Homemade IS Better
Number 24 on my 100 things about me list says that I make my own pie crust. This is true, I do make my own pie crust. I’ve tried the store bought kind and, frankly, I think it sucks. So I make my own because I can and because it tastes better. And also because I might just feel a little smug about the whole thing. But, really, it’s not rocket science, people, it’s just a recipe to follow and anybody can do it.
I’ve discovered that making yarn is like making pie crust. I make it because I can and because homemade is better than store bought. Well, better at least in theory because my yarn ain’t nearly as good as store bought yarn like, say, Koigu or Cherry Tree Hill or even Cascade 220. But it’s homemade by me and that means that there’s love and care and part of my life spun into every fiber of the stuff. Corny? Most definitely. But it makes me feel happy to think of it this way so shut up.
It also makes me feel happy to show you some pictures of my homespun yarn. It really doesn’t look like crap anymore!
This is 3 skeins of Indigo Coopworth from Kendig Cottage hanging to dry in my bathroom. I had a pretty hard time spinning this at first. It needed a lot of twist to hold together and it took some adjustments to get the tension right. I thought I had spun it pretty fine but it really fluffed up a lot when I washed it and set the twist. I guess I have to remember that when I’m spinning and compensate for the fluff factor.
And, see that rack that it’s drying on? There’s a funny story about that. A few years ago, right after Dale lost his 32 year job with the evil empire supermarket chain, he started working for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Shop in their warehouse. They offered a fantastic discount of 40% off to their employees and when they had their big warehouse sale employees were offered 50% off any purchases. So, they had this warehouse sale and I went to shop and fell in love with this rack. I pulled it off the shelf and exclaimed over it’s beauty and remarked how great it would look in the bathroom. And, with the markdown at the sale and then Dale’s discount, I think it was only about $45. Dale looked at me with incredulity and told me there was no way I could buy the rack. I told him he was nuts, of course I was buying the rack, it was totally cool and funky and perfect for the bathroom. And, since when did he care what I bought for decorating the house, anyway? He pulled me aside and, in a low voice, said I couldn’t buy the rack because all the employees had been making fun of it and calling it over-priced and hideous and wondering who the hell would ever pay that kind of money for such an ugly piece of crap. He told me he’d never be able to hold his head up in the warehouse again. I told him to get over it and I bought the rack, which says a lot about the dynamics of our marriage, I suppose.
But ya know what? Not only is it perfect in the bathroom but now it’s got a real purpose for drying skeins of yarn. I guess that means I was right about it all along. Hunh. Who’d have guessed?
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Did you get my mini-package yet? 🙂
The yarn looks awesome! Hmmm – I am a home-made crust maker too, I wonder if all of us spinners are of the same bent? Glad I’m not the only one who got surprised by the fluff factor. And I will try to refrain from saying “nice rack” – oops, I couldn’t!
Hi neighbor! You are too close…we’ve got to get together sometime for some fibery fun!
I like the rack myself. Infact when I saw the picture, my first thought was “cool art!”.
I can’t make homemade pie crust. My mom makes one that is incredible, but mine just don’t taste like hers. She keeps promising to teach me how to do it, but so far, we haven’t found the time.
And by the way; who said your skeins aren’t as good as those others? Your skeins are JUST as good, because they serve a purpose and are made by you. Those other yarns are something that anyone can get, but when you spin something, no one else can do it the exact same way. That’s my thoughts on the matter. 🙂
Your handspun is looking great! And its better than storebought. Far, far superior. I’m not saying there isn’t creativity in storebought yarns, but there’s *yours* in your handspun, and that’s incomparable.
Beautiful, beautiful yarn! I continue to be in awe of you! You truly are a fiber goddess!!!
I have the hardest time with pie crust–it just never behaves itself. If it makes it into the pan in one piece (a miracle in itself, no matter how I try folding it or draping it over the rolling pin), it comes out tough. If it’s going to be flaky and tender, it’s going to be in pieces. Period. One year, it was so recalcitrant, I ended up with pie crust “crumbs” at the bottom of my pumpkin pie. I figured, if was going to completely refuse to cooperate, I wasn’t going to waste my time–just crumbled up the remains of crust from the counter into the bottom of the dish, poured the pumpkin filling over the top and baked it. I don’t know what it is about pie crust–I can generally manage to bake almost anything without too much trouble, but pie crust and I simply do NOT get along!
i love that rack — screw those people at the museum of fine arts warehouse — what do they know.
my husband would hate that rack though.
as for pie crust — my mother makes the yummiest pie crust — and mine just doesn’t cut the mustard. her reasoning is that i just don’t have the right butter. she lives in france and she has access to really kick ass butter.
That yarn is GORGEOUS!!!! I love the rack too. And I’m excited about the knitalong that you’re helping Margene with.
Cool rack!! Good work, too.
You really are getting good at spinning very quickly. I’m being left behind but for some reason I don’t feel upset about it (yet).
Most excellent spinning Carole!
Oh, I love to make piecrust too! It’s a lost skill, isn’t it?!?
Beautiful yarn. And great rack!
Your handspun is gorgeous! You should be proud of it. And the rack? I really like it.
Nice rack ;o)
Lovely handspun!!
I would have guessed!
I love that rack!
Pie crust, I remember I use to make a really good pie crust. And I use to be able to roll out a perfect crust. Never overworked it. Came out perfectly round. Then, I gave birth to Jessica. No more pies.
Your yarn looks beautiful! I really like the racks in your bathroom. Great idea.
Some day I will probably learn to spin. I sure hope my husband doesn’t read this! *evil giggle*
lol.. as soon as I opened the browser, the first thing I thought was, “Wow – that is a really cool rack!”
Love the rack. Your yarn looks so great — you are such a quick study 🙂
*cough* I agree with Dale. *cough*
Your yarn looks great, Carole!
Oh, I love that rack!! DH & I have ben “reclaimers” for a long, long time. Very cool.
Fantastic yarn! And the rack is cute, too. I always visit the Museum Shop at Copley Place when I’m in Boston.
What lovely skeins you’ve made! Nice work.
Your yarn looks beautiful! I love the rack that it’s on. Evil Supermarkert chain? My DH works for one of them. He’s the manager of a Safeway and he works way too much.
Your wristwarmers are wonderful too!