Cuddle Party

[ysabetwordsmith]

Everyone needs contact comfort sometimes. Not everyone has ample opportunities for this in facetime. So here is a chance for a cuddle party in cyberspace. Virtual cuddling can help people feel better.

We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. A nest full of colorful egg pillows sits in one corner. There is a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!

Comments

Re: New project?

[ysabetwordsmith]

Yes, you can. For outdoor use, consider more robust materials -- thin cotton rope or clothesline, plastic bag "yarn" and the like.

Re: New project?

[fuzzyred]

New things to look into. Thank you for the tip on materials; I'm used to working with synthetic yarn or cotton for my inside projects.

Re: New project?

[ysabetwordsmith]

Those are good all-purpose fibers, but others have different pros and cons.

A general guide to yarns:
https://www.makersmercantile.com/yarn-101-knitting-yarn-types-and-materials.htm

T-shirt yarn:
https://makery.co.uk/2015/02/diy-recycle-old-t-shirts-into-yarn/

Plastic bag yarn:
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-plarn-2117354

Plastic has concerns due to environmental issues, but reusing it reduces these. Also, there are times when having a tough but ultimately disposable water-resistant bag is really useful, and beach play is one of them. When it wears out, just stuff it in the recycle bin.

Re: New project?

[fuzzyred]

Checking out the guide to yarns left me wanting to buy MORE yarn. I've worked with a very narrow range of yarns so far, and some of those sound quite intriguing. Now to see if I can find a retailer near me...

I found the t-shirt yarn site most useful for the directions. I don't think I will ever have enough old t-shirts to use myself, but it is an interesting idea.

The plastic yarn on the other hand... I have so many bags I don't know what to do with them, and I hate throwing them out. I foresee making lots of "plarn" in my future, and making things with it.

Thanks for the great resources!

Re: New project?

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Checking out the guide to yarns left me wanting to buy MORE yarn.<<

*laugh* When does that NOT happen?

>> I've worked with a very narrow range of yarns so far, and some of those sound quite intriguing.<<

My favorites include silk, silk-angora, alpaca, and silk-alpaca. I'm also a big fan of bamboo, but I've yet to see that in yarn -- I have 4 pairs of bamboo socks.

>> Now to see if I can find a retailer near me... <<

I shop at Le Mouton Rouge, and they sell online too.

>>I found the t-shirt yarn site most useful for the directions. I don't think I will ever have enough old t-shirts to use myself, but it is an interesting idea.<<

Check thrift stores. They often sell T-shirts for $1 or so. You can also tell them what you're doing and ask if they have damaged shirts you could have. If it's just a stain or a rip and the fiber is still good, you can cut around that. But once random holes appear, the fiber is degrading and it's only good for rags. I mention this because some thrift stores here have bags of rags for sale.

>>The plastic yarn on the other hand... I have so many bags I don't know what to do with them, and I hate throwing them out. I foresee making lots of "plarn" in my future, and making things with it.<<

Yay! I hear it's very good for matting, and some people like it for mesh bags.

>> Thanks for the great resources! <<

*bow, flourish* Happy to be of service.

Re: New project?

[fuzzyred]

>>*laugh* When does that NOT happen?<<

I find that looking at pretty things (of any kind) general leaves be wanting to BUY ALL THE THINGS.

>>My favorites include silk, silk-angora, alpaca, and silk-alpaca. I'm also a big fan of bamboo, but I've yet to see that in yarn -- I have 4 pairs of bamboo socks.<<

Ooo, those sound interesting, and looking at he site you gave, the silk-alpaca comes in some truly wonderful colours. I have a feeling browsing is going to lead to lots of coveting, and possibly much spending. More projects!

>>Check thrift stores.<<

This is a good idea. I will certainly look into it, if I can figure out a project that I'd like to make with t-shirt yarn.

>>Yay! I hear it's very good for matting, and some people like it for mesh bags.<<

A plastic mat for the beach or even the back yard sounds great, and fairly easy. The bag might be more tricky.

Re: New project?

[ysabetwordsmith]

Yeah, me too. I especially like shopping for friends because then I can buy the prettiest stuff that's usually wool. I just have to wash my hands afterward.

>>Ooo, those sound interesting, and looking at he site you gave, the silk-alpaca comes in some truly wonderful colours. I have a feeling browsing is going to lead to lots of coveting, and possibly much spending. More projects!<<

:D I haven't gotten to try qiviut yet, but that's one I'd like to pet too.

>>This is a good idea. I will certainly look into it, if I can figure out a project that I'd like to make with t-shirt yarn.<<

Well, it'd make a fantastic drip-mat because cotton is so absorbent. But let's see what else ...

https://sustainmycrafthabit.com/top-20-tshirt-yarn-projects/

https://www.allfreecrochet.com/tag/T-shirt

https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Miscellaneous/Recycled-Craft-Ideas-Silk-Ribbon-T-Shirt-Yarn-Projects

>>A plastic mat for the beach or even the back yard sounds great, and fairly easy. The bag might be more tricky.<<

Mats are easy because any flat project is easy. Either you go back and forth or round and round; no shaping is required as for 3D projects.