It’s hard to believe that 2027 marks 50 years of Spin Off! For this special anniversary issue, we’re looking for your favorite color articles from years past, and what they’ve meant to you as a spinner. Share your insights on how color techniques have evolved over the years, and the timeless tricks you think other spinners should learn.
How does using a greyscale aid in blending?
In our Spring 2027 issue, we’ll continue to explore color in spinning, staring with the foundations of color theory. What do spinners need to know about tint, tone, shade, and all those natural colors of fleece and fiber that fall somewhere in between, like oatmeal and brown? We’re looking for an easy-to-understand primer on color theory, with considerations especially for your fellow spinners, plus articles that explore ideas like managing color contrast and proportionality in your color schemes.
What does the ply do in the final sample?
Sometimes handspun yarn looks amazing in the skein, but disappointing when it’s knitted. The same yarn looks great in woven cloth, and even better as a contrast yarn in embroidery. What gives? How can you sample more efficiently to get the results you want in your chosen medium? We’re also looking for a quick, fun article that shares your best tips for choosing coordinating colors to stretch your braid.
Whether it’s a bit of shimmer from silk or a lustrous longwool, spinners love shiny things. Can you use a drumcarder to blend for iridescence (and what is iridescence, exactly)? How do you keep from mixing muddy colors? What happens when you overdye a naturally-colored fleece?
The natural colors that fiber plants and animals provide goes beyond just one shade of white. Do you have a project idea that incorporates many different natural colors of fiber, allowing them all to sing in harmony?
Do you know ways to make natural colors sing together?
Are you ready to venture into cutting your handspun, handwoven fabric to make a garment? How about a bog jacket? Do you have a project for a colorful twist on an old technique, like self-striping handwarmers in nalbinding? We’d love to see it!
And finally, when I started at Spin Off, Linda Ligon asked me when spinners began to expect their hand-dyed fiber to come in four-ounce braids. I’ve scoured the back issues, and I think I have an idea, but it doesn’t match with some oral histories I’ve received. Do you know the answer? Bonus points if you were there!
—Pamela K. Schultz, editor
Submissions due: May 18, 2026
We are looking for:
- Feature articles—stories, profiles, history.
- Handspun projects—instructions using knitting, weaving, crochet, or other techniques with handspun yarn.
- How-to articles—tell us how it is done.
- Web content—if you have an idea for a shorter piece, about 300 to 500 words, please submit your proposal to us.
Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue.
Use our convenient online submissions form to send us your article and project proposals and attach photos and sketches, too.
Forms and information:
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Online Submissions Form Spin Off Spring 2027
Submissions due: May 18, 2026
We will notify you of our decision: June 2026
Articles and projects due: August 31, 2026
Do you want to be added to the Spin Off Call for Submissions email list? Sign up here.