PLY article index

Weaving pattern for a warm winter scarf using a rigid heddle loom with a pick up stick. The scarf uses four different patterns throughout as well as plain weave.

This article describes how to spin the yarn used in the woven scarf project also included in this issue. It talks about how the original plan for the cashmere yarn didn’t work out (and why) and what lessons from that first yarn were then applied to create the final yarn for the scarf.

This article discusses the factors to consider when planning to spin a project designed to create warmth: fiber choice, preparation, drafting technique, amount of twist, yarn size, and fabric structure.

A table listing options for fiber, preparation, drafting technique, and ply twist and structure from warmest to coolest.

This article looks at ways to natural dye fibers using kitchen scraps, such as tea, avocado pits, citrus peels, and onion skins. It goes through specific tips for each material and the colors it can produce.

This article looks at how your chosen spinning technique (woolen vs worsted) have an impact on the final color results of your yarn. It discusses color as dependent on how light reflects off the yarn and shows the differences in color between the two drafting methods using different preps and fiber.

This article explains how to spin the yarn used for the mitten project also in this issue, which is a 2-ply fingering/sport weight yarn.

Pattern for colorwork mittens, with either a full or convertible option, with an elephant motif. Also discusses how color dominance works in colorwork .

This article takes the idea that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” and talks about how to make fiber, yarn construction, and garment construction choices to help match the climate where you live, as well as your lifestyle.

This article shares the experience of the Greater Birmingham Fiber Guild, which had a fiber colorway designed based upon a photo and then had guild members spin the fiber, with varying results. The guild wanted the photo to represent their local area and selected the Sloss Furnaces, which the article also describes. The resulting colors are gorgeous and the article includes photos of the fiber, some yarn, and a finiahed shawl project made with the guild’s colorway.

With this article, these six spinners share how they make their warmest yarn, each one displayed as a photo.

This article, from wool expert Deb Robson, looks at which qualities of fleece impact warmth and discusses several breeds that have those qualities. The article explains the differences between wool, hair, and kemp, the different types of fibers you might encounter in a fleece as well as crimp and how those elements impact warmth. The list of breeds in the article are categorized based upon not just their ability to provide warmth but also for the way they might feel when worn next to skin..

This article explains how to spin the yarn used for the hat project also included in this issue. It uses Rambouillet wool and spins it into a 2-ply lofty DK-weight yarn.

Pattern for a hat using brioche rib and small cables, sized from baby through adult large. Patterns incldued written instructions as well as charts.

This photo essay goes through using qiviut from the initial fiber to dehairing to processing on hand cards and shows the end results of the handspun quviut knit into a cowl.

The article describes Judith’s experiences growing up in a cold country and how that helped develop her love of wool. She then discusses the difference between wool and hair as well as how sheep themselves use qualities within their fleece to keep themselves warm. (You can’t miss the absolutely adorable illustrations in this article on page 64!)

This article discusses considerations if you want to spin a fine yarn with a woolen drafting method. It starts with why you might want to do this and how your fiber choice makes a difference in your results. It then goes through spinning samples using several fiber options: yak, vicuna, Merino, and BFL and what adjustments needed to be made for each fiber. The article ends with a discussion on which specific uses you might want for the projects you make out of these specific yarns.

This article explains what the fibershed movement is and why you might want to consider participating in one and how to do so (by either joining one already created or creating your own).

When we think of warm yarns, we often think of woolen-spun yarns; however, you can make worsted-spun yarns with warmth qualities. This article looks at the choices you can make in your worsted-spun yarns to create warmth, from fiber selection and preparation to how to draft with a worsted technique that will impart the most warmth (space between fibers). Photos provide specific examples of yarns and knit swatches.

This article experiments with spinning yarns that will be felted in the final project to create extra warmth. It starts with the premise that thicker yarn will create warmer fabric but questions how much twist will make the warmest yarn. By using Merino, CVM, and a blend of Romeldale/llama, the author spins all yarn to the same size adjusting amount of twist and three drafting styles. She knits, felts, and felts and brushes sample swatches and tests their heat retention by using freezer packs and a heating pad.

This article discusses another aspect of warmth–rather than temperature, it looks at how a yarn might tell a story and evoke feelings of comfort and memories. It explores building a memorable stash and then how to go stash diving to help plan out your comfort yarn. The author describes a specific yarn she creates by using this process, from prepping the fibers to setting up the wheel and spinning the yarn, including any add-in elements you might want to include.

Pulling out a handknit sock and finding a hole in it is such a terrible feeling. But don’t despair! This article takes you thorugh ideas for how you can use the parts of the sock that aren’t damaged to create new socks–in multiple incarnations throughout the life of the fabric. Photos show how various parts of socks can be used together along with new yarn to create the newer socks, even making more than one pair of socks out of a damaged pair.

Maggie Casey learned to spin in the 1970s and has become one of the community’s most loved teacher, colleague, mentor, and spinner. This article looks at her history in spinning and her advice to spinners.

This article dives into the features used to evaluate fleece, from basic industry categories to a spinner’s shopping guide.