Spin Off

Spin Off Magazine: Where Are Your Grassroots?

Kate Larson

Adventures in Natural Dyeing: The Outback Afghan Project

Spin Off contributor Brian McCarthy learned to spin shortly after his retirement. Soon he became fascinated with natural dyeing and Navajo plying.

Brian McCarthy

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!

Amy Clarke Moore

What’s It Like to Make YouTube Videos about Handspinning with a Film Crew of One?

Josefin Waltin wears many hats producing YouTube videos about handspinning. In this excerpt from her article “Old Techniques & New Technology: A Beautiful Marriage,” featured in the Spring 2018 Spin Off, Josefin gives us the scoop on what it’s like

Josefin Waltin

8 Things I Hate About Spinning Yarn

Don’t get me wrong—I love spinning yarn. But like children and Christmas, spinning can make even the most devoted enthusiast a bit sour some days.

Anne Merrow

Yarn Profile: Navajo Ply

What is a Navajo-ply yarn? A Navajo ply (or chain ply) is a 3-ply yarn spun from one singles.

Elizabeth Prose

A display of different supported spindles

Spinning Yarn on a Supported Spindle

Amelia Garripoli demonstrates that there is much more available than just drop spindles and spinning wheels. Explore a supported spindle for the first time.

In Spin Off Archives, a History of Handspinning

Anne Merrow

Traditional Spinning on a Navajo Spindle

Jennifer Bauman

Spinning Handpainted Roving: Color Techniques

Seriously, why do I have so many braids? BECAUSE I LOVE THEM.

Deb Gerish

Think Globally, Spin Locally

Spin Off Winter 2017 is full of practical information (how to spin yarn to knit cables, for instance, and how to make your handcards work better than ever before) as well as inspiration (visit a Dineh reservation and see a Navajo spindle in use).