Description
Spring TOC
Extras:
The Leicesters: One good breed leads to another: Deborah Robson
Leicester Under the Lens: Taryn Winegardner
Spinning Longwool for Softness: Beth Smith
BFL vs. Merino: Grace Hopkins
Finishing Face-Off: Courtney Mussatt
Weaving with Leicester: Liz Gipson
Top or Bottom (whorl)?: Christina Petty
Regular features:
Fiber Study: Leicester 3 ways: Jillian Moreno
Lazy kate: Franklin Habit
Hot Button: Is it okay to cut locks?
Stealth Review: Mini Combs
Ergo Neo: Bluefaced Leicester, a friendly fiber
PLY World Bazaar
Prep it!
Finding a Tailspinning Fleece: Esther Rodgers
Long Locks to Dye for: Laura Senator
Spin it!
Tailspinning LeicesterLocks, the 2-core method: Lexi Boeger
Spinning Longwool for lace: Tracey Cox-Marchione
Project: Pacific Trillium Stole: Devin Helmen
Project: Tulip Chaussettes: Gunheim Midori
Faux-cle: Amanda Hartrich
Project: Leapfrog Shawl: Kathryn Benevides
Community
Letters
Independent Spinner
Tip Jar:
Scene
Guilded — The online Guild: Carol Leonard
Who’s that Shepherd?: Colin Seigmund by Ashley Martineau
Projectland
Knit it! Pacific Trillium Stole: Melinda VerMeer
Knit it! Tulip Chaussettes: Marina Orry
Knit it! Leapfrog Shawl: Brittany Wilson
Joy –
I learned a lot from this in-depth look at Leicester wool in this issue, and thoroughly enjoyed every page. I was of course familiar with BFL, but only knew the other types by name, but this issue fixed that and has made me willing to consider the longwools that I had previously written off from experience with them in art batts. There is a lot of well-documented experimentation in this issue, including finishing techniques, spinning the three types of Leicester three ways, looking at wool under the microscope, and comparing BFL to merino. As a scientist these types of articles are right up my alley, and were absolutely fascinating. The featured pattern is beautiful and one I’m considering making as well. As with all other issues of PLY, this is definitely worth picking up!
Sam –
I’ve only had the opportunity to spin BFL before. This issue, like so many others, has taught me so much about spinning and fibre. You can learn so much from each article, it’s like every issue is a spinning handbook. I look forward reading future issues.
Dorothea –
BFL has been my favorite fiber to spin for a very long time, but I knew very little about BFL’s sisters, cousins, and aunts – so this was a very welcome issue. As I have come to expect, the entire magazine was riveting from cover to cover, but I have to say that my favorite article in this issue was the one on finishing. I learned things I never knew about Leicester and spinning-in-general in every article, OF COURSE! But I have been having this debate/argument about the best ways to finish your spinning with my students for years – and your article vindicated my every argument! Ply Magazine humbles my knowledge at every turn, and broadens my horizon with every page, but I am ashamed to admit to a bit of gleeful joy to be found FOR ONCE to be completely right about at least one aspect of spinning!! Thanks to you Jacey, and the rest of the staff, crew, and hangers-on for the lovely job you do with every issue and the painstaking attention to detail that so delights and astounds your readers. You are doing a lovely job, and I am so proud to have been a subscriber from the beginning!! XXX
ca –
I didn’t expect to be overly interested in this issue as I’m not generally a long-wool type. However, a friend of mine recently purchased some Leicester Longwools to add to her flock so I thought it would be helpful to read through the issue and I’m very glad I did. My previous attempts with Leicesters other than BFL had been unsatisfactory but now I know more I want to try again. Thanks for rekindling my interest!
Amanda –
I learned so much from PLY in general and this issue in particular. I have long loved spinning BFL, and wondered about the properties of the other Leicester sheep wools. The thoroughness with which the contributors explored those properties gives me ideas on my own experiments. I really enjoyed reading each and every article in this issue.
Diane –
The Leicester wools are my favorites; both for spinning and for dyeing. Always nice to see an issue devoted to them. I particularly liked the Leicester under the lens. I dye with natural dyes and the different breeds take the dye differently so it is good to have a sense of why that happens. As always, and informative issue.
Aaron Greene –
What a beautiful magazine!
My family is beginning our fiber adventure and the timeliness of the Leicester issue is impeccable. I found the FB page before I layed hands on my first issue. I am totally I’m in awe of the quality of information, brevity of writing and expanse of contributors ensures an all encompassing issue.
I’m excited to share this magazine with my fiber family. All the fiber enthusiasts in my life have been pawing my issue, purchased at the Uniquities Fiber Market. My husband has been caught with it! He too is learning so much about BFL and wool composition that we’ve been discussing it over coffee.
