While shepherds tend to sheep in high-altitude Nepali pastures, artisans in the lower-altitude rural villages spin the wool for weaving using a homemade spindle wheel they call a charkha or rad.
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Don't ignore this "make or break" ingredient that's vital to successfully dyeing and caring for your hand-dyed fibers.
Journey above 14,000 feet with a Peace Corps volunteer to learn about Himalayan sheep, goats, and spinning.
Whether you spin on a spindle or a wheel, spinning tools are significant investments. Here’s how to keep them in good working order.
A takli spindle is an amazing travel companion. These small supported spindles will fit in your coat pocket and can provide hours of blissful spinning.
Season 11, Episode 8: Like most shepherds, Robin Lynde has her hands full. But few flocks have as many horns and spots as her Jacobs.
I found the carding methods that are best for my body, the fibers I use, and the variety of yarns I want to spin.
The Spring issue of Spin Off is dedicated to colorways, palettes, and the pursuit of that shade you can't live without.
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No drumcarder? No problem! You can still blend stunning and complex colorways with these simple techniques.
Find links for web extras, subscriber-exclusive downloads, video resources, and more!
The Twilight Fade Crochet Pillow by Connie Lee Lynch is out now in Spin Off Spring 2025! Not a crocheter? Kate Larson has a knitted version for you to try.
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Often, spinners are mystified about predicting what the colors of their fiber will do when spun. If you take the time to analyze how to prepare and spin the fiber, you can control the resulting yarn.
Don't throw out those compacted braids! There's still plenty of hope for braids that seem tough to spin.
