Staple length—the average length of individual fibers in a fiber preparation—is one of the most important characteristics to consider when preparing and spinning fiber by hand with a worsted technique. Whether you’re spinning Merino or a longwool like Wensleydale, understanding staple length helps you to control your drafting technique and create the yarn you intend. […]
Although you can use handspun yarn in almost any knitting pattern, sometimes there are patterns that work better than others for handspun. This is especially true if you have limited yardage, have any inconsistencies in the yarn, or aren’t sure about what gauge you should be aiming for. With those ideas in mind, finding patterns […]
I am so frustrated that the colors in my chain-plied yarn keep combining. I want my yarn to look as close to my hand-dyed braid as possible. Tell me how to keep my colors clear and unmarled. ~Donna, Harrisville, NH Hi Donna, I hate when that happens! The number one reason that I chain ply […]
I am thrilled to report that the third episode of the second (worsted) season of the PLY Guild has dropped and is almost ready for your viewing pleasure! It’ll be up on July 18th (we had a little family emergency and so it’s running behind 2-3 days). This episode is all about combs! You’ll learn how […]
Many of the sheep breeds found in the United States are being developed through a technique called upgrading. The United States (like many European countries) has strict regulations on the importation and exportation of live animals and particular breeds. As a result, there are many wonderful sheep breeds that can’t be brought into the United […]
Swatch Critters from the Pin Loom: Step-by-Step Instructions for Making 30 Cuddly Animals from Woven Squares by Deb EssenPublisher: Schiffer CraftUS$24.99, 168 pagesPublication date: August 28, 2025Buy now at Bookshop.orgReview by Meagan Condon I am usually hesitant to review pattern books, in part because it takes so long to test out the patterns and I […]
In the United States, the president works with Congress to create US tariff policy. A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods and products imported from another country. The round of tariffs that was implemented most recently is having an impact on the spinning community, and you may not even realize it […]
You are SCENE! Feast your eyeballs on these upcoming fiber events submitted by our readers! July 11 – 13: Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival, Buffalo, Wyoming July 19 – 20: Fiber U, Lebanon, Missouri July 25 – 26: Fiber Christmas in July, Kellyville, Oklahoma July 26 – 27: Prairie City Fiber Fest, Prairie City, Oregon […]
Tension is one of those elements we use all the time while we spin. We’ve got a whole issue packed full of great information on how tension figures into and impacts your spinning! Wheel tension and wheel systems: How do they work and which works best for what type of yarn? James Perry and Heavenly […]
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