very broke student can find yarn? Anything I have used in the past was either bought through my school or donated to it, but I am on leave and moved back home to the mid-south. While we're at is, what are the average prices for cones of cotton, limen, tencel, etc.? Are there any stores in my area? Should I look online? Any information is greatly appreciated. I can't bear the thought of staring at my soon-to-arrive loom with nothing to weave! Thanks, Emily

Comments

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 04:22

sarahnopp (not verified)

What country are you in? And general region? 

Definitely look for weaving guilds and groups in your area. That has been a huge benefit to me a newer weaver. The members always know who to talk to, and where to go and all the histories. There are links here on Weavo that discuss groups in different places too. And members here are great at helping each other connect.

As far as cost, unless you luck out and have a local shop, you will likely order your yarn from online shops. Most of them have store fronts too, but online sales is the way they do most of their sales. They often have yarns on discount, so be sure to look for that. Many of the shops are sponsors of Weavo too, so be sure to start there.

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 04:24

sarahnopp (not verified)

Also, if Craigslist is actively used in your area, keep a close eye on that. I have discovered some treasures and great deals that way.

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 11:02

tien (not verified)

Try http://www.rmyarns.com - great prices on mill ends, the lowest I've seen.

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 11:22

Queezle

I feel your pain!  I learned to weave as a graduate student, and bought the cheapest mill ends I could find.  It gave me a good challenge, as my projects were driven by the yarn on hand, not the yarn specified in a book or magazine.  Best of luck!

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 14:00

Sara von Tresckow

Try moderate quantities of moderately priced yarn. You really often do get what you pay for.

Working on small objects with fine thread is one way to make your purchases go further - it takes time to fashion exquisite pieces that are also worth more.

Don't go for quantity purchase of large stashes of leftover yarn - there is usually a reason it is still sitting around in a corner. Test any "estate sale" yarn for soundness. Many yarns do not store well for long periods of time. Be careful about brining insects and/or mold into your home.

Learning to weave takes a long time - go slowely and carefully - you'll need less yarn and feel better about it.

Wed, 04/10/2013 - 22:10

emkharr

I have been in contact with the guild here in Memphis, they were able to provide a few leads but had just finished their stash busting sale. I haven't looked in my area too much beyond that.
Wed, 04/10/2013 - 22:11

emkharr

Thank y'all all so much for your help!
Thu, 04/11/2013 - 14:51

apw1970 (not verified)

I agree with Tien.  RMyarns is excellent.  They are a great place to find rug yarn, especially.