Deborah Held

Deborah Held

Debbie Held is a freelance writer, a contented real-life spinster, and an international fiber-arts educator. She writes recurring spinning-related content for Spin Off in print and on the web as well as for PLY, SweetGeorgia Yarns, and more. Debbie and her Persian cat, Marty, live on an urban farm in Atlanta, Georgia, where both enjoy watching the Shetland sheep that roam beneath their windows. Debbie’s new book, The Spinner’s Blending Board Bible, is available from Stackpole Books.


Knitted Shawl or Blanket: What is a Hap?

Ever ponder the really big questions in the fiber world—such as, “What exactly is a hap?” Knitted shawl? Blanket? Deborah Held has an answer

Spinning Cotton Yarn: Lessons For Completing a Personal Challenge

For Tour de Fleece 2018, I knew early on that I wanted to break out of my handspun habit and learn something new.

Win the Tour de Fleece with a Virtual Spinning Team

Putting yourself out there socially, be it in person or online, can be downright scary for many of us—including me. However, thanks to my Tour de Fleece “home base” of about 50 Team Spin Off teammates, I’m declaring this my favorite Tour to date.

How to Stay Motivated Throughout The Tour de Fleece

In any race of endurance, staying motivated is crucial to crossing the finish line.

Her Handspun Habit & the Tour de Fleece: Tunes & Flicks

Debbie Held shares her list of alternative Tour de Fleece viewing and listening!

Tour de Fleece Day 8: 5 Tips for a Successful Ride

Here are Debbie's tips for charting out a successful Tour de Fleece.

Use a Blending Board for Rolags and More

Whether you prefer smooth and subtle or funky and chunky blends, the blending board can produce a variety of fiber preparations. Here’s Deborah Held with more.

13 Reasons to Join a Spinning Guild

Do you belong to a spinning guild? Many people join one to connect with the spinning community and share their fiber obsession with like-minded enthusiasts.

The First Spin Off Combo Spinalong & Knitalong

So when a few readers asked me to organize a SAL/KAL (spinalong/knitalong) based on the combination spinning method I’d outlined in Spin Off Winter 2017, I knew that was a challenge I needed to take.

Her Handspun Habit: Spindle to the Rescue

My handspun is my muse, and I am forever seeking the best application for my latest spins.