We aren’t the first people to struggle with winter. Across cultures, the shift from fall to winter wasn’t just seasonal — it was spiritual. The world darkened, crops were harvested, and the year itself seemed to exhale. Rather than resist the change, most traditions created rituals to carry the human psyche through it.

I knew that shape. I’d seen it in nature, of course — sunflowers, pinecones, nautilus shells. But more than that, I’d felt it. In the quiet rhythm of spinning yarn. In the nested curves of my fiber batt layers. In the way color moves through a skein without trying too hard. I was already working with the spiral — I just didn’t have the name for it.

Explore my favorite natural fibers to spin and blend into batts — from heritage wools like Gotland and Shetland to silky bamboo and textured cotton neps. Discover what makes each one unique and why they’re part of my fiber subscription boxes.

That’s what I wanted to explore at my wheel. With a bundle of curly wool locks and a braid of bamboo top, I spun each into singles, then plied them together. The wool kept its wild, feral energy; the bamboo flowed like a ribbon. The result was a two-ply that echoed everything those medieval tapestries achieved—earthy foundation meeting luminous highlight, but with a touch of mischief.

Discover how knitting, spinning, and yoga calm your nervous system by engaging the lizard, elephant, and monkey parts of your brain. A modern blend of neuroscience, craft, and calm from indie fiber artist Erin James.

I just had to share a little piece of my recent trip to DC. It was my first time in ages—like, pre-kids ages—getting lost in museums, and wow, did I make the most of it. My husband had work there, and I turned it into a five-day art marathon.

The highlight for me? Hands down, exploring Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction at the National Gallery of Art. If you know me, you know I’m a fiber arts geek at heart. Seeing textiles not just as “craft” but as a backbone of modern art? Yes, please!

Spinning Yarn on a Bottom Whorl Drop Spindle for Beginners

There’s something quietly powerful about creating your own yarn from nothing but fluff and a simple wooden tool. Spindle spinning is one of the oldest fiber arts — and it’s still one of the most accessible ways to start your spinning journey today. Whether you’re here from YouTube or just curious about how spinning works, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with a bottom whorl drop spindle — no prior experience required.

Discover how handmade artists are using AI to streamline their creative businesses without losing their soul. Learn practical ways to use AI tools as a support system—not a shortcut—so you can spend less time stuck and more time making art.