Search for articles in published issues of PLY Magazine. You can search by any or all of the options: author, word(s) in the title, word(s) in the description, issue topic, or article topics. Note that the article topics search will show results of articles that fit ALL of the selected topics.

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Total Records Found: 1356, showing 25 per page
Author Kate Atherley
Article Title On Spinning Yarn for Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list fiber considerations, fiber prep, yarn stats, socks
Description If you’re going to the trouble of knitting socks, you should do everything you can to ensure they last as long as possible. As spinners, we have the power to create yarns that precisely match our needs: here are some considerations for making an ideal sock yarn.
Author Donna Kay
Article Title Spin It! My Perfect Sock
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list spin it, Cormo, mohair, blends, fiber prep, 3-ply, yarn stats, socks
Description

After much experimenting, here are all the details on one spinner’s perfect sock yarn.

Author Kate Atherley
Article Title Knit It! Perfectly Imperfect Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list knit it, socks, cables
Description

Knitting pattern for some slightly-odd socks that may stave off your Second Sock Syndrome, featuring cables and a slip-stitch heel flap.

Author Christina A. Pappas
Article Title Humble Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list historical, socks
Description

Socks are a late addition to the human wardrobe: the first proper socks were not worn until sometime after CE 1. Explore the history of sock wearing (and making!) in this article.

Author Jillian Moreno
Article Title Favorite Structure: Favorite Fiber
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list socks, yarn stats, fiber considerations
Description

There are probably more opinions on how to spin a sock yarn than any other yarn. Some of the spinning community’s favorite teachers share their go-to methods for sock yarn spinning.

Author Pimmie Schoorl
Article Title Stubborn Sock Yarn: Testing Structure
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list experimenting, 2-ply, 3-ply, chain plied, 4-ply and beyond, cabled, opposing ply, crepe, BFL, durability
Description

A quest for the most hardwearing sock yarn construction, putting seven different approaches to the test.

Author Jennifer Lackey
Article Title Color Study in 3 Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list socks, color, cabled, chain plying, fiber prep
Description

Socks are great for exploring new approaches, but they can be a challenge for color. These 3 pairs demonstrate how colored fiber might be handled when spinning for socks.

Author Evanita Montalvo
Article Title Turkish Spindles, Sleeping Turtles, and Matching Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list socks, spindles, crossarm spindles, planning, expanding skills, Turkish spindle
Description

One of the many wonderful things about knitting socks is how portable they are—and if you’re spindle spinning, you can stay on the go from yarn to final pair. Here are some tips for getting matching socks out of a spindle-spun yarn.

Author Lori Patterson
Article Title Sock Summit: A Remembrance
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list personal reflection, community
Description

A reflection on Sock Summit, a multi-day event dedicated to sock knitting.

Author JoAnna Moskal
Article Title Spin It! 3-Ply 2 Ways
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list spin it, socks, 3-ply, chain plied, braids
Description

Sometimes a bit of indecisive rebellion results in really awesome socks. Here’s a fun approach to spinning a braid for sock yarn.

Author Debbie Held
Article Title Making the Case for Crepe-spun Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list socks, crepe, elasticity, expanding skills
Description

A true standout among contenders for the best sock yarn structure is crepe, as it brings an added necessary element into the mix: elasticity.

Author Jillian Moreno
Article Title Prep It! More Than Merino: Fiber for Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list prep it, fiber considerations, socks
Description

Handspun, hand knitted socks are an undisputed luxury. Many spinners default to Merino and Merino blends, but there is a wide world of great fibers for socks! Check out some of the options here.

Author Mary Berry
Article Title Spin It! Goldilocks and the Perfect Book Sock
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list spin it, fiber considerations, fiber prep, yarn stats, socks, swatches, Shetland
Description

Once upon a time, our shepherd Goldilocks looked to her own flock for The Perfect Yarn with whichto knit The Perfect Boot Sock. Here’s where her journey brought her.

Author Mary Berry
Article Title Knit It! Perfect Boot Socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list knit it, socks
Description

Knitting pattern for socks with a round toe, padded heel, and snug fit, knit from a good tough handspun yarn.

Author Denise Williams
Article Title A Good Yarn: Nylon vs. Mohair
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list socks, experimenting, mohair, manufactured fibers, add-ins, durability
Description

Nylon is a popular addition to sock yarn for its purported durability. This article explores using mohair as a substitute.

Author Rebecca Marsh, Mary Heath
Article Title Tuff Socks Naturally: An ongoing collaborative project exploring sustainable fibers and techniques for making durable socks
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list socks, durability, community, fiber considerations, experimenting
Description

Tuff Socks Naturally is a motley crew of sock knitters gathered together on Instagram, dedicated to exploring alternatives to nylon and superwash in sock yarns and finding durable fiber sources.

Author Natasha Sills
Article Title Spin It! Woolen Socks?
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list experimenting, woolen, twist, socks
Description

Conventional wisdom says socks should be spun worsted. But what if that’s not an option? This article investigates how to spin a woolen yarn that can hold up to sock wear.

Article Title Tip Jar: Tips for making the perfect sock yarn
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list socks, expanding skills
Description

Everyone loves handspun socks, PLY readers give you tips to spin the perfect sock yarn.

Author Michelle Boyd, Mary Caldwell, Donna Kay, Monica Spicker, Marilyn Wright, Heather Zoppetti
Article Title 6 Spinners and Their Perfect Sock Yarn
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list yarn stats, socks
Description

A perfect sock yarn varies by personal preference! These spinners share their ideal combinations of fiber and method.

Author Melanie Duarte
Article Title Luxury Socks That Last and Luxury Socks That Don't
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list twist, socks, durability, experimenting, swatches, 3-ply, yarn stats
Description

How does twist affect the longevity of a garment, especially a hard-wearing item like socks? This experiment shows what to expect when varying twist across singles and plies.

Author Julie-Anne Gandier
Article Title Superwash Wool: The Spinner's Friend of Foe?
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list fiber considerations, wool, superwash wool, environmental
Description

Superwash wool is a polarizing topic. This article aims to provide spinners with a fundamental understanding of the science of superwash, building the necessary framework for making an informed decision about using these fibers.

Author Tom van Deijnen
Article Title Darn That Hole!
Issue date Winter 2018
Issue number 23
Issue topic Sock Yarn
Article topic list expanding skills, sustainability
Description

Once the dreaded holes appear in your handspun, hand knit socks, you have numerous options for repair! Learn the basics of darning in this article.

Author Joanne Arnest
Article Title Has Anything I've Learned Made Me a Faster Spinner?
Issue date Autumn 2018
Issue number 22
Issue topic Power
Article topic list Polwarth, fiber prep, long draw, short forward draft, expanding skills, experimenting, personal reflection
Description

Are there reliable tricks for achieving faster spinning, especially with a spindle? This spinner experiments with preparation and drafting styles to compare time spent and final yarns.

Author James Perry
Article Title Who's the Fastest of Them All?
Issue date Autumn 2018
Issue number 22
Issue topic Power
Article topic list wheel selection, ratios, twist
Description

A look at high speed spinning equipment: what’s out there and what performs well (note: article is from autumn 2018).

Author Rachel Simmons
Article Title Spinning and the Universe
Issue date Autumn 2018
Issue number 22
Issue topic Power
Article topic list spindles, science
Description

Have you ever considered that every time you spin, you are harnessing the power of the universe? This article meditates on the transfer of energy between spinner, tool, and fiber.