Follow spinning instructor Patsy Z as she makes her way across New Zealand.

Members of the Illinois Prairie Spinners are boosting stash-busting morale

The Barefoot Spinners and Nashville Spinsters guilds gave fiber cleaned with Jennifer's method a spin 

The group is part of the Ollnborger Kring, an organization that preserves Northern German traditions.

What was your first handspinning experience? Many people are inspired to learn to spin after seeing a demonstration at a museum, festival, or fair. Guilds help make it happen!

Spinners who love county and state fairs enjoy telling others about how yarn is made. These events provide opportunities to educate the public as well as demonstrate spinning, display yarns, and compete for awards. According to your newsletters, it is not uncommon for groups to hold a guild day and come in shifts to spin and weave for hours before crowds of people in exchange for a free pass into the fair and an opportunity to pass on their passion to onlookers. Categories in the Home and Family Arts Division are often sponsored by local guilds providing cash or in-kind awards for winners like a subscription to Spin-Off or a basketful of new fibers to try. Over the years, your newsletters have provided many insights about why it is important to participate in these activities. Here are just a few of your comments that tell of more to be gained than a ribbon or recognition.