Yarn Bowls on Etsy

What Makes a Great Yarn Bowl?

The best yarn bowls have several important features. They are not all created equally, so it is wise to know beforehand what you will want to consider when searching for the perfect one. 

First of all, the bowl will need to be large enough to accommodate the ball/s of yarn for the project comfortably. Some knitters work with a few skeins at a time and would benefit from a larger bowl with several holes through which they can guide their various colors. For knitters who like to knit on the go, a more compact, portable bowl might be the preferred size.

Also bear in mind that the yarn needs to feed through the grooves smoothly and without any tension or snagging. The potter (or maker) has had to have taken great care to ensure that all rough edges have been sanded off and the swirl tapers to its final route gradually.

There needs to be enough of an upward curve in the cut out to keep the yarn in place. With a straight cut, the yarn can easily pull up and the ball will be pulled from the pot. A "J" shape is the ideal for this purpose. And a simple line works better than a complex one. 

A yarn bowl should also be pretty. Just as a skein of yarn is visually appealing and feels good in your hand, the bowl should be something worth looking at and should make you want to pick it up. The design of the bowl, from its overall shape to the gentle swirl with a clustering of small holes, should interest the eye. A yarn bowl's purpose is to house the softness of the yarn with grace and double the enjoyment of the handiwork process. Nestle the bowl in your arms to determine if it is right.

Knitting is a meditative work that focuses on tradition and love of the craft. The bowl that a knitter uses should have been made with that same intent. 

Gardening with Flair

This spring felt like it was never going to come. The merciless winter blasted us with one storm after another. But finally, mid-May, the trees have begun to pop with bits of greenery! The melting snow has at last revealed my garden spaces, who have been anxiously awaiting their expected color. It is too early to plant any annuals. It is too soon for the spring bulbs to expose their glory. It is too cold at night to warm that soil up sufficiently. But I don't know how much longer I can wait! I know I am not the only one who wants to speed up the process. That's where garden art comes in to play.

The toads are burrowing their way back out of the ground about now and are delighted to find their dream home ready and waiting. I have been fine-tuning my toad house designs and adding new details. I have also decided to invite fairies and garden gnomes into the cozy spaces. They have graciously accepted my invitation and often stay to visit long into the evening.

I have also redesigned my color scheme for the Happy Gardener Tour award plaques. I want the colors to be as cheery as possible. The awards should stand out and make the recipients beam with pride for their efforts. (For more on the Tour and garden shops that dole out my garden tiles, follow this link: Happy Gardener Tour)

I have been making hanging planters and adding colorful hand-woven chains. The plastic hanging baskets that usually host the gorgeous bunches of begonias or bougainvillea just do not do them justice. I find the best blends of yarn to highlight my pots and weave it into a chain. It is strong and durable and best of all, adds whimsical vibrance to a currently dreary landscape.

After a winter void of pigment, I just don't think you can overdo color in your garden. Adding artwork to the great outdoors is a touch of brillance. And Mother Nature heartily agrees.

It's Elemental

My kiln has not been firing up well for the past few months. Since I was busy making and selling like mad all holiday season, there just wasn't time to look deeply into the problem. I continued to watch the time for each firing increase.

Things have finally slowed down these past couple weeks so I have assessed the situation with more care. The heating elements were all getting warm and turning orange. All the electrical connections seemed tight and without visible damage. The circuit box and power cord appeared sound. The kiln switch was blinking and sustaining the heat per usual. There was not an obvious solution to the problem.

I called my uncle. Not only has he been firing up kilns most of his life, but he's also an electrician by trade. He helped me replace my elements years ago when the kiln got wet, causing them to burn out. Although he is now completely out of the ceramic business, he has retained some of his equipment. He gave me his ammeter to use, a tool that tests the amperage going through the wires. I hooked it up in the fuse box and watched the dial expectantly. My kiln was not getting ample power.

I did some research on heating elements. Due to fumes in the glazes and clay bodies, firing to over 2200 degrees repeatedly builds up resistance in them. The ohms rating goes up and the kiln takes longer to get up to temperature. I took a chance and ordered a complete replacement set of elements. I removed the old ones, taking care not to damage the brick, and replaced each one - all by myself this time.

I fired up my kiln yesterday, keeping my fingers crossed. The deductions were right on. I am in shock with how quickly it finished - from 18 hours down to 6! 

I have solved The Mystery of The Slow-Firing Kiln. The problem was simply ELEMENT-ary.