When it comes to bast fibers, extracting the usable fiber from the plant can take patience and practice.
With SOAR happening this week in Wisconsin, I wondered what other events are going on around the world that introduce people to fiber crafts.
Subscriber Exclusive
Put your handspun to work, even if it’s imperfect! Kate designed this simple shawl to highlight handspun color and texture for beginning charkha spinners, but you can use this recipe for other fibers, too.
In this excerpt from “New Twists on Old Fibers,” Christina Pappas considers spider silk from historic and modern perspectives.
What fun we’ve had looking through the SOAR archives. See what we’ve uncovered, and learn a few fun facts about our returning instructors!
All Access Exclusive
When Estonian knitter Anu Kotli’s sweet sheep puppets appeared on the cover of Spin Off Summer 2006, they were a quick hit! Grab some sport-weight yarn and knit some floppy ears.
Nålbinding is one of the oldest textile arts. It’s so old, in fact, that the specifics of its origins are unknown.
Season 5, Episode 6: An icon of Indian textile tradition and independence, charkha spinning has mostly disappeared from contemporary life. Avani Varia works to preserve the skill, create a living for spinners, and spread the charkha joy.
As the temperature begins to drop and the leaves change colors, spinners feel the call in the air to join together and learn new skills at the Spin Off Autumn Retreat!
When I really want to surrender to spontaneity and playfulness, I take out my cake-decorating supplies and start dyeing yarn with food coloring.