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 […]
UPDATE: We have a winner! Chris P check your email! Woo-hoo it’s a fiber giveaway! My article about plying with color in the new issue of PLY was so much fun to write! My favorite part was spinning and knitting the samples, there are so many options it’s hard to stop. I know when […]
