When it comes to projects and patterns, spinners are unique. Like the Renaissance master painters who mixed their own paints, we spin our yarn before we begin a project. And while we can make our best guess at yarn substitution based on the notes in a typical pattern, it's comforting to have pattern information tailored specifically for spinning. This is what makes Spin-Off patterns special-in addition to a great knitting, weaving, or crocheting project, they provide plenty of information about fiber preparation and spinning methods to get us started on the right foot. In an effort to make these great patterns more accessible, we're very excited to announce the launch of the new spinning project section at interweavestore.com—a special area for projects catering to spinners.

We've started off small with only one project, but it's one we think you'll be very happy to see. No Spin-Off project has been more frequently requested than Anu Kotli's Estonian Hand Puppets. Originally in the Summer 2006 issue of Spin-Off, this pattern was designed by Anu Kotli and re-envisioned in handspun by Carol Rhoades. How could you not love these cute little puppets? Small and portable and requiring only a small amount of yarn, they are begging to become a loving child's new best friend. The pattern includes variations for four different puppets, so you can create your own adorable flock. I couldn't think of a better project to shepherd in (sorry, I couldn't resist one bad pun!) our new project store.

We'll be working hard to fill up the store with more and more of the projects that you've been asking for. If there are specific patterns from back issues of Spin-Off that you would like to see in the store, let us know by filling out our short survey form. And join us in celebrating the re-release of the Estonian Hand Puppets pattern and the creation of the spinning project store!

—Stefanie