PLY article index

An experiment in preparing and spinning Soay fleece.

Karakul fleece has an incredible texture and natural balayage of color, delightful to spin into bulky, shaggy yarns with minimal prep. Get tips on choosing and spinning Karakul in this article.

The Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em challenge inspired the author’s reunion with Karakul wool. Here, three fleeces are drum carded and spun semi-woolen into a bulky 2-ply yarn.

The typical 2-step process of mordanting and then dyeing poses a risk of premature felting in handspun Karakul wool. To mitigate that chance, learn about using a one-pot mordant-and-dye method.

The goal for this project was a strong solid mitt that would stand up to snow, cold weather, and hauling wood. Knitting pattern for mittens in bulky 2-ply yarn with optional color patterning.

The North Ronaldsay sheep, vulnerable to extinction in the UK, retains its ancestral genetics from as far back as the Iron Age. This article explores using the whole double-coated fleece in processing and spinning for modern creative projects.

A profile of the Racka breed of sheep with a brief exploration of spinning and knitting its wool.

Kihnu sheep, an ancient breed indigenous to Estonia, produce a wild variety of fleeces that can be spun into anything from fine lace to durable carpets. In this article, learn about both Kihnu and Estonian cultural heritage.

A U.S. researcher shares her experience with learning traditional Estonian techniques for spinning Kihnu wool.

Using handspun Kihnu wool, this lace scarf is inspired by Estonian designs. Knitting pattern in 2-ply sport weight wool yarn.

Drysdale sheep were developed in the 1930s-40s, but their population collapsed in the 1990s with the wool carpet industry in Australasia. This article advocates for the usefulness of their fleece in a broad range of hard-wearing products.

All sheep in Norway are domesticated, but the Old Norse sheep is a social breed well adapted to finding food on its own year-round and highly treasured in days past. This article details their history and profiles one modern farmer of Old Norse sheep.

Spælsau wool is incredibly versatile, making it both interesting and challenging to work with. Use these tips to process a unique fleece.

Was one lonely Romanov fleece a royal find, or could it end up a violent tragedy? This article details the process of discovering the reward in Romanov despite the meticulous labor required.

Developing a working understanding of a fuzzy topic: this article provides some definitions of wool, hair, and kemp, assembled through months of research.

Shetland sheep are an ancient breed producing a variety of fleeces. In this article, learn more about the breed’s history and versatility.

The rise is a weak point near the butt of the staple in primitive sheep breeds, a remnant from their shedding days. It can cause issues with preparation if left intact; read this article for advice on managing the rise for a more consistent prep.

A classic experiment testing dyes on Shetland wool to achieve a perfect target shade.

The best word to associate with Shetland is variety: this is what makes sampling this really unique breed so much fun! Follow the journey of spinning multiple colors into woolen-style yarns.

Prepare yarns for a classic Fair Isle garment in natural Shetland colors.

This classic fair isle V-neck vest is named after the fictional Alaskan borough in Northern Exposure where a mixture of personalities coexist happily—just like how the many motifs mix in this design. Knitting pattern for a colorwork vest in fingering weight yarn.

Just like the Navajo, whose great motto is “Sheep Are Life,” the tribal Scots, before they were taken from their homes, also believed that sheep were the foundation of a proper, secure life. This article traces the journey of Shetland sheep into the New World.

Winter fishing was a seriously hazardous occupation before the age of motorized boats and coast guards. Fishermen kept chests full of life-saving woolen clothing, including mittens like the ones created from Spælsau wool in this article.

Isolated from human intervention during their evolution, Soay sheep’s distinct characteristics continue to shape the present-day shepherd’s experience. This article documents life as a Soay shepherd.