#fiber field notes

One of the first questions new spinners ask is, "What's the best fiber to learn with?"

It's a good question because not every fiber behaves the same way.

When you're learning to draft, fibers that have a little more grip make the process much easier. They aren't overly slippery, so they stay in your hands a bit longer, giving you time to learn how the fibers move and how much to feed into the yarn.

That's why I often recommend breeds like Cormo, Blue Faced Leicester, and Targhee for beginners. They have enough texture to be forgiving while still producing beautiful yarn.

Once you become comfortable drafting, an entirely new world opens up. Every breed has its own personality. Some are springy, some are silky, some bloom into wonderfully airy yarns, and others create smooth, durable skeins.

Learning to spin isn't about finding the perfect fiber.

Rolags are often one of the first fiber preparations that catch a new spinner's eye. They're colorful, soft, and just a little whimsical, lined up like tiny rolls of candy.

They're created by hand carding fiber and gently rolling it into a loose tube. Because the fibers point in many different directions, rolags are traditionally used for woolen spinning, creating yarn that is light, lofty, and warm.

I enjoy making rolags because they're an opportunity to play with color. A little lavender beside charcoal. A touch of mint next to soft pink. Sometimes a glimmer of silk or a hint of sparkle. Each one is a small composition, and every spinner brings those colors together in their own unique way.

Rolags are often one of the first fiber preparations that catch a new spinner's eye. They're colorful, soft, and just a little whimsical, lined up like tiny rolls of candy.

They're created by hand carding fiber and gently rolling it into a loose tube. Because the fibers point in many different directions, rolags are traditionally used for woolen spinning, creating yarn that is light, lofty, and warm.

I enjoy making rolags because they're an opportunity to play with color. A little lavender beside charcoal. A touch of mint next to soft pink. Sometimes a glimmer of silk or a hint of sparkle. Each one is a small composition, and every spinner brings those colors together in their own unique way.