Spin Off Submissions Fall 2026: Accessible & On-the-Go Spinning

As spinners, we know that the time we spend with our wheels and spindles is some of the most joyful and creative. But what happens when life seems to get in the way of spinning? Whether your roadblocks are a result of limited time, space, or money, or if you have physical or mental challenges that make spinning difficult, there are plenty of adaptations that can make spinning accessible.

For our annual tools issue, we’re focusing on spinning tools and techniques that are accessible, portable, and adaptable to modern lifestyles. Do you have recommendations for tools that meet diverse needs? Have you modified your spinning setup to better suit your personal requirements? We want to hear from you!

Hopkins-Travel-Spinning What's in your travel spinning kit? Photo by Emonieiesha Hopkins

When you’re crunched for spinning time, portability is often key. What are your best tips for spinning on-the-go? In our annual tools issue, we want to explore the best way to protect our spinning tools (and ourselves) while we travel. Do you have an easy-to-understand resource for choosing the best e-spinner battery? Send us your best tips for making your tools and techniques fit with small spaces and busy, on-the-go lifestyles!

Our spinning community is rich with innovation and collaboration. Have you created or used open-source tools and accessories? Does your guild supply less-frequently used tools and instruction on how to operate them? Let us know how these resources have enhanced your spinning practice.

Do you have a pattern for a modular project that’s perfect for travel? Do you want to share a portable bandweaving project? Or perhaps you’d like to share your favorite one-braid pattern. Send us your best ideas! Whether you’re a seasoned spinner or just starting out, we want to hear your stories, tips, and techniques that make spinning more enjoyable and accessible, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Submissions due: November 17, 2025

We are looking for:

Feature articles—stories, profiles, history.
Handspun projects—instructions using knitting, weaving, crochet, or other techniques with handspun yarn.
How-to articles—tell us how it is done.
Web content—if you have an idea for a shorter piece, about 300 to 500 words, please submit your proposal to us.

Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue. 

Use our convenient online submissions form to send us your article and project proposals and attach photos and sketches, too.

Do you have a foolproof tutorial for winding cops on a Turkish spindle? Photos by Andy Barrett