"Skein" or "skein?"

How do you pronounce "skein?"

I've always pronounced it "skeen."  I have no idea why.  If you think about the "i before e" rule*, then I should have pronounced it "skane."

According to Merriam-Webster, you pronounce it \'skān\ ("skane," to those of us not fluent in linguistics).

Maybe you pronounce skein completely differently, and if so, let us know in the comments!

*(I before E except after C, or when sounded like A as in neighbor or weigh)

Image:  Make hay while the sun shines, merino/cashmere fingering weight yarn, by Skein Yarns

Handspun indie yarns that make me swoon

I love handspun yarn.

Love.

Love love love.

I could write books on knitting with handspun (and am actually planning one!).  I love knitting something truly unique with some gorgeous handspun, using hand dyed roving.  Sigh.

Here are a few picks to share with you, in perfect Autumn colors!  These are all incredible spinners, all of whom I highly, highly recommend.

cranberries with attitude, knotty naomi

southwest autumn rustic, kitty grrlz

autumn leaves, terrabella spun

From top to bottom:

1. Knotty Naomi, cranberries with attitude twisters (gorgeous colors!)
2. Kitty Grrlz, southwest autumn rustic function art yarn (Bobbi's art yarns are incredible)
3. Terrabella Spun, autumn leaves (SO soft and squooshy!)

What is your experience with handspun yarn?  Any favorites to share?

Indie yarns to dye for

I'm trying to be good and stick with my current (hugely overflowing) stash of yarn.  Trust me, I do not "need" new fiber.  That doesn't stop me from wanting!

Here are a few gorgeous picks from indie yarn dyers, perfect for Autumn, right into the holidays!

green tourmaline fingering weight, from stricken smitten

red velvet cake, from woolcandy

Canadian maple, See Jayne Knit Yarns

From top to bottom:

1. Stricken Smitten, green tourmaline
2. Wool Candy, Red velvet cake (LOVING her new eclair merino/silk blend sock yarn!)
3. See Jayne Knit Yarns, Canadian maple

Which indie yarn dyers do you love?  What colors are you "dying" for this Autumn?