Description
TOC
Down (-like) issue
Prep It
What makes a Down a Down: Robeson, Deb
Washing Downs: Perry, James
Dyeing Downs: Redding, Natalie
Spin It
Ensphere: Bland, Debbie
Wayfarer’s Tunic: Mcfadden, Carol
How to spin a Down sock: Boyd, Michelle
Lorikeet Cardi : Adair, Jennifer
Crochet It
Lorikeet Cardi: Patch, Cal
Knit It
Ensphere: Bland, Debbie
Wayfarer’s Tunic : McFaddon, Carol
Tunis socks: Lagerman, Phyll
Extras
Battle of the Dorsets: Reynoso, Alex
Down with the Felt Resistance: Pacuska, Alison
Why spindles stop: Garripoli, Amelia
American Down-like Conservatory Breeds: Johnson, Devon
Sock experiment: Smith, Rachel
Take a chance, spin a down: Donna, Kay
3 ways to spin carded fiber (spin it): Smith, Beth
Community
Southdown Story (follow the fiber): Waterman, Tanja
Regulars
Oxford breed study: Becker, Lisa
Clun forest breed study: Roberts, Dunja
Hot Button: spinning downs worsted?
Ergo Neo: Demers, Carson
SCENE
World Bazaar
Indie Spinner
Judy Salmans –
I really didn’t know anything about down and down-like breeds but now I want to try some. Ply is a my favorite.
Jody Huey –
There was so much I learned about down breed from this one issue. I especially liked the fact that the fiber is resistant to felting. I am planning on making socks with the fiber I bought. Ply magazine is so informative. Thank you.
Kaye Heins –
As always, the photos were amazing. I wanted to hug each one of the sheep. I learned so much, my head is still spinning!
Suzanne –
This issue of Ply magazine was of particular interest. I have been doing breed studies for hand-spinning and the articles were filled with history and practical tips. Love the photos showing how different drafting techniques effect the outcome of your knitted/woven fabric.
Jeanne –
As always, excellent and instructive articles, beautiful photography, and thoughtful projects. I’ve never (consciously) spun with down wool, but with this toolkit in hand, I’m excited to try. Love.
Eileen Hackett –
I was just getting curious about these Down breeds when my Ply issue arrived – so it was fate that I immerse myself! This issue is packed with info about the true Down breeds as well as the Down-like ones. And of course the techniques to use in processing and spinning these under-utilized wools. LOVE this issue!
Jennifer Malinowski –
This issue, to me, had SO much info that I find myself referring to it repeatedly so it sticks in my brain. I love the photo’s (as usual) and LOVED Michele Boyd’s article on socks from Tunis and Rachel Smiths Sock Experiment. Can’t wait to do my own test!
Barb Guidinger –
This is a great issue that came just in time for shearing. Love how you show the results of the many different ways to spin and prepare a down breed.
Donna Kaplan –
Oh Down fibers , yum
Not the first wool I learned to spin on that was Corriedale but the second Dorset then Hampshire , Suffork I learned to love these fibers ,
This issue made me smile who could not smile looking a a Clun Forrest truly how could you not . The issue brought me back 40 yrs. , rekindled my joy of down fibers which I dug out of my stash started spinning straight away while I read the Issue
We get caught up at times with the newest crazy I am just as guilty as the next spinner this Issue made me halt and catch fire all over again about my love of down fibers
It didnot hurt that I used to have some in my wee flock 40 yrs ago either
So thank you for the education the trip down memory lane , I even got out some old photos to ad to the fun
Mary Meyer –
Love it, like every issue. I learned so much and will keep it near my wheel for reference .!!
Whitney Lard –
Interesting mag.
Megan Lykke –
PLY is amazing. read every issue. there’s nothing left to say.
sue legg –
Love this issue – I had gotten a down breed fleece, but was hesitant to work with it. Now I can go ahead and spin! Not sure what I will end up making, but I plan to have a good time doing it.
Kim Fenton –
I have learned SO MUCH from reading PLY magazine. I hope to get to PLY AWAY some day!!
Lisa Scovill –
A couple of years ago, I was given a California Red fleece to process. It was meant to be an experimental fleece to learn processing skills on. I cleaned it using the suint vat method. Then I played with it for a while experimenting with different combing techniques. I was frustrated, because I generally ended up with a lumpy mess. When the Down(like) issue arrived, I reapproached this fleece. I finallyfound satisfaction using hand combs, which fluffed the fleece nicely, then spun it woolen using a long draw. This produced a lovely, airy two ply that was bouncy and soft. I made a baby hat that was soft enough for s tender baby’s head.
