PLY article index

This article explains how to create a join when spinning a worsted yarn, with pictures showing the best practice as well as what happens if you don’t use this method.

Three anonymous reviewers give us their honest feedback on the HansenCrafts miniSpinner.

The author, who lived in a village called Worstead in England, wondered if there was any connection to the name of the village and the fiber arts term “worsted.” Spoiler alert: There is! This article traces the history of the town and its name.

This article explores the gansey sweaters of Yorkshire’s inland waterways and the yarns used to make them. Then the author explains how to spin a traditional gansey yarn.

Knitting pattern for a gansey, in one size but with notes for how to make size adjustments using gauge.

The author describes spinning a Merino/silk blend and the resulting project–which didn’t go quite as expected.

This article explains how to spin the yarn for the skirt pattern included in this issue.

Knitting pattern for skirt in 8 sizes.

The author describes her experience starting as a worsted spinner and then trying long draw and falling in love with woolen yarn.

Deb Robson, brilliant author of The Fleece and Fiber Source Book, shares her insights on how you don’t have to know everything about spinning, to spin a yarn. If that were true, no yarn would ever get spun! She shows some of her handspun garments and how perfectly imperfect they are. Let her inspire you and set your mind at ease, then go spin!

Deb talks and walks you through making a yarn with combed top. Usually a natural wool spinner, she’s enamored with the color. She also talks about how her own body limitations require her to take extra steps to prepare her fiber for spinning.

Jacey introduces the new episode with Maggie and Heavenly for this episode that will get you spinning, even if it’s your first time!

Are you brand new to spinning? Maggie Casey has taught more people to spin than anyone and she can teach you. Sit down at your wheel for the first time and let her be your guide.

Heavenly is great at helping people troubleshoot what’s going wrong with their spinning. This episode is just that, Heavenly working through some of the most common spinning hiccups including equipment malfunctions, bobbin woes, too much tension, too little tension, finding the right amount of twist, and more.

Are you brand new to spinning? Maggie Casey has taught more people to spin than anyone and she can teach you. Grab your spindle, take a seat and let’s park and draft.

Jacey introduces and walks you through 4 long draw drafts: Point-of-contact, supported, double-draft, and unsupported.

Make a yarn with Jacey as she spins a short backward draft with a carded prep on her Hansen e-spinner, all the while talking you through the process. She’s spinning warp yarn for the season 3 wall-hanging.

Jacey walks you through this episode and talks about how great Deb is!

Deb Robson, brilliant author of The Fleece and Fiber Source Book, gives us the lowdown on the structure of wool and how we know a lot less than we think we do! It’s a fascinating talk and will teach you quite a bit!

Deb Robson, brilliant author of The Fleece and Fiber Source Book, talks about felting. Why and how does wool felt? Is it fibers locking together? Racheting? Plowing? and how do you keep it from happening? You’ll know so much more after listening to Deb!

Deb Robson, brilliant author of The Fleece and Fiber Source Book, talks about fiber preparations. Rolag, puni, roving, batt, sliver, top, cloud? What does it all mean and how does it affect your spinning? Deb Robson explains it all!

Whatever you know about Shetland wool, there’s more to learn! This article describes the broad variety of traits found in Shetland fleeces and how they can influence a final yarn.

A diverse community surrounds the Shetland wool industry.

Spinning-themed cartoon.