The photo’s are clear and beautiful. I appreciate the larger paper size, clear font choice and color scheme.
I’m glad to be a new subscriber and look forward to each new issue. Learning more about every aspect of fiber, from species and spinning to content and project creation.
Alexis –
I always knew I liked BFL but didn’t really know why. Now I do…..and about 1000 other useful things that make me a better spinner. Also, I now really want a Longwool of my very own and not just because they’d look fantastic in the yard.
Rachel Lucht –
For my first ever issue with Ply, I was immediatly impressed with the overall quality of the writing and photography. I had just come in to making my first purchase of BFL roving, and was so happy that this issue full if fantastic references was at my door! I enjoyed reading articles written by some of my favorite fiber artists like Jazz Turtle that I found on social media sites. For a first issue, this one will be tough to beat for me!
Christine Manhart –
Great issue, as always. I’m newly introduced to the joys of BFL and it was great to learn more about it and it’s cousins. I can’t wait until my new birthday subscriptions starts!
Lisa –
This was a great issue. I always appreciate the stealth reviews and the review of mini combs in this issue was pretty helpful for me.I have been looking to buy combs for a while now and this review has helped me settle on mini combs!
Kat –
Great issue packed with volumes of good information! Jillian Moreno’s article was tremendous. Want to try the long wools? This is the issue for you!
Linnea –
Awesome issue as usual! The best fiber magazine on the planet…thank you Jacey for all of your hard work!!!
Dawn –
What a fabulous issue ! I love them all, but this one came at the absolute perfect time ! I just purchased a huge bag do BFL at the Missouri Fiber Retreat !
Thanks Jacie and staff for a great job !
Liz –
I didn’t think that it was possible for PLY to get even better, but the Leicester issue is a whole bunch of “HOLYCHEEZITSTHISISTHEBESTISSUEYET!!!!!” I am a longwool girl-give me some BFl, Romney, Border leicester or English Leicester and I am a very happy girl. The articles are well researched, written and presented-just wicked amazing!!!!! To anyone who does not yet have this issue in there hands, go and get one. Right now!!!!!
Maggie –
I really liked how in depth this issue was. I had no idea that all the different Leicesters were so different. I enjoyed the comparisons about.spinning the different sheep. As always, I enjoyed how well curated the ads are.
Suzanne Collier –
It is rare to find a magazine that is educational, informational, and a delightful read – all at the same time! I look forward to every issue knowing that, as a novice, I will add depth to my knowledge of a craft I love. Loved the interview with my dear friend Laura, Queen of the Locks! And the artwork on the front could not be better. A joy to read. Thanks for all of the effort put forth to making this my favorite magazine ever!
Karen Davis –
Enjoyed the comparison of Leicester wool. I’ve been using BFL with my mohair for years and now really want to try the others. Very informative issue that I will be going back to for years.
Maria –
One of the best issues so far, this has a lot of information on all three breeds. If you are curious about the breeds this is a must own. I loved the hot button section, the history by Deb Robson, the spin it!
A must own in every way.
Lindsay –
Fabulous issue! Sat down to read and couldn’t put it down until I reached the back cover. As a new spinner I value the information presented in Ply. Accurate, well written and presented in great format. Being visually impaired I very much appreciate the larger print.
Well done!
Dona MacKie –
I am a member of the Salt Spring Island Spinners and Weavers Guild. One of my favourite fibres to spin is BFL and I and so lucky to have a local breeder here on the island. This issue was FANTASTIC………….and so informative. i love my PLY subscription. And have all toes and fingers crossed.
Thanks Lorrie for your beautiful spotless BFL.
Nanette –
This is my first issue of as Ply. I am so impressed! I love all the information. I have never had the opportunity to learn so much about wool and I plan to use all the information in this issue to help me become a better spinner.
Rebecca –
Fantastic idea to have an issue devoted to “the Leicesters”. While most spinners know (and love) BFL, reading in-depth information about the less appreciated Border Leicester and the rare breed Leicester Longwool is such a treat! I particularly love gaining wisdom about how to prepare and use each type of fiber, including project patterns. Well done!
Kathy –
Every issue of Ply has been amazing and the Leicester issue is no exception! Everything you could want to know about these wonderful and versatile sheep seems to have been covered. It has inspired me to revisit the Border Leicester fleece I have in my stash now that I have much better information on how to handle it and what to expect from it. Way to go, team! I can’t wait to see what the next issue brings!
Chris T –
I love the Leicester issue of Ply magazine. BFL is one of my top 5 favorite spinning fibers.
Lisa –
I was first introduced to Leichester Longwool about five years ago on a trip to Williamsburg. I was a brand new spinner, and coveted the fiber from the sheep in their herd. It wasn’t available for purchase, but I’ve never forgotton it. I’ve since had the chance to spin fiber from other Leichester breeds. This would be a great opportunity to make this lovely project.
