Spin Off Magazine 2017: Kate’s Picks

I’ve always loved looking back through my copies of Spin Off Magazine. No matter how much time I spend with an issue, I can come back to it a year or more later and find something I missed. I think we often overlook ideas and information until we are ready to see them, which is just part of the learning process. Here are a few of my favorite articles from 2017:

“Woven Art: Weaving Tapestry with Handspun Yarn” by Rebecca Mezoff I can’t get enough of Rebecca Mezoff. Her tapestry-woven works might be as big as a wall or small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Not only does Rebecca have a distinctive style, she is a noted instructor. I’ve enjoyed watching her use of handspun for tapestry develop and grow. Learn more about her practice!

“Get a Grip” by Mary Egbert This article from physical therapist and handspinner Mary Egbert ought to be framed on my studio wall. Covering 10 stretches for handspinners, it is a guide for those of us who don’t follow advice and spin for too long without a break. You, too? Mary makes it easy to show our spinning hands some love.

Explore color mixing and spinning with Jolie Elder. Photo by George Boe

“Optical Mixing” by Jolie Elder Optical mixing is something I wish was discussed more in our spinning community. How colors blend and are perceived is something that impacts every painted braid we spin, whether we think about it or not. Jolie uses a limited palette to explore this visual phenomenon.

Ready to cast on? Photo by George Boe

“Spindle-Spun Socks!” by Devin Helmen While spending a summer in Germany with his grandmother, Devin learned to make socks from his great aunt Tante Fanni. I rediscovered this issue recently and immediately cast on a new pair. This pattern is wonderfully simple and perfect for travel knitting.

Spin Off has more than 40 years of articles, patterns, and inspiration to help you keep your spinning fresh!

—Kate

Featured Image: Learn about spinning for tapestry weaving with Rebecca Mezoff. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Mezoff