Spin paper streamer from Blue Man into yarn
October 11, 2009 by Noreen Crone-Findlay
Filed under eco projects & green projects & recycling craft, spinning
We went to see the Blue Man group in performance.
photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
At the end of the show,
they fired off special effects cannons
that launched paper streamers at the audience.
I thought:
“Ooooh …. all those pre-cut strips of paper!
Perfect for spinning! ”
So, after the show,
I scooted down to the floor,
and asked the guy who was sweeping up
the streamers if I could have some.
“I’m a spinner and weaver and I would love to make them into yarn!”
He looked at me like I had just sprouted a second nose.
He muttered something inaudible and handed me an armload of the streamers.
photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
I wondered how it would be to spin
the streamers on my spinning wheel.
Usually, I spin paper with spindles.
I was amazed and
impressed.
Spinning the streamers
with a spinning wheel
is very do-able!
You have to use a
very long draw,
and it’s good to
over spin
to get lots of twist.
photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
I had to keep
fluffing the streamers
to keep them
from interlocking
with each other.
I developed a rhythm
in which I would spin
with one hand controlling
the spin, while the other
hand scrambled madly
for the next streamer.
I made a little YouTube video of it.
I have started working with one of the projects that I am making with the streamer yarn, and will post about it when I am further along with it.
Here’s the video, which shows how I join the streamers:
Noreen – what a great story! Blue Man Group is pretty cool; how wonderful that you got to see them.
I bought some tissue paper at the dollar store and have been having a blast spinning it. I have a gorgeous drop spindle that was made by a lady who does stained glass work. It’s really too heavy to use even for plying, but it’s perfect for spinning paper. I just let the spindle spin on my thigh and the weight is perfect for paper. I used my trusty paper cutter and cut the strips into one inch pieces. anal of me, I know.
Once again, you’ve inspired me to try something new and fun! Thank you for the wonderful ideas!
That’s fantastic Noreen ! Can’t wait to see what you make of the yarn….or is that parn ?
Oh, I hope what you make will be blue; seems so appropriate. Maybe a blue clown!!
Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Hi Tammy
I am so pleased that you have found the perfect use for your gorgeous spindle! Yay!
I am delighted that I inspired you! Whee! Happy dance!
and thank you for the Happy Thanksgiving wishes! I love Thanksgiving.
Hi Barbara
Nope, the first project stayed white, and it’s a Unicorn- and there’s a reason for it….
I blogged about it:
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/blue-man-streamers-become-a-unicorn/
I am thinking about blue for the next piece…. LOL! all shall be revealed!
Hi Fran
LOL, I think I’ll stick with calling it paper yarn…. parn sounds too close to being yechie! LOL
Oh Noreen it is an another idea ..I don’t know why it is blue or some thing …thank you .
Hi Swapna
Noreen
Are you confused about why I keep talking about Blue men? LOL!
The Blue Man group is a theatrical troup that does clever shows with loud music and lots of technology. Here is a link that explains them:
http://www.blueman.com/
O, Noreen, this just makes me so happy; both the music (I haven’t seen them yet. wonderful?) and nabbing up the spinnable goodness, and your enjoyment of the spinning in the photo and video here!
Love the things you’re making of them, too.
Mostly mostly? Thank you for sharing the smiles!
-Ruth
Thank you so much, Ruth! I am so pleased that you are enjoying my blog! That makes my heart sing!
LOL… I have to admit that I wasn’t intending to come away from the Blue Man show with any souvenirs, so I keep laughing about this unexpected and ongoing series of magical little upcycled paper creations! Interesting souvenirs indeed!
