March 2014 Newsletter

I'm in hopes of getting newsletters out more frequently to tell you about new happenings at Cabled Fiber Studio, new yarns and about the classes we offer.
This month we have a new class on needle felting from LauraLee DeLuca on March 29 and will offer it again April 12. See the article below for details about this class. We are also taking signups for her class on wet felting coming in May.

New to the store this month is a selection of dyed merino wool from local fiber artist Sue Nylander. Sue has an extensive background in the fiber arts, particularly surface design, and has hosted a number of dye workshops at her home in Sequim. Check out the “Seahawks” colored roving when you’re next in the store as well as her jewel toned roving.

In anticipation of spring arriving (think sun) MarySue and I have added a variety of colors to the Cascade Yarns superwash collection. I’ve included information below from Cascade yarns on how to care for this versatile yarn.

We continue to host a number of social gatherings at the studio including knitting groups on Tuesdays from 11-2, Thursdays from 3:30 – 6 and a crochet study group on Wednesdays from 11-2. These are drop in session, no fee and no reservations necessary. In conjunction with the North Olympic Shuttle and Spindle Guild we also host a weaving study group which is working on color samples from 2 harness looms and will move on to Log Cabin pattern weaving when we next meet April 13^th at 1:00. If you are interested in joining this group, let me know.

Beth Witters
Education Coordinator,
Cabled Fiber Studio
106 N Laurel ST
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-504-2233
www.Cabledfiberstudio.com

Introduction to Needle Felting

Two Needle Felting Class sessions available: Saturday March 29 or Saturday April 12^th 1:00 to 4:00
$35.00 includes 2 needles and color wool assortment.

Join with artist Lauralee DeLuca to learn the basics of making a piece of "fiber art".

You don’t have to be an artist to make something great!

Needle felting is limited only by your imagination. Once you learn some basic techniques, needle felting can be used to add embellishments to your knitted garments or woven fabric or as a stand-alone work of art.

In class, you will have an opportunity to make your own ideas come alive with fiber. We will cover basics of both flat and 3-D felting.

Caring for Superwash Wool

Carly's Helpful Yarn Tips! From Cascade Yarns.

Many knitters and crocheters enjoy working with our Superwash yarns because they are easy care. It is nice to know that you can knit a child a garment and not have to worry about ruining it in the washing machine. Or do you? Superwash wool is easy care—not zero care. Here are a couple of pointers for caring for garments made from Superwash wool:

Use a lingerie bag. Friction is the enemy of any natural fiber, especially merino. Our 220 Superwash® Sport, 220 Superwash® Aran and 128 Superwash are all 100% Superwash Merino which has a short fiber staple length and gives the yarn incredible softness, but also makes it more susceptible to pilling. By slipping your finished project into a mesh lingerie bag and washing separate from other laundry you can reduce friction.
Use the right soap. Superwash yarn is safe for the washing machine, but not necessarily for all of the chemicals found in regular laundry detergent. Many laundry detergents contain enzymes to attack protein based stains. Wool is a protein based fiber, which means the enzymes in your detergent can harm the wool. Instead of a conventional detergent we recommend using a soap that is specifically designed for use on wool. Most local yarn shops carry some type of soap appropriate for use on wool.
Use the dryer. Superwash yarn has been processed to remove the scales on the fibers. These naturally present scales are responsible for the adhering of the fibers during felting. Without the scales the fibers lose their gripping properties. When yarn is wet, it becomes heavy and in the case of superwash wool it will stretch if given the opportunity. Superwash wool springs back into shape in the dryer. We strongly recommend that you tumble dry your projects to prevent overstretching.