Hello, my lovelies!

I was sitting at the university library yesterday with my love (as he downloaded his latest photography program) and as I didn’t have a darning needle with me and couldn’t work the sewn bind-off on my Pretty Thing Cowl, I needed something to do.ball of gradient yarn

So I decided to figure out/create a demonstration for you on how to wind a center-pull ball with your hands.

Video and written version is first and then scroll down for the VIDEO.

1. Start with a skein of yarn (this is a wee skein I dyed into a gradient as a test to see if this would be feasible to make and sell full time. That’s still up in the air.)

2. Spread the skein out. So it doesn’t get tangly (tangley?) you can wrap it around your knees or have the closest person you can find to hold it. (Note: If the closest person to you doesn’t know you, they might give you a strange look when asked to hold your yarn. If only they knew how lucky they were). If you have a swift and you’re near the vicinity of said swift, you can use that. As I was at the library, I tried the knee technique and then opted for my boo to hold it.

skein of hand dyed yarn3. Clutch the tail with your hand and begin winding the yarn around your thumb. Start off loosely or your thumb will turn blue and fall off. Or at least feel like it. You can turn the skein around your thumb if need be, but make sure to keep it on your thumb the whole time.
winding a center-pull ball of yarn

4. Ta Da! Promised center-pull ball is done! Once popped off your thumb, you will have a tidy, perfect little ball of yarn.

wind a ball of yarn with your hands

To speed this process along you can invest in an actual ball-winder, which I have and love, but this thumb-method is great if you’re out and about. Or as I like to say, oot and aboot. And although I did a small ball, you can do larger balls as well.

Here’s a video showing you how fun this is, and how to use a swift and ball winder if you want to invest in those!

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First yarn: Sugar Ribbons Superwash Dewy Dk Yarn:

http://www.expressionfiberarts.com/products/sugar-ribbons-superwash-dewy-dk.html

Second yarn: Spilled Wine Pearlescent Superwash Merino Silk Worsted:

http://www.expressionfiberarts.com/products/spilled-wine-superwash-merino-silk-pearlescent-worsted.html

Our colors are limited edition and come and go so they may not be available at all times for you.

The ball winder I used:  Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn/Fiber/Wool/String Ball Winder, 10-Ounce

Swift (the umbrella thing): Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder, Medium

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So there ya are! I hope you get some use out of this tutorial!

Enjoy your day and be blessed!!

“Anything will give up its secrets if you love it enough. Not only have I found that when I talk to the little flower or to the little peanut they will give up their secrets, but I have found that when I silently commune with people they give up their secrets also – if you love them enough.” – George Washington Carver

❤❤❤

Chandi