Heidi –
I treasure each issue of PLY! I am spinning Blue faced Leicester now. Thank you for your beautiful and fun magazine/book.
Sue –
I learn SO MUCH from every issue! This one has opened up yet another vista of exploration on my spinning journey. I already love to spin BFL, and now I will just have to commence stash expansion, to find out what I have been missing with the other 2!
Karrie –
I’m still working my way thru another amazing issue of ply. My first spin using BFL left me flat so for a long time I didn’t buy it. I have since learned that fibre prep is super important so I’ve since tried a different supplier and now I really do like spinning BFL. From what I have learned so far in the Leicester issue I think I need to give the other Leicester breeds a try. I really appreciate the list of suppliers included in this issue. Also purple happens to be my favorite colour:-)
Lynda –
What a great issue! I will have to get some Leicester longwool to experiment with. Every issue issuch an inspiration!
Kriste –
I love how educational each issue is… This one is no exception, chalk full of informative articles. I feel like I become a better spinner just by reading this magazine. The comparison of the leister breeds was so interesting. Thanks for another fantastic issue and thanks for the awesome giveaway. The color is amazing and it would be awesome to try such a specific wool.
Kim –
This is not only one of Ply’s best issues but one of the best spinning issues of ANY magazine. Was so great to see the side by side comparisons of the different Leicesters. Thank you!
Jaya –
Like many others, I learned to spin on BFL and love it. I have spun some Border Leicester in classes and it was nice to get to know the other members of the Leicester family. I am going to get some Leicester family fiber (not BFL) at Rhinebeck this year to explore this fascinating family of long wools.
I am looking forward to many more ‘family’ oriented issues. 😉
Linda Whitmore –
BFL was the very first yarn I spun. I guess it will always be my favorite! I learned so much about the breed in this issue…I am confident that my spinning will be greatly improved by what I have learned! Thank you for a great magazine and resource for the fiberworld.
Punky (verified owner) –
This was my first “test” issue to see if I wanted to spring for a subscription. Most magazines are just clutter, which I can’t bear. This one, though, is a keeper. Subscribing now! And shopping for some Leicester, since I haven’t spun any in a while, and I love me some BFL… can’t wait to try the others.
Denise –
After reading this issue I’ve added to my list of “must spin” projects (again). Will be searching for some nicely dyed BFL locks to try a Faux-cle yarn. If no dyed ones ae available, I’ll go for naturally white ones. Heading to an annual fiber fair that’s nearby later this month.
I particularly love your variety in the scope of the articles in this issue. From technical pieces about microscopic fleece differeces, twist amounts and finishing tests, to historical information about breeds and equipment. Love how you guys take a subject and look at it from every angle.
I also appreciate the physical aspects of the actual pages, paper and layouts. The photos are awesome, crystal clear and help me understand the texts.
Please keep up the good work! I know it’s a TON of effort.
Julia –
The first fleece I purchased is from a Border Leicester lamb. I have only spun 2 skeins so far so I have plenty of fleece left to apply the extensive knowledge I gained from this issue. I have every issue of Ply and love every one!
Rena McClain –
Awesome issue. I love how it looked at all of the different breeds of the Leicesters. I especially the comparison of each of the breeds in how they were spun up and the resulting yarn and swatches. It made it very interesting to see what each look like and offered lots of possibilities for the use of this type of wool. I love the luster and softness of the long wools and will definitely be using them more often in the future.
Jennifer –
i have got to say, Ply magazine has been a true gift and inspiration to my understanding of fiber and how it behaves when spinning. The Leicester issue is especially informative. I have truly enjoyed learning about the various breeds of Leicester and seeing the various samples made from them. I feel like I’m getting a peak into a little science experiment from the comfort of my own chair. More than anything, it makes me want to sit and spin some Leicester!
Nybble –
I loved this issue! Not only all the great breed specific info on Leicesters, but I got a better understanding of how to spin long wools. The cover art is fabulous, perhaps my face magazine cover ever — that bold Roman nose. 🙂
Ply is always great, its a real treat to get each new issue.
Susie –
Great issue – I have a friend that raises Leicester Long Wools and love her stuff!
Karen gerstner –
As always, PLY does not disappoint. It’s like a good wine, to bevsavired slowly over time. This issue will sit in my bedroom and I will read nuggets of it each night, rereading until I’ve truly absorbed the issue.
meredith ryan –
Every issue of Ply fantastic, and this issue especially. I’m a new spinner, so learning about the traits of different breeds is fascinating to me and helping me in my decisions of what breeds to seek out for my next spin.