Without the Down(like) issue, I doubt that I would have done anything with this fleece. I still have plenty left, and look forward to working with it now.
Lisa Scovill –
This issue was excellent!
Michele Marshall –
I think the Down issue was wonderful at bringing up a challenging topic – breaking out of our love of BFL and merino and exploring a lesser-used/loved source of fibers. The explanations of why we would WANT to spin down(like) breeds was wonderful – it inspired me to try spinning some Dorset Down for socks. And there was a lot of helpful information about how to go about spinning these sproingy, shorter fibers. I’ve talked to several spinners since this issue and have found that there’s a long-standing distrust of “other” wools, not usually seen by spinners. I think this issue does a great job of challenging those long-held, often passed-down, beliefs.
If there’s one niggling negative – several of the articles (independently submitted, no doubt) repeated information about the origins of the Down breeds. As a farmer’s daughter, I avidly read the initial article devoted to the topic. But after that I resorted to skimming the intros of the later articles since I already had the background. It started to feel repetitive, but then devouring the entire issue in one sitting might have something to do with it.
Ply is the only magazine I subscribe to and I look forward to it each quarter. It’s a bit like taking an intensive class on my own time and is well worth it’s cost.
Susan McKee-Nugent –
I was surprised at the small area these sheep came from even though I know about that area of England. Nice to know who is (Down) and who almost is (Down) and who is NOT (Down). I loved it.
Always nice to get our horizons broadened, thanks for a great magazine!
Julie Follansbee –
Every issue of Ply delivers fabulous information on every page. I couldn’t put this one down (no pun intended!). From Natalie’s clear description of her Redding Method, to the breakdown of what makes a down breed, I came away feeling much more confident in my fiber knowledge. Thanks for knocking it out of the park each and every month!
Rachel Wilson –
As always, the thorough review of the breeds and how to work from the beginning with the fleece is so much help. I prefer to “get to know the fleece-giver”, from petting it’s nose to knitting with the final product. I have not found a better resource for this than Ply.
Working with different breeds is how one becomes a proficient spinner. Learning the character traits of each breed is so nice, and blending becomes so much easier.
Kathi –
I really enjoyed the articles about down fiber. Have not had experience with the that type of fiber, but am interested in getting my toes wet. And with the sock articles, I will have something dry to put on afterward.
maxine –
I can’t wait to try all the things and relearn what is appropriate process with Down breeds!
Lynne Dudurich –
The Down issue was like all issues of Ply – exhaustive, but not exhausting! Articles are well written and very interesting. This issue was extremely timely, as I recently bought some Gulf Coast fiber to blend with alpaca to give it some spring and loft. The article on down-like breeds gave me a much better understanding of the fiber and what to expect when working with it. I always devour the new issue from cover to cover the day I get it!.
chris mcmahon –
I tried years ago with a Down breed but as I moved on to other fleeces, I kinda forgot about them. Thanks for the great reviews and the sample pieces showing shrinking (or not) – I am glad for the sock patterns, this is my goal!!
Liz Pease –
The timing of this issue couldn’t have been more perfect! I am working with Down type fleece for the first time and this issue has been beyond helpful with all the tips and tricks given. I don’t know how you do it, but each issue keeps topping the previous one!!!!!!!!!
martha donley –
I learn so much from each issue, and the Down issue was no exception. I did not know that my horn dorset fiber was from a “down-like” sheep but I learned a lot on how to spin it, and techniques to try. As always it was read from cover to cover and then carefully placed on the shelf with all the prior issues to be readily available should I need to refer to them in the future
Debby Greenlaw –
This was my first issue of PLY . . . Wow! What have I been missing?? Spinning is relatively new to me, just starting with my first wheel last fall. I’m soaking it all in from drafting techniques to plying methods to fiber preparation to dyeing – I’m loving it all. One of the things I have been working on is spinning different breeds and then comparing my observations with what others note. I have not tried any down breeds, but I can’t wait to get my hands on some down fibers and maybe even a raw fleece. This issue of PLY really got my motor running! I want to try everything. Well, ok, I don’t knit, but I’m going to see how I might use those projects for weaving inspiration. I am so glad I subscribed! Thank you
Caroline Tacker –
LOVED IT !! Gave wonderfully detailed information on sheep breeds. Now I want to find a Southdown fleece….as I am quite intrigue with it after reading about it. It will be a magazine KEPT for reference material. Thank you for all you put into it <3
Kim Lindel –
I have never realized how many breeds of sheep there are until I started reading Ply. Also, that all of the fleeces are different. I loved the article on Down breed sock experiment. Since i want to make knitted socks for everyone for Christmas, I will make sure to apply more grist to my yarn. I am also happy that I don’t have to make a 3 ply yarn..
