Search Results

Join us, Tara and Melanie, on Sunday, December 1st from 1-4:30pm for some festive fun in Part 2 of our Intro to Weaving workshop! Part one is not mandatory to attend this workshop but it is highly recommended. During part 2, we will introduce you to some fresh, creative weaving techniques that will take your skills to the next level, while also giving you a chance to revisit and perfect the techniques from Part 1. The highlight? You’ll weave your very own Christmas tree wall hanging, a cozy handmade decoration that’s perfect for the holiday season! Come ready to learn, laugh, and get into the holiday spirit as we weave together. Our weaving workshops are a collaboration between landscape weaver Tara Morris of @weavemebe and small batch yarn dyer Melanie Brisson of @ravelutionyarn. Fuelled by a passion for fibre, a shared desire for community, and a yearning to pass on the skills to create beautiful art, this light hearted and creative partnership seeks to engage, inspire, and bring together anyone with an appreciation for the fibre arts. Stay tuned because there is more to come from this dynamic duo! **Please note, this is a cat friendly studio, although not present during workshops**

Join us, Tara and Melanie, on Sunday, December 1st from 1-4:30pm for some festive fun in Part 2 of our Intro to Weaving workshop! Part one is not mandatory to attend this workshop but it is highly recommended. During part 2, we will introduce you to some fresh, creative weaving techniques that will take your skills to the next level, while also giving you a chance to revisit and perfect the techniques from Part 1. The highlight? You’ll weave your very own Christmas tree wall hanging, a cozy handmade decoration that’s perfect for the holiday season! Come ready to learn, laugh, and get into the holiday spirit as we weave together. Our weaving workshops are a collaboration between landscape weaver Tara Morris of @weavemebe and small batch yarn dyer Melanie Brisson of @ravelutionyarn. Fuelled by a passion for fibre, a shared desire for community, and a yearning to pass on the skills to create beautiful art, this light hearted and creative partnership seeks to engage, inspire, and bring together anyone with an appreciation for the fibre arts. Stay tuned because there is more to come from this dynamic duo! **Please note, this is a cat friendly studio, although not present during workshops**

Come design your own Fall Sunflower inspired wall tapestry! Join us from 1-4pm for a half day weaving workshop on Sunday, October 27th, at the Ravelution Studio in Orleans, Ontario, Canada. Tara Morris, the talented landscape weaver behind @weavemebe, will guide you through the basics of frame loom weaving to create a floral inspired abstract wall weaving of your very own. During this series you will get to chose your favourite "flower" to be represented in fluffy fibre. From tulips to violets, let your personality come through your weaving! We guarantee you will leave with new skills, some new fibre friends, and a finished piece (measuring roughly 7" wide x 12" long) that you can hang in your home or gift to a loved one. Like many other fibre arts, weaving is meditative and oh so addictive. Treat yourself to a YOU day or sign up with your bestie to share a new artistic experience together. Either way, you'll be in good company and promises to be a lot of fun! Our weaving workshops are a collaboration between landscape weaver Tara Morris of @weavemebe and small batch yarn dyer Melanie Brisson of @ravelutionyarn. Fuelled by a passion for fibre, a shared desire for community, and a yearning to pass on the skills to create beautiful art, this light hearted and creative partnership seeks to engage, inspire, and bring together anyone with an appreciation for the fibre arts. Stay tuned because there is so much more to come from this dynamic duo. Subscribe to our respective newsletters via our websites to get all the updates! *Workshop includes 1 weaving kit per person, which has everything you need to complete one gorgeous piece of abstract fibre art. Kits are provided upon arrival and a reminder email will be sent out to participants a week prior to the workshop with other information, including venue address. **Please note, this is a cat friendly studio, although they should not present during workshops. Can't wait to see you there! Tara and Mélanie

