Can You Diz Off of a Handcard?

Spin Off Fall 2023 is all about carding, and we are super excited to include Kim McKenna’s newest article, “Handcard & Diz: An Unexpected Pairing for Smooth Prep and Color Effects.” Kim had a great article and video focused on dizzing off of a blending board in the Spring 2022 issue of Spin Off, but I was surprised to see how she paired a diz and single curved handcard to create fractal and gradient preparations.

As usual, Kim has inspired me to think more broadly about how I combine and use familiar spinning tools to create the fiber preparations that I enjoy spinning. If you have some beautiful handpainted braids in your stash, but spinning dyed top isn’t your idea of fun, I encourage you to check out Kim’s article.

You’ll find the full discussion of how this method can be applied to create specific color effects in the Fall 2023 article, but we also wanted to share this video of Kim demonstrating the two primary techniques. For this method, Kim uses a curved-back style of card, though flat cards can also be used; according to Kim the curved contour makes the fiber a bit easier to remove with a diz.

Even after working with Kim on the article, I still picked up quite a few tips after seeing her in action.

Check out Kim's full article on dizzing with a handcard in Spin Off Fall 2023. Also, remember that if you are an active subscriber to Spin Off magazine, you have unlimited access to previous and current issues, including Fall 2023. Access them all in the Library, or see our help center for the step-by-step process on how to access them.

Kate Larson, editor of Spin Off, teaches handspinning around the country and spends as many hours as life allows in the barn with her beloved flock of Border Leicesters.