Erin James Erin James

Spinning Textured Art Yarn: Curly Wool Meets Bamboo (From Medieval Tapestry to Modern Hand Spun Yarn)

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.

Read More
Erin James Erin James

Fiber Arts & Modernism: My Visit to Woven Histories at the National Gallery of Art

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!

Read More
Erin James Erin James

Spinning Yarn on a Bottom Whorl Drop Spindle for Beginners

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.

Read More
Erin James Erin James

The Ultimate Guide to Knitting with Cotton Yarn

A Brief History of Cotton Yarn in the United States

Cotton isn’t just a popular fiber—it’s a cornerstone of American textile history. From handspun yarns on frontier homesteads to the rise of powerful Southern textile mills, the evolution of cotton in the U.S. is deeply tied to craft, commerce, and culture.

Read More
Erin James Erin James

Back in the Wild: You Can Now Shop My Fiber In Person !

While I will always be an e-commerce girl at heart I love the idea of being a part of different fiber arts communities in stores so if you have a favorite local store that would love some small farm fiber please email me and let me know and I’d be happy to reach out to them.

Read More

How to Make Money on YouTube as a Creative Entrepreneur

How to Make Money on YouTube as a Creative Entrepreneur

If you’ve ever thought about starting a YouTube channel but felt overwhelmed by the tech or unsure about being on camera—I get it. When I first started, I wasn’t comfortable on camera either. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a tech expert or a natural in front of the lens to make money on YouTube.

The truth is, YouTube is one of the best platforms for creative entrepreneurs to grow an audience, showcase their skills, and build multiple income streams—all while staying true to their unique style. Whether you’re an artist, maker, or small business owner, you can use YouTube to generate revenue in ways that fit your personality and strengths.

Read More
wool and spinning Erin James wool and spinning Erin James

SpinOlution Queen Bee: The Ultimate Spinning Wheel for Fine Fiber & Lace Lovers

When it comes to spinning fine fibers and lace-weight yarns, not all wheels are created equal. You need precision, control, and a wheel that enhances—not hinders—your experience. Enter the SpinOlution Queen Bee, a compact, innovative, and high-performance wheel designed for spinners who crave versatility and ease.

Made in the USA from high-quality California birch, the Queen Bee isn’t just a spinning wheel—it’s a game-changer for fiber artists who work with delicate, lightweight fibers. Whether you’re spinning silk, alpaca, cashmere, or ultra-fine wool, this wheel is built to handle it all with grace.

Let’s dive into what makes the SpinOlution Queen Bee stand out from the rest.

Read More