I love, love your magazine.
Alicia Flores (verified owner) –
With each issue I read I feel one step closer to my long term goal of becoming half of a shepherding couple! Even my husband is fascinated. Excitement and education are contagious! Thank you so very much!
Kathleen a blake –
This was the best. I am so glad these types of sheep were covered. Most spinners don’t think of “meat breeds” wool for spinning, but they are great. Thanks to this issue I know have 20 pounds of down wool in my fleece cellar!!’ Keep those breeds coming!!! It helps the farmers to realize all wool is good … and spinners too
Su1282 –
I knew Down breeds were great for socks; thanks for showing that they’re great for so much more.
Gayle A. –
From past experience as a subscriber from issue #1, I just KNOW this issue is terrific! I’ve been working 60+ hours per week since January, so haven’t had an opportunity to do more than fan through the pages for a quick overview and peak at the gorgeous photos. Just gazing at the cover is always such a pleasure in itself. Quality of paper, quality of photos, quality of articles and depth of content — can’t wait to sink my teeth into it this upcoming weekend!!! LOVE PLY!!!
Jane –
I loved this issue. It was really informative. The pictures are fabulous and the quality and in depth knowledge and content is unbeatable. This is a highly recommended magazine.
Joy –
Really enjoyed reading about the different characteristics of each of the down or down like sheep printed in magazine! My focus has shifted from just spinning to spinning for softer sweaters! Since I haven’t knitted a sweater yet, it will be a good start.
Susan Pond –
I am very intrigued about this down breeds and would love to try some of this down .
Helen Lovitt-Raison –
Ply is a subscription I have to have because ALL the issues teach me something. It’s a shame I can’t be closer to the action although I can live vicariously through the articles I read. Down sheep will have to be my next spinning adventure after reading this issue. Thanks to all the Ply editors for such a quality product 😀
Kathy sparks –
I read The Down – Like issue from cover to cover and couldn’t put it down (no pun intended). The articles were very wonderful and with the spinning/knitting comparisons of the fiber, tpi, wpi, skeins and swatches, the articles illustrated the diversity of these breeds. Well done !
Scottie Santiago –
Getting to know and understand that he down breeds will be so helpful for me. I have acc we to Gulf Coast Native here in Louisiana. I know that there are adjustments to be made in my spinning & this issue will give me the knowhow. Thanks for such an informative magazine.
Donna Cutler –
Wish I had this issue when I spun my first Southdown! As a newish spinner at the time and only spinning the predictable stuff like BFL, I didn’t do this wonderful fiber the justice it deserved. This issue is going on the shelf as a reference guide for all the downs!
Lily –
I haven’t been able to figure out why I didn’t like the Southdown I spun. Then I read this, and I can see exactly why – unsurprisingly it all came down to the twist. As always, a great issue!
Wendy Bellows –
It’s fun to work with wool from different breeds and I’m eager to try more Downs after reading about them in PLY. If the Hampshires, Dorsets, etc are anything like the Clun Forest I have spun, it will be heavenly. PLY always inspires me to try new things; such a treat!
Fern Brody –
Ply is so informative and I have so much to learn! I so look forward to each new issue.
Juliette Loring –
I found the ´how to spin’ down as the most interesting and informative. My fave magazine of all time!!!
Pat Cotter –
I have subscribed since issue 1 and this issue is as good as the first!
I do spin down breed fleeces and was glad to see them featured! Good job, Ply crew!
I’d say this even knowing I have not won a raffle in decades! So enjoy Ply!
Mary Warner –
Very informative. I have worked with wool from some of these breeds and love the resulting fabric
Mary Warner –
A friend has raised Clun Forest and it is quite interesting to spin. I have worked with wool from some of these breeds and love the resulting fabric.
Amy B –
This issue was one of my favorites! I feel like a whole new world of wool has opened up to me. I particularly enjoyed the felting trials. I’ve always wondered if down wools REALLY don’t felt. I’ve recently been promised a down fleece, and now I feel prepared to make the most of it! Thank you.
Marilyn –
I really loved this issue. I’ve been spinning down wool for about 18 years as that’s what the farmers around here grow. I learned some new stuff and moved out of my comfort zone. Thanks. And now it’s almost shearing time again!
Nancy –
I’ve only had the opportunity to read the prior issue of PLY and liked it so much that last week I subscribed to the magazine. I’m waiting patiently to get my very own copy!
Emma Longridge –
As ever, a great issue!
