I like my yarn absolutely smooth, with as little fuzziness as possible. I know to spin a worsted preparation with a worsted draft, but sometimes my yarn still comes out with a halo. What else could I be doing that makes my yarn fuzzy? Nicole Hi Nicole, You already know the two most important elements to creating a smooth yarn – a worsted prep […]
Do you ever use the fractal style spinning for anything else besides a single braid? ~Kate, Taos, New Mexico Hi Kate! I do! I first read about fractal spinning in an article by Janel Laidman way back in 2007. I like to use the technique to break up hard or clear striping in braids that […]
I’ve seen lots of people lately steaming their fiber before they spin. Why do they do this and how do I do it if I want to try it? ~Bethany, Denver, Colorado Why to steam your fiber Steam wakes up the crimp in a fiber whether it’s a woolen preparation that’s been hanging out too long […]
I am so frustrated that the colors in my chain-plied yarn keep combining. I want my yarn to look as close to my hand-dyed braid as possible. Tell me how to keep my colors clear and unmarled. ~Donna, Harrisville, NH Hi Donna, I hate when that happens! The number one reason that I chain ply […]
The Spinner’s Blending Board Bible: From Woolen to (Nearly!) Worsted and Everything in Between by Deborah HeldStackpole Books$32.95, hardcover 8.2 x 10.1 with 136 pagesPublished: April 1, 2025Buy now at Bookshop.orgReview by Jillian Moreno I’ve noticed that spinners are more interested in fiber preparation lately, both working from fleece and the fiber fun of creating […]
Dear Jillian, I have been spinning for a year on my Ashford Traditional, and I want to buy a second wheel. What should I consider before I buy one? ~Margaret Getting a new wheel is exciting, but it can be overwhelming. Here are factors to consider before adding to your flock. Note: I’m specifically addressing treadle […]
Ask Jillian! Eleanor from Ithaca, New York asks, “How do you get yourself to practice other styles and structures of yarn? I learn to do something new and then just go back to my default yarn. I want to make new yarns! “
If you were stranded and limited to only three small spinning tools, what would you choose? What are the tools you can’t live without, at least this week? I have never grown out of playing ‘what if’ games. It’s just fun and I always want to know what other people would choose. I will add […]
It seems like at the beginning of the new year every spinner I know has the goal of spinning more. Me included! This year I want to spin 10 new-to-me-dyers and make 12 things for myself (some handspun some not). I have a favorite trick to get myself to spin more, it works for me […]
