In this issue, we’re looking at natural fiber with a special focus both on unusual fibers and spinning fiber heroes.
The unusual fibers we look at include chinchilla, Spanish moss, barrel cactus, three types of bamboo, and mercerized wool.
We look at spinning fiber heroes, such as Sally Fox (figuring out a way to grow her colored cotton), Deborah Robson (illustrating that spinning a rare-breed fleece can help save the breed from extinction), and Ella Baker (recording the cotton-spinning techniques of ancient peoples).
In addition, we look at the Northwest Regional Spinners Association standardized system for judging skeins, how to tackle a new-to-you fleece, plus the story of a journey on foot spinning through the countryside of Wales.
Projects include a lovely shawl from black as black Zwartbles wool, a woven mercerized wool shrug, a crocheted tunic, and lovely bags in the shape of a cotton boll and flax flower. This issue also includes our annual special pull out Natural Fiber Directory full of suppliers and mills from across the United States and around the world.