Dawn H. –
I receive two fleeces a year from a friend who’s father has sheep on his farm to mow the grass, that’s all. So after researching the sheep’s background, have discovered that it’s all down sheep. This issue of PLY was an invaluable resource to me. I will be receiving more down fleece in the future and have kept this issue in a safe place so I could read it over and over!
Laura C Frazier –
This was an exciting issue for me because I use my father-in-law’s down wool from his Suffolk/Hampshire crosses for needle felting and spinning. I knew all the great things about down wool and was so happy to see this opened up to spinners. I have been shipping my batts all over the world for other needle felters. Now, maybe, some spinners will request it on ETSY. Thank you!!
Emily Gray –
As a beginning spinner, I eagerly await my issue of Ply magazine every quarter. The Down breeds issue opened up my eyes to another whole section of breeds. Better still, I love the specificity of different fibers — the fiber determines the best way to spin it. This is a specificity in yarn making that I would never have known about if I hadn’t ventured into spinning or if I hadn’t started subscribing to Ply magazine!
Shirley Macemon –
Down breeds are under-taught and used by most spinners. This issue was great! lots of good info on what, where and how to spin and use these wonderful fleeces
Anne K –
Down fibers are one of my very very favorite types of fibers. I love so many of the characteristics of down fibers and down-like breeds. I love them for socks, and gloves, and mittens, and hats, and everything else. Well, maybe not cowls… 🙂
I was so ecstatic and so excited when I found out that the next issue was going to be Down and Down-like breeds. I’ve loved the breeds for years and to have someone actually focus on them as a good thing rather than as a makeshift thing was amazing. I read the issue cover to cover and started back at the beginning again.
I can’t recommend this issue enough. I have many previous issues and out of all of them, this is my favorite. This is going to be one of the first ones that I buy as a digital version because I will read articles in it over and over.
I think everyone who spins should have this issue and learn to share my joy in Down breeds.
Evette Wissler –
I’m a relatively new spinner, so I like others thought that you could spin from any sheep. So it was surprising to hear that there are specific breeds aren’t associated with spinning. This was a very informative and enlightening issue, thank you!
Deanna Fitzharris –
I loved all the pics of the various breed fibers swatched illustrating how the different preps affect the appearance of the spun wool. The photography and articles are amazing, and I learn more with each issue. Thanks!!!
Paula Litzky –
This was a great issue, really good information about a breed I had previously discounted (“meat sheep” bias). The very specific prep and spinning advice is so useful. No felting? Seriously? I see a great pair of socks in my future, you even supplied the pattern. Thanks!!!
Diane Thomson –
The “Down” issue was very informative and provided a good understanding of these breeds. Keep up the good work.
Janelle –
In January of this year, I spun a bump of Southdown that blew my spinning mind. It was ideally suited to become sock yarn, which is what I made (first the yarn, then the socks). It was remarkably different from all the other fibers I’d spun. When the Down issue landed in my mailbox while I was still knitting the socks, I read it eagerly from cover to cover. Then I made it my mission to find more down fibers at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. I found prepared down fiber at only two booths, but I hope that these breeds catch on. They are so wonderful and I just know that the Down issue will help spread the word. Fantastic information. I especially loved Rachel Smith’s article detailing her 2-ply vs 3-ply experiment. Another wonderful issue from the PLY crew!
Suzie –
Love learning about stuff I haven’t tried yet. Considering I live in an area that is well populated by “carpet sheep”, this issue had a lot of good information for me.
lydia –
as with all the issues, I have read cover to cover. I learn so much, and want to try new ways to spin.
I mark the items the I will use over and over for reverence. The down breeds were new to me. I will be looking for this at my next fiber show. thanks for sharing all the knowledge.
Nicky –
This issue for me was the best so far. The Down info is invaluable for this newbie spinner, especially since my Tour De Fleece sampler includes some down and down types. But my absolute favourite thing about this issue is Jacey’s editor letter and her wish that we get excited about spinning again. To spread the word and get more people interested in spinning. Those thoughts resonated so much with me and this newbie spinner is back in the saddle and making beginner kits for my friend’s son who is 12 and currently obsessed with drop spindling. Thank you Jacey and Ply magazine!
Nina –
Each issue is better than the last! I love Down breeds and a whole issue devoted to them was quite a treat. An information packed issue that every spinner who loves to try different breeds should get..
Susan –
a very informative issue. I get the feeling that Down breeds are side-lined for hand spinners so it was really helpful to learn more about them. And appreciate then (and possibly seek out a fleece or two to spin!)
Angie –
Our guild members ( Ashfield Guild of WSD in the U.K.) certainly enjoy Ply magazine and the great articles which are themed and are full of in depth information all in one place.