Current Issue

Our theme this issue is history. To this end, we cover more than a few fascinating topics—understanding our own desire to spin by looking at the spinning of our ancestors, imagining what it meant to spin cotton sewing thread in a time of need, understanding the spinning tools that were simultaneously a result and a cause of the Industrial Revolution, and learning how setting up a warp-weighted loom can make history real for people of all ages.

You will learn how twist affects the finished fabric in weaving and a spindle spinning technique used by the Blackfoot people. There is a special section on the ancient technique of sprang that will teach you the basics as well as why this netting technique works better with high-twist yarns—making handspun the perfect yarn for sprang.

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Recent Issues

  • Spin-Off Summer 2009

    Features

    Armchair Traveler: Sweden
    by Ingrid Brundin

    Spinning in Lithuania: The Ties That Bind by Donna Druchunas

    Boimimcry: Humans and Nature Design a New World by Judith MacKenzie McCuin

    Yarns of Love by Chris Spitzer

    Fiber Basics: CVM - Otherwise Known as California Variegated Mutant by Robin Russo

    Hanspun Gallery of Quants

    Book Excerpt: Spin Control by Amy King

    Enchanted by a Spinning Wheel by Judy Ross

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  • Spin-Off Spring 2009

    High Whorl, Low Whorl by Abby Franquemont; The Handpainted Wheels of Monica Lenox by Jackie Deems; Spinning Perfect Sock Yarn by Judith Mackenzie McCuin; Dorothy Reade: Spider Woman from Oregon by Donna Druchunas.

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  • Spin-Off Winter 2008

    Serendipitous Spinning with Batts by Shannon Okey; What to Look For in Handpainted Fiber by Amy King; Spinning for Beginning Weaving by Jane Patrick; Fiber Basics: South America’s Wild Ones, Vicuña and Guanaco by Kaye Collins.

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  • Spin-Off Fall 2008

    The Great Spinning Wheel Roundup; Handspun Gallery of Baby Surprise Jackets; Spinning Basics: Drumcarding by Robin Russo; On Washing Fleece by Judith MacKenzie McCuin; The Cloisters Sweater by Sarah Swett.

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  • Spin-Off Summer 2008

    A Conversation between Judith MacKenzie McCuin and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee; How to Choose Your First Wheel by Rudy Amann; Spun 2 Ways: Old Shale Lace Triangle Shawl Design by Evelyn A. Clark, yarns by Kaye D. Collins and Judith MacKenzie McCuin; Handspun Gallery of Morning Surf Scarves.

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  • Spin-Off Spring 2008

    Wrap-and-Roll: A soft-core yarn from a hard-core spinner by Bonnie Rose with Sarah Anderson; Cables: Demystifying the mysterious yarn by Judith MacKenzie McCuin; Traditional Danish Tie-Shawls by Dorothea Fischer.

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  • Spin-Off Winter 2007

    Fiber Basics: Gutefår by Judith MacKenzie McCuin; Spinning Locally: Finding local sources for sustainably produced fiber by Kate Larson; A Very Accurate Scotch Tension by Peter Teal; Silk and Angora: A cactus lace scarf by Cheryl Riniker.

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  • Spin-Off Fall 2007

    Fiber Basics: Gutefår by Judith MacKenzie McCuin; Spinning Locally: Finding local sources for sustainably produced fiber by Kate Larson; A Very Accurate Scotch Tension by Peter Teal; Silk and Angora: A cactus lace scarf by Cheryl Riniker.

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  • Spin-Off Winter 2006

    Making Dreams Come True: Building a Little Great Wheel by Margaret Heathman; Linen Spinning for the Shroud of Turin by Tanya Swegler; Fiber Basics: Cheviot by Carol Huebscher Rhoades.

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  • Spin-Off Summer 2006

    Estonian Hand Puppets by Anu Kotli and Carol H. Rhoades; Dyeing for Socks by Paula Egbert; Ariadne's One-Thread Jacket by Debbie New.

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  • Spin-Off Spring 2006

    Park City Poncho by Carolyn Greenwood; Teaching the Craft by Randy Chelsey; Coopworth Lap Rug by Carol H. Rhoades; Handspun Gallery of Shawls.

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  • Spin-Off Winter 2005

    Features

    Behind the Scenes: At Vermont Spindle Company by Cindy Ellen Hill

    Spinning True to Oneself by Randy Chelsey

    In Hot Water by Glenna Dean

    Handspun Gallery of Ponchos

    A Passion for Fiber by Catherine Veleker

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  • Spin-Off Fall 2005

    Features

    Behind the Scenes: At Wyatt Wheels by Amanda Berka

    Spinning Basics: Spinning on a Wheel by Maggie Casey

    The Fingerlakes Fiber Festival by Donna Howland

    Fiber Basics: Bison by Judith MacKenzie McCuin

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  • Spin-Off Summer 2005

    Features

    Behind the Scenes: At Howard Brush by Carol Huebscher Rhoades

    Time Warp by Stephenie Gaustad

    Spinning Basics: Spindle Spinning by Maggie Casey 

    Fiber Basics: Finnsheep by Grace Hatton

    Handspun Gallery of Sweaters and a Waistcoat

    Nora Meets Milan by Stephen Beal

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