W hen it comes to yarn, there’s more than meets the ply! Yarn ply isn’t just about twisting fibres together; it’s a key factor in determining texture, durability, and the final look of your project. The amount of plies in your yarn will determine its balance, strength, and flexibility. It's the secret ingredient that decides whether your project turns out light and airy, sturdy and strong, or somewhere in between. In this post, we’ll unravel what yarn ply really means, how different plies impact your knitting or crochet, and why choosing the right ply can make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fibre artist, understanding ply will help you bring out the best in your stitches. What Does Ply Even Mean? Before we delve into the importance of yarn ply, let's demystify the term itself. In the realm of knitting and crocheting, "ply" refers to the number of individual strands twisted together to form the yarn. Yarn ply is NOT the same as yarn weight, (stay tuned for a pot on that soon). You might have come across terms like 2-ply, 4-ply, or even the luxurious 8-ply (p.s. our fingering merino nylon is 8-ply) while exploring the colourful world of yarn. Each ply contributes to the overall characteristics of the yarn, influencing its thickness, strength, and drape. So, why should you care about yarn ply? Let's unravel the reasons! Understanding Yarn Ply's Influence 1. Thickness Matters Ply plays a crucial role in determining yarn thickness and overall texture. Essentially, the number of plies in a yarn refers to how many individual strands are twisted together, which directly affects its thickness and feel. A single-ply yarn tends to be thinner and can create a delicate, airy fabric, while multi-ply yarns are generally thicker, adding more strength and durability to your projects. 2. Strength in Layers Crafters, rejoice! The ply isn't just about looks; it's a powerhouse of strength. Multiple plies twisted together create a sturdy yarn that can withstand the test of time. Whether you're designing a heirloom blanket or a durable sweater, opting for a higher ply count ensures your masterpiece endures countless snuggles and wear. 3. Drape it Like You Mean It Ah, the elegant drape of a well-knit shawl fluttering in the breeze - a mesmerizing sight indeed. Yarn ply plays a pivotal role in determining the drape of your finished project. Higher ply yarns tend to have a more structured drape, ideal for garments and accessories that require a bit of body and flow. On the other hand, single-ply yarns offer a beautiful, soft drape perfect for delicate wraps and scarves. Finding Your Perfect Ply Now that we've uncovered the magic of yarn ply, how do you choose the right ply for your next masterpiece? Fear not, here are a few tips to guide you on your quest: Project Planning : Consider the type of project you're planning. Delicate lacework sings with finer plies (see the Love Note Sweater pictured left), while cozy blankets call for something a bit bulkier. Fibre Factor : Different fibres interact with ply in unique ways. Experiment with wool, alpaca, or hand-dyed yarn to discover how each fibre works up and drapes. Personal Preference : When considering all the fibre factors, remember to embrace experimentation and trust your instincts. You can follow the pattern instructions or you can substitute the yarn for something else....just remember to do a swatch! Thank you for sticking with me! I hope I’ve been able to highlight the importance of yarn ply in achieving optimal results in your projects. Choosing the right ply can elevate your work, while the wrong one can bring unexpected surprises in terms of drape and durability. So, the next time you’re selecting yarn, be sure to pay attention to the twist—it may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact your finished piece. Do you have any other burning questions about ply? Leave them in the comments below and I will happily answer them! Happy Making! Sincerely, Mélanie

