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The nuances of Andean spinning Nilda shows how yarn from two spindles is wound into a ball to be skeined for washing and dyeing before plying. It looks so simple, making yarn on a spindle. I've watched spinners in the Andes make yarn while herding sheep, climbing steep mountain paths, chasing children...
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Here is a peek into the IST Crafts workshop. All photos courtesy of Ian Tait. Ian uses a variety of woods in his work. Would woodworkers call this a stash? IST Crafts carries a range of spindle types, including Turkish spindles. The May meeting of the Devon Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers (England...
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New access to timeless information Sarah Natani demonstrates spinning on a Navajo spindle in the Spring 1995 issue of Spin-Off. Spin-Off's managing editor, Liz Good, and I were just talking about what the digital age was like when I was in college and she was in high school—almost twenty years...
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For this alpaca/silk shawl, Sara spun one ply of the warp yarn end to end from a single dyed braid so that the color blocks were maintained. I then plied it with a semi-solid alpaca/silk yarn of oranges and reds that doesn't interfere with the first ply's colors. We recently got an advance copy...
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How an issue of Spin-Off is created Falkland wool, in the Hello Yarn September 2012 club colorway, Critter. We start planning each issue of Spin-Off over a year in advance. Many parts and pieces must come together to make a successful issue and it is always fascinating to see how the initial idea changes...
Posted to
Liz's Blog
by
Liz Good
on
Apr 3, 2013
Filed under:
Filed under: Dyeing, Spin-Off Magazine, Handspun, Spinning Wheels, Natural Fiber, Spindle Spinning, Drop Spindle, Handwoven, Natural Dyes, Dyeing Yarn, Spinning, Processing Fiber
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Reconsider cotton The lovely natural dyed cotton of Ella Baker. Cotton is an amazing fiber—great for keeping us cool and dry when it is hot and humid out. Cotton is the fiber of the ages. It is the fiber the ancient Egyptians cultivated to clothe themselves and also to wrap their dead in to ensure...
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We invited Lory Widmer Hess of Chestnut Ridge, New York, to share her insights as she learned to spin on her second attempt. Lory is the Managing Editor for the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America . Realizing the potential of spinning Lory Widmer Hess My first attempt to learn to spin...
Posted to
Guest Blog
by
Amy Clarke Moore
on
Feb 27, 2013
Filed under:
Filed under: How To Spin, Wool Processing, Natural Fiber, Handspun, Spindle Spinning, Drop Spindle, Dyeing, Carding and Combing, Natural Dyes, Dyeing Yarn
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Inspired by the Illinois Prairie Spinners, I am finally spinning this merino top. It was dyed with natural dyestuffs by Earthly Hues in Granville, Ohio. Photo: Kate Larson. Like most spinners, I keep a stash of fiber. When I have a blissful hour to look through my favorite stash, kept in an oak cabinet...
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Where to buy your first wheel There are a daunting number of spinning wheels for sale online . My New Year's post received a lovely note and inquiry in the comments—with a question that I'm asked pretty regularly: "Where can I buy a spinning wheel online? I am just beginning and…"...
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Congratulations to our five winners: fibonicci, Knitty Kittty, MaureenH@7, PhylE, and TheYarnMarm ! The Spin Art Puzzle will soon be on its way to you. Thanks for everyone who shared words that start with "Spin." We've enjoyed reading each and every one of your entries (and learned a few...
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Celebrate spinning this Rock Day William-Adolphe Bouguereau, La Fileuse (The Spinner), 1873, oil on canvas, 63" x 36". Private collection. Source: www.artrenewal.org via www.wikipedia.com . St. Distaff (who wasn't an actual saint) or Rock (another name for a distaff) Day is often celebrated...
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Embarking on aromatic confections As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to pile up, my nesting instincts kick into full gear. I can't pass my kitchen cupboards without wanting to pull out cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger and embark on aromatic confections (that I then take to work so that others...
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The urge to make things Managing Editor Liz Good and Photostylist Ann Swanson look at photos on Joe Coca's laptop as we shoot images for the Spring 2013 issue in Joe's backyard. At a recent visit to the junior high classroom where I volunteer, the guide, Bekah, was discussing textiles and technology...
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Start with the right tools, it makes a big difference Maggie Casey showing Eunny Jang how best to insert twist in Start Spinning: The Video. It is starting to feel like I've always been able to spin. What a wonderful feeling! When I sit down at my wheel my default yarn comes naturally. And, well...
Posted to
Liz's Blog
by
Liz Good
on
Dec 5, 2012
Filed under:
Filed under: Spin-Off Magazine, Handspun, Plying, How To Spin, Spindle Spinning, Drop Spindle, Wool Processing, How-To, Types of Yarn, Your Yarn, Spinning, Processing Fiber
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Congratulations to our five winners: kimberlymarie420@hotmail.com, forrestwife, mitoticspindle, RobertaC@6, and mymacedo! Copies of Abby Franquemont's book Respect the Spindle will soon be on their way to you. Thanks for everyone who shared what they are thankful for. We've enjoyed reading each...