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As we reach the halfway point for the Tour de Fleece (TdF), I’d like to share a little about what Team Spin Off 2026 is doing this year to tempt some of you into joining, and to encourage those who have joined us to keep spinning. We are happy to have many new spinners participating in our Ravelry forum this year, bringing some fresh ideas to the team. Those of us who have been spinning together for many years of TdF are enjoying reconnecting.
One of my favorite things about captaining a TdF team is reading about the diverse plans and goals of our group members. We have some members who are working with raw fleeces, others spinning beautifully smooth or intentionally textured commercial blends, and still others who are experimenting with making their own fiber blends. There are naturally colored handspun yarns being shared as well as beautiful colorways and hand-dyed gems. And we love to see WIPs, so if you’re mid-spin, please don’t hesitate to share!
Stefanie’s first of paco-vicuña started on a TdF challenge day in 2025. Photos by Stefanie Johnson
What We’re Spinning
This year’s handspun yarns encompass a large variety of wools and wool blends, along with camelid, silk, goat, rabbit, and milk protein fibers. On the plant fiber side of the spectrum, members are spinning cotton, corn, and flax fibers. We have some spinners working with fiber from animals that they have raised, and one spinner making good use of combing waste for an interesting, eco-friendly yarn. There are some fun textured yarns including coil-spun, spiral, and thick-and-thin yarns, in addition to traditional 2- and 3-ply yarns, chain-plied yarns, singles, and yarn plied with beads. Several of us have referenced Spin Off articles, so if you’re looking for some more details, they’re easy to find.
Stefanie's S-spun angora singles for an opposing-ply yarn.
Another great thing about spinning with a TdF team is the variety of spindle and wheel types being used; those new to spinning can see a good variety of tool options. Everybody is happy to discuss their tool preferences and experiences that may help you find the perfect tool to suit your needs. Spin Off readers are also very interested in helping newer spinners find their groove, some even sharing how they are teaching the next generation of fiber artists about fiber prep and yarn creation.
Stefanie's first plied yarn on the electric wheel.
Tour de Femmes
Don’t forget that we’ll be spinning all the way through the TdF Femmes race, August 1-9, 2026. If you haven’t gotten a chance to participate yet, consider joining us for this shortened race—we use this term loosely—we do not race each other! I’m looking forward to hearing how you’ve decided to challenge yourself this year.
—Stefanie
How Do YOU Tour?
The Spin Off team loves seeing all the ways our community members engage with the Tour de Fleece. We’d love to hear how you participate in this yearly event, whether you spin every day, join in when you can, or are taking part for the first time.
Selected responses will be featured in an upcoming issue of Spin Off as well as on our Instagram page. Every spinner’s TdF experience is unique, and we’d love to help you inspire fellow spinners.
—Spin Off editors