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 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 […]
Dear Jillian, I am having the worst time parallel drafting! My fibers don’t draft well, there’s clumping, and one color frequently falls away. Can you give me some tips to make it easier? ~Tess (and others) in Jillian’s class at Maryland Sheep and Wool Hi Tess, Parallel drafting may be my favorite color spinning technique, […]
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! “
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