Words and pictures by Rowena Zuercher Within the past few years, I’ve developed a fondness for the idea of “place” within my fiber craft. Using fibers and materials local to where I live helps me learn about, and appreciate, the land in creative and surprising ways. During a recent plant fiber deep dive, I came […]
Words and photos by Kyla Crawford Have you ever wanted to take a drawing and make it into yarn? I do that by spinning paper. I started this practice while I was in graduate school working on my MFA in sculpture. I have always been fascinated with artworks that cross the line between two and […]
by Kira Dulaney Historically, spinning was a necessary household chore, but these days for most of us it’s a hobby, a creative outlet, or perhaps even an escape. You might spin yarn sporadically and inconsistently or in concentrated bursts that cause sore muscles the next day, or maybe you are getting bored by using the […]
The Handspinner’s Companion: From Fibre to Yarn by Amanda Hannaford Publisher: The Crowood PressPaperback, e-book, 144 pagesPublication date: August 12, 2025$31.49 (As this title is published out of the UK, the physical book will not be widely available outside of the UK until February 10, 2026. However, the e-book is available now!) Buy now at […]
It is that time again! The fourth episode of the PLY Guild is here! And you won’t want to miss it! As we continue our journey through worsted spinning this season, this episode is all about spinning plant fibers worsted. Patsy Zawistoski teaches us about growing and processing flax. Even seasoned linen spinners will find […]
Mood Board: Winter 2026 – Short Draw Proposals due by: December 1, 2025 Final work due by: May 15, 2026 What do you know about spinning worsted yarns using short draw techniques? We want to hear all about it. Can you explain how each short draw draft works? Can you help spinners work with the […]
Tonight is the PLY Spinners Guild Third Thursday foundational spin-in! Here’s a tip to tide you over until the spin-in! After you’ve jogged for two and a half hours and you’ve exhausted your muscles, what do your legs feel like the next day? Are they sore? Do they feel weak? How about when you’ve been […]
Hello, I would like to know if plying of yarn should be done with the same whorl that spinning was done. Do you recommend to ply at the same tension and twist, or do you recommend to add more twist or tension when plying? Thank you! ~ Tatiana Hi Tatiana, What a great question! The […]
It all began when Michael Pauly’s wife bought a handmade wheel from a local craftsman. “I looked at it and said, ‘I can do better than that,’” he recalls. What started as a hobby quickly became a full-fledged pursuit. His first wheel was, by his own admission, “really terrible,” but he kept refining. Over time, […]
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