Spin-Off

“Memory” is a term spinners use to describe crimpy locks of wool, stretchy skeins, and sweaters that hold their shape. Memories and musings can also attach to our tools, our movements, our many yards of handspun. When applied to fiber, “memory” always means buoyancy and elasticity; when applied to our very human remembrances, “memory” can be a mixed bag. How can a squishy skein spun during a difficult time feel so heavy? I chose the Memory theme for this Winter issue because I’m fascinated by the connection and disconnection between these two meanings of such a common term. For me, memory—either in terms of crimps per inch or years of experience—connects us to resilience. Like trees that bend so they do not break, we can learn and heal and grow through…

How did Solitude Wool get started? Sue and Gretchen were both raising sheep whose wool is not as commercially appreciated as that from finewool breeds. Sue raises Karakul, and Gretchen raises Romney. They met through the Loudoun Valley Sheep Producers in Virginia. Shepherds in their area raising non-finewool sheep were having difficulty selling their raw wool, especially the shepherds who were not fiber folks. Gretchen was already selling her handspun yarn at Virginia and Washington, DC, farmers markets at that time. Sue and Gretchen discovered they were both thinking the same thing: so much interesting local wool was going to waste, and they wanted to do something with it. They made the bold decision to start buying local fleeces and using small US mills to create breed-specific yarn. This was rather unheard…

Small Batch Hand-Dyed Polwarth Roving Thoughtfully dyed and braided by hand in Baltimore, MD, the subtle color variations from the kettle-dyeing process make each braid of this sustainably processed 100% Polwarth Wool Roving truly one-of-a-kind. Shop gifts for spinners and more at Wild Hand! Visit www.wild-hand.com/collections/hand-dyed. The Perfect Stocking Stuffer Get one for your friend and because you were nice, get one for yourself too. Receive 20% off with the discount code SOG20 at www.unicornclean.com. Ranching Tradition Fiber Explore everything a fiber artist needs at Ranching Tradition Fiber, a fifth generation rancher raising Targhee Rambouillet Wool in Southwest Montana. Find locally sourced fiber including, homegrown combed top, Tobacco Root Valley yarn, handspun yarn, and raw fleeces to finished gifts. Supporting Montana producers, mills and fiber artists for over 18 years. Visit www.ranchingtraditionfiber.com. Kromski’s New Colors —…

As a spinner, I see each of my handspun skeins as distinct, infused with memories. They are tangible diary entries, marking times, places, and spaces of creation and living. When I reflect on a particular yarn and the time we spent together, the memories that are linked to it might range from the technical to the emotional. Where I purchased the fiber and how I prepared it for spinning might be entangled with where I was in my life, both physically and mentally, while spinning the fiber. The time taken to see a fiber through to fabric can often be a lengthy process, and in general, I spend one to two years per project from start to finish. So when I have scraps that are left behind—even wispy bits—it can be…

Pattern Eldfell Pullover by Bridget Pupillo. Fiber Mill-processed carded roving from coated fleeces from assorted sheep breeds. Wheel Ashford Traditional with jumbo flyer. Ratio 4.5:1. Drafting method Short-backward draw. Singles direction Z-twist. Wraps per inch Finished 2-ply yarn was 12 wpi with 6 ply twists per inch. Total yardage About 2,600 yd. Yarn classification/weight Light worsted. Needles Size 10 (6 mm). Gauge That’s a long story. Finished size From a 2XL sweater to a size M felted jacket. I was raised by a family that had recently emerged from the Great Depression and World War II. One of our favorite family mottos was “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” I learned it early, as it was a matter of daily life. This is a cherished heritage that invites creativity and resourcefulness. So when I accidentally knitted a…

Elsa Sturite was supposed to be on the Titanic. But she wasn’t, so I went to Colorado. You see, Elsa was my great-grandmother. She emigrated from Latvia in search of a better life and found it in Brooklyn, New York, in the early twentieth century with my great-grandfather Carl. (He was an immigrant who sweet-talked his way into the United States, but that’s a whole different story.) She brought her knitting, tatting, and sewing skills along with some tools, and she and Carl married and started their family. While Carl worked with extended family at an iron mill (and made the kitchen cabinet hardware for their first home), Elsa flourished as a seamstress in the New York City garment industry. The phrase “dab hand with a needle,” I swear, was coined…