I don't know if this is possible, but could you do something that addresses some of the issues around commercial processing of fiber for spinning. That's rather broad so let me give you examples of what I'm thinking.

I was diagnosed with a true sheep's wool allergy about 15 years ago. In other words, breathing the fibers makes my nose run and my eyes get itchy. Just like hay fever. What I've discovered since that is that there are wool breeds I'm NOT allergic to. It was through stubbornness, error, and trial that I'm not allergic to churro, blue faced leicester and merino. I've also discovered that I can't spin those breeds if it's commercially processed. As long as I clean and spin it myself, I'm not allergic. I love sheep's wool since it has a special niche not easily filled by many of the other wonderful fibers I spin and would like to find out what about the commercial processing and what about the different breeds am I actually reacting to?

Especially the commercial processing. In a world where we are becoming more and more toxic, how can I know when I purchase a yarn, that I'm buying something that may or may not cause me to react to it in an adverse way?

I realize that buying organic, or processing it myself, is certainly a great option. However, it's VERY limiting.

It would be interesting to me to understand more about how fiber is processed into forms useful for spinning to better understand what I want to avoid and what I want to promote with spending.

I hope that made sense and is helpful.

I would love to see more about the history of spinning. Stories of early spinners, their equipment, etc.  I am a traditional spinner and don't worry about wpi or the technical side of spinning. I spin for the pure pleasure of spinning and love to teach the basics that way.  I would like to see less knitting and weaving in the Spin Off issues. Maybe just a pattern or two to show off some yarn, but save those patterns for the weaving and knitting magazines.  I do enjoy the magazine ( yes I still want to hold it in my hand and turn the pages) and want to see it improve. Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

You have asked for feedback, but it is difficult to find where to make comments on your web page.

I appreciate that old publications are becoming available for purchase.  I am waiting for an article from 1993.

As a subscriber, I would appreciate the same offers of free downloads that you ofter to new subscribers.

Thanks

You asked, so here it is: I think a magazine about yarn design should pay more attention to the word DESIGN. We may be practicing an ancient art, but we are modern readers. Too many times, the magazine's amateurish design and photography distract me from the point of what I'm reading. (The recent article on shipping a wheel stands as an example of how not to do page design.) A good art director could make a world of difference in the magazine's professional image.

I have had the good fortune to inherit some old Spin-Off's and just now finished the Winter 1993 issue. This might be because I have been spinning a long time but I enjoy seeing lots of projects made with hand spun and I like the fact that there is a minimum of technical information about how the yarn was spun. For most of us experienced spinners, we can spin several nice yarns of different sizes and can adapt easily to patterns. In addition, we make things from yarn spun years ago and don't want to bother with determinging anything much more than maybe wraps per inch. So I would suggest keeping things light and fun and not worry so much about the technical aspects of spinning. You might want to refer to this issue to see what I mean. My best to you, Amy, from Sue Shane in Forks.

I agree that it was difficult to find where to add a comment! I read the Spinning Daily blog posts via the emails I get, and I couldn't find a link there at all. Thank you for asking for feedback from readers; it's wonderful to know that you are interested in hearing from us!

I want to start by mentioning an experience I had recently. I moved to town just over a year ago, and I was thrilled to discover that there was an active spinning guild nearby. I joined right up and looked forward to learning all I could from the diverse group. After 6-7 months, I realized that the guild was much more interested in honoring the history of spinning than exploring the new, modern world of spinning. The group also provided lots of spinning demonstrations in public with the members wearing very specific, very detailed colonial costumes. It just wasn't who I was or where I was in my spinning, and it wasn't how I wanted to show myself as a spinner to the world. I am as interested in the history of spinning as any spinner, but I really want to learn about new techniques, new equipment, new products. I also think that it's so important to show the world about the artistry, the creativity, and the ingenuity of modern spinning.

So that's my suggestion for Spin-Off magazine. I've only been a reader/subscriber for the last 3-4 years, but I'd really like to see more content about modern spinning and modern spinners. I'd love to read more about fiber farmers and the global fiber market. I'm concerned about the sustainability of our fiber sources and how I can contribute to helping the fiber industry to grow and thrive. I think it would be interesting to read about other spinners like me, not just nationally or internationally renowned teachers and experts, etc. I really do love learning about spinning's history, but I want to know about the future of spinning and how I might participate in perpetuating a love and passion for spinning.

We aren't just women in colonial dress at heritage festivals. I would love to see Spin-Off be a better representation of who we are collectively.

I realize it's almost 3 weeks after this article..I'm a little slow in the cold. : )

I would like to see more articles on spinning fibers other than the "traditional" wool, mohair, silk and cotton..I am a fiber addict - I spin dog,cat, moose, (yes, the undercoat is like cashmere) milkweed fluff, flax, milkweed stalks, etc.  It's ever so much fun to experiment with ANYTHING that looks like fiber.  So what if you get rope?  Rope is useful.  I agree with the comment about spinners being more than "women in colonial dress at heritage festivals".  I love Spin-Off and I think you try to be innovative but you could stretch even more!  

I realize it's almost 3 weeks after this article..I'm a little slow in the cold. : )

I would like to see more articles on spinning fibers other than the "traditional" wool, mohair, silk and cotton..I am a fiber addict - I spin dog,cat, moose, (yes, the undercoat is like cashmere) milkweed fluff, flax, milkweed stalks, etc.  It's ever so much fun to experiment with ANYTHING that looks like fiber.  So what if you get rope?  Rope is useful.  I agree with the comment about spinners being more than "women in colonial dress at heritage festivals".  I love Spin-Off and I think you try to be innovative but you could stretch even more!