Pssst...I've got a little secret for you today. It's about the Ennea Collective. Now wait! Before you go running off because you're not a spinner, please give me a shot.
This is a real tip! If you love fiber, whether already spun (aka yarn), spin it yourself (aka roving, batts, etc.), or reading about fiber people, animals, and other fluffy goodness, you'll want to read Ennea. You really must take a few minutes and check it out because there IS so much more to the Ennea Collective and you're going to love it!
Take a spin (sorry, couldn't help it) around the knitting patterns and, if you see something you like, Ennea has a wonderful article on how to substitute a ready-made yarn for handspun. The patterns are varied and range from sweaters, cowls, socks, to shawls, mitts, and gloves--AS WELL AS, articles to cover other aspects of fiber.
And, there IS more!
In this, the third issue (Winter 2011), Kristi has an article on photographing knits and/or fiber. Her tips are very helpful and, since many of us share projects via Ravelry, Facebook, or other media sources, you will find it informative, interesting, as well as, in depth.
Plus, look at this! There is no need to spin or knit to create this lovely pair of angora (warm!) mittens. Ennea is full of creative projects for the fiber lover. Take a look back through the past issues and you'll find great ideas and endless hours of entertainment.
IF you spin and want to improve your technique, or you'd like to learn to spin, there is even more here for you! Reading through all three issues has helped me understand how to create the yarn I want. For more help and interaction with other knitters join the Ravelry group.
I've been spinning (not very well) for the Cuppa Joe Mitts as I just happened to have the exact fiber Anne used in my stash. We'll see how it goes. The goal is to spin, not worry about perfection, just do the best I can.
Hey, thanks for the kind words about my mittens and article. :) Ennea Collective is a wonderful resource from a pair of very talented women.
Posted by: Chris | March 01, 2011 at 08:43 AM
Great tips! So glad you sent me (a non-spinner - and happy that way!) in this new direction. :-)
Posted by: Kym | March 01, 2011 at 08:50 AM
I love Ennea and have since it's inception. It's full of wonderful patterns and articles!
Posted by: Manise | March 01, 2011 at 08:52 AM
This is very timely since SPA got me excited about spinning again!
Posted by: Carole | March 01, 2011 at 09:31 AM
The chart on yarn substitutions is one of the best I've seen. Most just have WPI and stitches, not the weights per ounce/pound.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | March 01, 2011 at 09:56 AM
You're spinning! :D
Posted by: Cookie | March 01, 2011 at 11:02 AM
The singles look darned good from here, grrl!
Posted by: Cindycindy | March 01, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Back on the Lendrum??
Posted by: susan | March 01, 2011 at 11:25 AM
You Rock. That is all. :)
(and not just the nice things you said about the mag - I was mostly talking about you leaping back into spinning. You go!)
Posted by: Anne | March 01, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Cool! Very cool!
Posted by: Suzy | March 01, 2011 at 11:57 AM
I think your yarn looks great! Very even and I love the colors!
Posted by: elizabeth | March 01, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Thanks for the link to the photography article! While I was there I found a pattern or two, as well--and I am definitely not a spinner. I do like learning about fiber, however, and this is an excellent resource for that aspect, too.
Posted by: kathleen | March 01, 2011 at 01:40 PM
Tis a great 'Spin' on things here and there..First saw Ennea after seeing on FB via Chris...and happy to see you enjoying one of your girls doing a bit of spinning~
Posted by: Dianne | March 01, 2011 at 02:05 PM
*makes note to visit later*
Posted by: Chris | March 01, 2011 at 02:11 PM
I love Ennea Collective - such beautiful patterns and inspiration for remedial spinners like moi.
Posted by: Laurie | March 01, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Oh you are spinning, good news!
I checked the Ennea before this post and found it interesting!
Posted by: Rachel | March 01, 2011 at 07:45 PM
It IS a wonderful publication... and I still have more delving to do. No internet access since the power went out early Friday morning; it came back on last night, but just now catching up! My Droid kept me in touch with friends through FB, but I can't post comments to blogs, only peer into them!
Posted by: Birdsong | March 01, 2011 at 08:04 PM
Okay, that was a glowing endorsement! I'm going to save this for my lunch hour so I can savor. Thank you for the suggestion.
Posted by: jill | March 01, 2011 at 08:14 PM
Really love Ennea and joined the Ravelry group straightaway.
Posted by: Marijke | March 02, 2011 at 01:35 AM
It is a wonderful resource. We are very lucky that the spinners and fiberistas are putting so much work and love into it!
Posted by: Laurie | March 02, 2011 at 06:28 AM
Thanks for the links! Photography is a hobby of mine, and this was an interesting article for photographing fibery things.
I'll have to keep an eye out for future "issues."
Posted by: Lynda the Guppy | March 02, 2011 at 02:41 PM
I know, I know! It's a new favorite of mine! Of course, I've learned more about spinning from Anne's blog than I have from my guild or any other source, and so I was predisposed to love it.
Posted by: Kristin | March 03, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Very good articles, Margene. Thank you for pointing me to them.
xo
Posted by: Sarah | March 03, 2011 at 11:36 PM