Recent


Roving Reporter and New Spin Off Adventures

After a decade of spinning-focused travels, teaching, and writing, I’m off on a new adventure as editor of Spin Off magazine.

Roving Reporter: Sheep’s Wool and Summer Pastures

While I love all the seasons of a shepherd’s calendar, summer grazing is one of my favorites.

Spinning Silk Guide for Knitting, Crochet or Embroidery Projects

Learn everything about spinning silk yarn in this free guide on how to spin silk for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and more with expert advice!

Welcome Spin Off Magazine’s New Editor, Kate Larson

About 13 years ago, at my first Spin Off Autumn Retreat, I met a fellow first-timer. Kate Larson, a young scholarship recipient, was already such an accomplished spinner that she’d been hired as a spinning model for a book!

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.

Roving Reporter: Planning a Sweater with Handspun Yarn

I love spinning for a project, constructing the handspun yarn I want, and seeing a thing I made grow right before my very eyes.

A Shiver of Sharks

Come out from behind the couch. I promise your 4-inch pin loom will protect you. It may be too small to hide behind during Discovery’s Shark Week 2018, but weave a couple of pin-loom squares, add a little crochet, and you’ll have a designer eye mask f

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.