Janet Ruggles-Power –
Appreciated the breed specific issue. I am a beginning spinner and like to know about different wool. Have not yet worked with Leicester, but now feel prepared!
Thanks again for a great magazine!
Caroline –
I love every issue of PLY, whether it focuses on something I’m dying to try, or something I’ve already decided to steer clear of (like cotton; but I bet I love the Cotton issue that’s forthcoming, even so…).
BFL has been my best fiber friend since I started spinning more than ten years ago, but a few years ago I bought a Border Leicester fleece at Maryland Sheep and Wool and am in love with that too – I’m spinning it for warp for a blanket. So a whole issue about Leicester sheep was a great thing and fed my already strong admiration for these sheep. Leicester Longwool is one I haven’t had a chance to play with yet, but now it has to be on my agenda.
As usual, the visual production values of the issue were top-notch.
wendy booth –
An entire issue dedicated to my favorite fiber! Loads of great info, sampling photos of both spinning and the knit up swatches. I love the stealth reviews and what a charming article on the young man who raiser Leicesters. There is always something for everyone wether you like history or just want to get spinning motivation. The Trillium pattern is one of my favorites to date of all the Ply issues. As a subscriber since the magazine began I look forward to every issue and will keep them forever as a source of reference. Now I am waiting for a Shetland issue.
Diane Gratcofsky –
Love BFL and love PLY. PLY is the only magazine I read cover to cover. The BFL issue was so interesting. I feel as though I’m going to a great spinning class every time I receive my copy!
Lynn –
I have a braid of BFL that I am looking forward to spinning up! This issue of PLY was a huge help in figuring out how I should proceed. Since I’ve never spun a BFL before, I now feel more prepared!
Doreen –
I’ve really been enjoying the Leicester issue! I happen to be combing and spinning a lovely yearling Border Leicester fleece right now and I’ve learned so much with the great articles in this issue. The timing couldn’t be better! Thanks for another terrific Ply issue!
lydia lindsey –
Still so much to learn . I read every page, and working my way thru past issues. This is my new favorite magazines. Oh with the spring fiber shows I have been talking up the magazine.
Patricia McMullen –
I love this magazine and this issue is exceptional! I learned so much about the breed and how to work with it as a spinner and knitter. Breed specific wool is a very hot topic in the fiber world right now. Ply has a modern, clean, approach. It is a great resource for any spinner – new or experienced.
Juliana –
A great read on everything Leicester! From the microscopic breakdown in “Under the Lens” to the easygoing and amusing fiber descriptions in “Leicester Showdown” there is more information packed in this issue than I ever imagined I would learn in one spot.
Martha Donley –
Just finished reading the magazine. I read it from the first page through to the last. This issue like all the past if packed with great information. My only regret is that there are a few pictures with no descriptions so it wasn’t until I read further that I was able to identify what Leicester it was. (trying to learn all the fiber breeds and be able to identify them.) I learn so much from the articles. I especially enjoy seeing swatches and reading about trying different things with different fibers.
Debi –
I love Ply and really enjoyed the article on the Leicester’s. I always want to try the fibers you feature, and this is no exception. Waiting for the postman to deliver my purchases.
Jane –
I enjoyed all the information on the Leicester sheep different ideas on spinning it and loved the patterns in this issue. It was a wonderful issue of Ply.
kathleen –
Why wouldn’t you read this issue cover to cover and( every issue cover to cover.)? There is so much information in each issue. Most people have tried BFL but there is so much more. I am so glad the other longwools were covered so well. I love how the science behind luster was discussed. I enjoyed the article on spinning from the butt or the tip and the high mag photos to accompany the article. Spinners beware, the luster of longwools is addicting.
Carol Puntel –
Like so many others, I have loved spinning BFL, but didn’t know much about the others. Thank you for your in-depth explanations. I especially like that you always include different points of view about your topics. It makes me want to try more things and validates when I find a favorite that isn’t necessarily the “right” way!
Patti –
This is a terrific issue and a wonderful concept. I like it so much that I’ve just finished making packets of “Three Leicesters” fiber for my guild’s Explorers group for tomorrow evening!
Kellie –
Exactly the sort of surprise I expect! I look forward to every issue, but I admit I thought the Leicester issue wouldn’t be my thing. It seems like longwools always turn to wire in my hands. But I found Beth Smith’s article VERY helpful: now it’s time to stop avoiding the longwool in my stash and approach it with techniques that work with the fiber’s strengths.
Tanja –
I have my own Border Leicester (x Merino) and English Leicester sheep (one of each) in my fibre stash paddock so the main thing this issue did was to make me wish I also had a BFL sheep! Sadly I don’t think we have them over here. 🙁 I loved reading so many strategies for prepping and spinning these fleeces.