PLY article index

This article discusses how to choose appropriate locks for tailspinning, specifically looking at the lock structure. It then compares spinning the locks of different fibers and the resulting drape. Fibers include Suri alpaca, Gotland, mohair, English Leicester, and Lincoln Longwool.

This article examines how to showcase bulky and textured yarns in weaving projects without creating stuff and heavy fabric. It offers suggestions for the warp spacing, beating, combining multiple weights of yarn, using specific weaving techniques, and what kinds of fibers work best.

This article explores whether a yarn will reap the draping benefits of silk if the blending is accomplished via plying (singles of different fibers blended together) or if the fiber itself needs to be blended before spinning and plying. Fibers used are red Eri silk and 23-micron Merino. Various options are tested and knit swatches are compared.

Often spinners think that underspinning or underplying are the way to add drape to their yarn, but this article warns that those options won’t work. Instead, you can use other ways to add drape to your yarn. This article examines ply twist in Merino and alpaca and compares each option by knitting swatches and simulating wear using a mortar and pestle to abrade the samples.

This article starts from the end–the cloth you plan to make–to help make decisions about the yarn you should spin for that cloth. It compares knitted, woven, and crocheted swatches using a blend of Merino and silk spun into a 2-ply yarn.

This article looks at how different methods of finishing yarn contribute to the drape of the yarn: cold bath, hot bath, steamed, thwacked, wuzzed, weighted, alternating hot and cold baths, and a combination of wuzzed, thwacked, and weighted. It includes a table of the results.

This article looks at options in the weaving process, particularly the setts, and how those choices impact the drape of your final fabric. The author experiments with various setts and compares the results of both finished and unfinished fabrics.

This article describes how to spin the yarn used for the weaving project included in this issue. The yarn is 3000 yards of a laceweight singles yarn spun from a blend of Polwarth and silk. The article also offers some tips for spinning a fine but lowish-twist yarn.

Weaving pattern for the cloth used to make the dress (dress creation also included in this issue). It is a 2×2 twill design woven on 4 shafts.

This article describes how to take woven cloth a create a garment from it based upon your favorite clothing item. It discusses planning the fiber content and weave structure best suited for the garment, gathering your tools, making a pattern, and bringing it all to life.

Dense and drape-y yarns sought after, PLY readers give you tips and tricks on how to get yarns that drape the best.

Creating a spinning space can be wonderful for spinners.PLY readers give you tips and tricks on how to create this space in your own home.

The author juxtaposes living in Brooklyn with the slow craft of spinning, including considerations of mindfulness, community, and environment. The article also describes the yarn the author created to define his place in his world.

Twist should never be in your fiber supply. Instead, it should be either in between your hands or not in between your hands. This article explains the difference between the two and how they relate to spinning worsted and woolen yarns. It also describes how to spin each way and how it affects your yarn.

This infographic provides information on the various countries where plants fibers are grown (both fibers for spinning and for dyeing).

This article provides tips and tricks for spinning in an environment with hot temperatures.

This article describes how to spin the yarn used in the crochet top project (pattern in this issue). First, it explores blend options for a top to wear in a warm environment (flax, hemp/cotton blend) and explains what fiber was chosen.

Pattern for crochet top in 14 sizes, easily customizable with a simple construction and no seams.

The author describes her experience using the Harvest Hosts community to find overnight stays during a road trip, including a cotton farm, and alpaca farm and mill, and a pecan farm with sheep and alpaca.

Visiting a fleece auction for the first time can be intimidating for the anxious spinner. This article is meant to help make that first visit to a fleece market a little easier by helping you know what to expect.

The author shares the history of the Estes Park Wool Market (in Colorado) and personal reflection on the event.

This article describes the development of the sheep breeds that were designed and bred by Agriculture Canada in the second half of the twentieth century: Rideau Arcott, Canadian Arcott, Outaouais Arcott. The author then experiments with spinning each of these breeds.

This article explores the history behind Neighborhood Fiber Co in Baltimore, Maryland, and how important community is to the company.

The author describes spinning a gradient yarn that incorporates the colors of a favorite sunset picture using BFL/silk fiber from Neighborhood Fiber Company.

Weaving pattern for a table runner using a gradient yarn for the warp and a twill structure to highlight the gradient.