F orget your basic needles and stitch markers—welcome to the wild, wacky world of knitting gadgets that are as quirky as your great aunt Edna. These uncommon tools can turn your knitting and crocheting from a cozy hobby into a full-blown circus act. You might not have met some of these clever little fibre friends yet, but trust me, they’re all worth a whirl. Some are new(ish) and novel, while others are classic relics that have stood the test of time. Without further ado, here are 10 uncommon fibre accessories you didn't know you needed. Grab your notion bags and let’s see how many of these oddities are already part of your toolkit—bonus points if you actually use them! 1. Nøstepinne Often the simplest things are the best, and the same can be said about the nøstepinne. A Scandinavian word literally meaning "yarn ball stick", a nøstepinne is like the hipster’s answer to a yarn winder—a simple stick that lets you wind a ball of yarn by hand, with a touch of old-world charm. Sure, you could go for the electric winder, but where’s the romance in that? With a nøstepinne, you get a perfectly squishable center-pull ball while feeling like a yarn-wielding wizard from centuries past. 2. Finger Yarn Guide Ring A yarn guide ring is like a traffic controller for your yarn, helping you keep proper tension as you knit or crochet. Slip this cute piece of yarn jewellery on your less dominant finger, and suddenly your yarn behaves, allowing you to work not only smoother but faster too! 3. Yarn Butler A yarn butler is the fancy assistant you never knew you needed and one your yarn deserves. Imagine it as a tiny, yarn-loving valet, holding your ball of yarn and preventing it from rolling away like it’s trying to escape to the land of lost stitch markers. With a yarn butler rotating by your side, you can focus on the more important things—like deciding which cozy Netflix show to binge next! 4. Cable Cords Say goodbye to frustrating scrap yarn and hello to these colourful hollow cables. These are your new stitch-holding superheroes! Easy to use, simply press the open end of the cable on to the tip of your knitting needle, gently slip your rebellious stitches onto the cable, and watch them behave until you're ready to get back to them. No more juggling multiple pieces of scrap yarn and risking a stitch escape when trying to put them back on; these colourful cords ensure your project stays organized and under control—because let’s be honest, your stitches can’t be trusted to stay in line on their own! 5. Blocking Board A blocking board is like a yoga mat for your knitting and crochet projects—it helps them stretch, relax, and find their inner peace. After giving your creation a little spa treatment (aka a wash), you pin it down on the board, coaxing it into its best shape. It’s perfect for straightening those rebellious stitches and opening up lacy designs, turning your wobbly masterpiece into a polished FO. With its handy grid, the blocking board ensures your project dries in perfect form—no more wonky edges, just zen-like precision! 6. Darning Eggs A darning egg is the unsung hero of mending—slip it inside your sock or sweater, and suddenly that pesky hole behaves itself, stretching neatly over the smooth, egg-shaped surface. Made of wood, glass, or plastic, it gives you a sturdy base to work on, so you’re not wrestling with fabric while you sew. It’s a simple, old-school tool, helping you extend the life of your favourite socks with a little charm. Pro tip-you might have just as much luck using a lightbulb! 7. Norwegian Knitting Thimble The Norwegian knitting thimble, or "strikkefinger," is like a secret weapon for knitters tackling the wild world of colour work and intricate patterns! Slip it on your finger, and you’ll feel like a Viking warrior ready to conquer any project that dares cross your path. Not only does it protect your finger from the perils of overzealous knitting, but it also helps keep your multiple strands of yarn separated and organized with its several hooks—Plus, with its roots in Norwegian craftsmanship, this thimble adds a touch of heritage to your work, all while making you look like a fibre pro! 8. Portuguese Knitting Pin A Portuguese knitting pin is like having a little knitting assistant that hangs around your neck, ready to help you unleash your inner knitting ninja! With this clever little gadget, you can wrap your yarn around your needle with a flick of your wrist, making it look like you’ve got some secret knitting sorcery going on. Forget about uneven tension—this pin is here to save the day and your sanity, all while making you look like the coolest knitter in the room. 9. Square Knitting Needles Square knitting needles are like the rebellious teenagers of the knitting world, shaking things up and refusing to conform to the round needle norm. With their flat edges, they give your yarn a firm grip, making it harder for those slippery stitches to escape and run off. Knitters often find that square needles help create more even stitches, as they guide the yarn with the precision of a drill sergeant. Plus, they’re perfect for those long knitting marathons—no more aching hands! So, if you’re looking to add a little personality to your knitting, grab a set of square needles and strut your stuff with flair! 10. Rope Wool Eye Needles We love these rope wool eye needles (also known as tapestry needles and bodkins)! These specialized sewing needles are designed specifically for working with thick yarns and ropes, making them ideal for projects like macramé, heavy knitting, or crafting with bulky fibres. These needles feature a larger, oval-shaped eye that can accommodate multiple strands of yarn or thicker materials, allowing you to thread them easily without struggling. Whether you’re finishing a chunky blanket or weaving in ends on a heavy scarf, these needles are your go-to for tackling those more substantial projects without frustration! Well, that's a wrap on our exploration of the wonderfully weird world of uncommon knitting and crochet accessories but this list is by no means exhaustive. Although we are sure there are many more quirky gadgets, this list is a nice reminder that every project deserves a sprinkle of the unexpected. Whether you’re wielding a knitting thimble that makes you feel like a Viking warrior or channeling your inner magician with a Portuguese knitting pin, these tools are here to make your fibre adventures not only productive but entertaining too. So go ahead, embrace the eccentricity, and let your fibre notions be as fabulous as you are—because in the end, knitting and crochet should always be a little silly and a whole lot of fun! How about you, what is your favourite unconventional gizmo? Please share in the comments below!! Happy making! Mélanie

