TAGS: Calendar of Events + Spindle Spinning + Drop Spindle

The Summer 2012 issue takes a look at portable spinning (and projects) with a focus on spindles. We compiled a spindle primer to answer some basic questions about "what is the best use for different spindles?" and "which spindle is best for your fiber?" You'll enjoy learning about Russian-style lace spindles and a fun and fast way to Navajo-ply as you spin on a spindle. The issue also includes a sub-focus on socks—one of the best portable projects we've found. Spinning Tips takes a look at why you would overply (for socks, of course), Ann Budd shares socks she made before and after taking a workshop at the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR) last year, and Rachel Rodnunsky shares a pattern she has developed for handspun crochet socks.

In addition to spindles and socks, enjoy topics such as taking a closer look at the role of crimp in comfort, how to work with singles yarn, as well as scarf and mitt patterns.

The Summer 2011 issue of Spin-Off has a special focus on felt! Starting with the basics and fifteen fibers meant for felting, we move to needlefelted dolls, felted accents to add to your handspun, and using prefelts for wet felting.

But this issue isn’t all about felt! We’ve introduced a new department for more experienced spinners, and this edition focuses on what effect ratios really have. There are also tips for making your own stacked spindles without special woodworking equipment, silk spun for a princess, and we guarantee you will be impressed (and potentially inspired) by the included spindle-spun bed-size blanket woven on a rigid-heddle loom.