PLY article index

Article discusses why Corriedale and Bond are such good fibers for spinners of all skill levels because of the adaptability of the fiber to be processed and spun in multiple ways. The article then goes through various preparation and spinning methods to show the results: flicked/short forward draw, carded/supported long draw, combed/dizzed/short forward draw.

Article discusses the process of finding a Corriedale fleece, planning how to spin it, preparing the fiber, and spinning the yarn. This yarn is then used for the Holiday Gradient Hat and Cowl project in the same issue.

Pattern for a hat and cowl set inspired by the natural gradient from a single fleece. Yarn is described in accompanying Spin It article: a DK weight 3-ply or chain-ply yarn. Pattern has written instructions.

This article explores how changing the density (the amount of fibers held by twist) and twist of the Corriedale fiber impacts the final yarn. The author sampled the fiber to compare various preparations and densities with different twist amounts, resulting in more than nine different yarns from one fiber. The article shows the results and discusses options for what to do with each resulting yarn.

Article describes a spinning challenge taken on by one of the Creative Fibre Auckland groups, the Zoo Group. Each member received 150g of the same raw fleece to wash and prepare as the first stage. The author describes finding the fleece for this challenge and how the participants worked with the fleece. Photos show a variety of completed projects from the members.

Article introduces the reader to how scientists are beginning to understand the genetics of different sheep breeds and how ancient and modern technologies are coming together to shape the future of flocks.

Article discusses the author’s journey of adding Bonds to their flock, which already included Corriedales and how the addition created great improvement in the fleece qualities of their flock.

Article describes the author’s experience of working with Bond fiber from a friend’s flock and the project made by using various colors of fleece.

Article discusses why Bond’s bold crimp sets the breed apart, even from the closely related Corriedale. The author spins the Bond in various ways to make use of the crimp. Photos show locks structures and resulting yarn and swatches.

Article describes the experience of spinning Bond fiber into a bulky yarn for the cowl project also included in this issue.

Knitting pattern for cowl with knitted bobbles using a bulky handspun yarn (described in another article in this issue). Pattern uses written instructions.

Article closely examines the similarities and differences between Bond and Corriedale from the physical characteristics of micron, staple length, and lock structure to working with the two fibers in both combed and carded preparations and in yarn structures (singles yarn, 2-ply, 3-ply).

Article discusses the author’s process of spinning the yarn for the vest pattern included in this issue. The vest combines Bond and Corriedale, so this article discusses spinning each of these fibers.

Knitting pattern for a vest that uses both Bond and Corriedale yarn (another article in this issue describes how the yarn was spun). Pattern includes one size and uses worsted weight yarn. Provides written instructions.

The three authors go head to head in sharing what breed(s) they consider to be the best for beginning spinners.

Article discusses the author’s journey to finding the perfect production sheep, a breed that is equally good for meat and wool production, landing on Corriedale as that perfect breed.

Article compares the same color dyed on Merino, Bluefaced Leicester (BFL), and Corriedale and explains how the characteristics of each fiber affect the resulting color. Discusses staple length, crimp, preparation, and draft.

Article describes how the Corriedale fiber was spun into the yarn used for the blanket pattern in this issue.

Weaving pattern for a 4-harness loom for a blanket using Corriedale handspun yarn (spinning of the yarn is described in another article in this issue).

Article describes the development of the Schacht Spindle Co by two brothers who wanted to learn to spin and became involved in creating spindles and spinning wheels.

PLY readers give you their best tips for washing and prepping a fleece.

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