Spin Off Winter 2025

Natural fibers—wool, silk, cotton, alpaca, flax—have traveled along with us through human history. They provide us with warmth and protection and so much creative exploration. Despite the antiquity of these fibers, they are constantly changing in our modern hands. In this issue, we dive into the history of natural fibers, see how makers in other parts of the world use the fibers in their landscapes, and learn innovative ways to blend colors to get the palettes and textures you want. With two different tutorials and three different projects, you’ll put your handspun to good use. 

• Learn how to make a textured yarn by plying with curly locks the easy way. Then, knit Sivia Harding’s cozy Equinox Cowl.
• Travel to India with Karen Selk as she explores wild eri silk in the fertile river valleys of Assam.
• Find out the difference between wool and hair, and why it matters. Spin and knit a pair of Icelandic socks to see it in action.
• Discover how Cusco’s spinners reinvent the sheep-to-shawl idea by spinning an entire alpaca blanket in one day.
• We hope this issue inspires you to join us in celebrating the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Articles

• A Cusco Spin-In: From Alpaca to Yarn in a Day by Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez and Linda Ligon
• Time Traveling with Swiss Valais Blacknose Sheep by Rowena Zuercher
• In Search of Wild Silk: Eri—Samia ricini by Karen Selk
• An Artist’s Approach to Carding Color: Build Palettes with Value Keys by Kim McKenna
• Wool or Hair: Should Handspinners Care? By Dr. Annamarie Hatcher
• Eph Jensen Livestock: Maintaining a Family Tradition of Sheep Ranching in Utah by Sandi Rosner
  

Projects

• Equinox Cowl by Sivia Harding
• Textured Yarn Tutorial: Adding Locks as an Intermittent Third Ply by Amy Tyler
• Woven Shadows with Naturally Colored Cotton by Rebecca Winter
• En Plein Air Half-Mitts by Diana Twiss