PLY article index

Article describes spinning Wensleydale locks to be used for two projects in this issue.

Article explains how a fleece is sorted into firsts, seconds, and thirds, defining each one and describing a project that uses all three categories. Article includes an illustration of a fleece with these areas labeled.

Instructions for using the woven fabric created in a pattern in this issue and sewing it into a circular cape. Includes instructions for creating your pattern and sewing the fabric.

Weaving pattern for a garment (to be turned into a cape) on a 4 harness loom.

Description of the yarn spun for the weaving project included in this issue. Fiber blend of silk, camel, yak, and cashmere spun into a thin 2-ply yarn.

Chart shows how a variety of sheep breeds compare with it comes to softness by comparing micron count and crimps per inch.

Article describes blending precious luxury fibers (yak, camel, cashmere, and silk) using a drum carder to maintain the luxury qualities of those “too special” fibers.

Article defines the “prickle factor” and how we interpret it when considering which fibers we might want to wear next to our skin. The author then goes on to explaining the various considerations in fiber prep and spinning that can affect that prickle factor.

Article describes the yarn, using alpaca fiber, spun for the cowl pattern included in this issue.

Article describes the process of a spinning project that tests the lamb fleeces of two sheep breeds, Finnsheep and Tunis (not known for their next-to-skin wear), to discover their suitability for neck and shoulder knitwear.

Article describes ways to spin a fine fiber into a bulky yarn by spinning multiple plies to use the natural inclination of the fiber to be spun into singles with smaller diameters. The author provides tips for how to create a lofty yarn in this manner and uses several breeds as examples: superfine Merino, Polwarth, and Cormo.

Article describes spinning Rambouillet fiber into a multi-ply bulky yarn to make the cowl pattern also included in this issue.

Knitting pattern for a cowl that goes down over the shoulders using a bulky yarn. The pattern highlights the texture of the yarn and is worked at a looser gauge. Pattern includes suggestions for how to modify the pattern based on the yarn you’ve created: a version without colorwork, a version that is all colorwork, and modifications for different yardage. Pattern includes written instructions.

Article discusses tips for breaking down a larger project on supported spindles to help keep a long-term project moving forward.

These spinners share their favorite go-to neck and shoulders project.

Article discusses blending Bluefaced Leicester (BFL), silk, and yak on a drum carder and dizzing the fiber from the drum carder.

Article describes spinning the yarn for a shawl project (also in this issue) using a blend of Bluefaced Leicester (BFL), yak, and silk, emphasizing the drape and bloom of the final yarn. Includes final yarn stats.

Knitting pattern for classic shawl constructed like a modern hap–an everyday shawl that moves seamlessly from casual clothes to business. Pattern includes full written instructions plus charts.

Article explores the question “What makes the best lace?” by experimenting with several different fibers to determine how fiber type, drafting style, and ply structure impact lace knitting. Fibers include Shetland, Romney X Gotland lamb, and Targhee.