Knitting, crocheting, yarn hoarding - call it what you will, but the truth is, there are different types of knitters/crocheters out there. Are you the type to meticulously follow a pattern or the spontaneous creative soul who goes where the yarn takes you? Let's dig into the intricacies of your knitting/crocheting personality and find out what it says about you! The Process Knitter/crocheter: Unraveling the Zen Master You know you're a process knitter/crocheter when you find joy in the journey of creating rather than just the destination, which may or may not be a finished product caught in a web of loose ends. If you resonate with this, chances are you're a laid-back individual who values the soothing rhythm of stitches over the thrill of a completed project. You appreciate the therapeutic benefits of needles clicking together or the rhythmic dance of hooking yarn, and find solace in the repetitive nature of your craft. The Gift Knitter/crocheter: When It's All About the Warm Fuzzies Gift knitters/crocheters create with purpose - every stitch is a hug waiting to be shared with loved ones, colleagues, or that neighbour you barely talk to but couldn't leave out. If you're the type who is always armed with handmade scarves, socks, or blankets for any occasion, you're likely a generous soul with a knack for spreading warmth, both literally and metaphorically. Your knitting needles or crochet hooks are your magic wands, weaving love and thoughtfulness into every fibre. The Technique Knitter/crocheter: Warp-Speed Creativity at Your Fingertips Technique knitters/crocheters are the daredevils of the fibre world - new stitches are just thrilling roller coasters waiting to be conquered. Embracing intricate patterns, complex stitches, and challenges galore, you adore the adrenaline rush of mastering the latest techniques. Your attention to detail and persistence make you a force to be reckoned with, both in knitting, crocheting, and in life. The Indie Yarn Dyer Enthusiast: Colours Speak Louder Than Words For the indie yarn dyer aficionado, every skein is a canvas waiting to be painted with vibrant hues and shades that tell a story as vivid as the yarn itself. If you're drawn to hand-dyed fibres and find yourself lost in the kaleidoscope of colours at your local yarn store or fibre festival, you likely have a creative soul bursting with inspiration. Your knitting/crochet reflects your artistic spirit, and each project is a unique masterpiece that speaks volumes without saying a word. In conclusion, your knitting/crochet personality is a tapestry of quirks, strengths, and values that make you the unique individual you are. Whether you find joy in the process, warmth in gifting, thrill in mastering techniques, or inspiration in colours, your knitting/crochet style speaks volumes about your character. So, the next time you pick up your needles/hook and yarn, remember that you're not just creating garments or accessories - you're weaving a reflection of your true self into every stitch. Isn't it amazing how something as simple as knitting/crocheting can reveal so much about us? Share your knitting/crochet personality type and what it says about you in the comments below!

About Ravelution Yarn Ravelution Yarn was born in the fall of 2021 and grew out of an obsession with vibrant colour and a fascination for all things fibre. My love affair with hand dyed yarn started almost a decade ago but it wasn't until a dear friend sent me a news article about a woman who started dyeing fibre in her house that I even considered doing it myself. From the moment I dyed my first skein, I was hooked and felt like I had finally found my passion, my art, my ikigai ...I was home. About Me Hi! My name is Mélanie and I'm the face behind Ravelution Yarn. Besides being an indie dyer, I'm a mother of two, a wife of one, a daughter, a sister, and a friend to hopefully many. I love knitting, sewing, painting, camping, my two calicos, my collection of plants, and especially anything fibre related. I'm so honoured to be a part of the wider fibre community and appreciative of each and every like, comment, and follow. Thank you for your ongoing support and I look forward to sharing my fibre journey with all of you! India & Penny Meet India and Penny, my two calicos. India (left) is a fiesty 16 yr old lady, who loves people but dislikes other furry friends. She's my shadow and always wants to be on the yarn, regardless if that's convenient for me or not. ​ Penny (right) is our newest adoptee who came to us January 2023. She is large but not so in charge. Penny is passive, a little standoffish, and has a wicked appetite which we try to keep in check. Fun fact, she's polydactyl, meaning she has 2 more fingers on each of her paws, even the back ones which is apparently quite rare. She hates to get her claws trimmed, so it's extra fun trying to trim 8 more!

Tell Us About Your Ravelution Experience!