Spinning Textured Art Yarn: Curly Wool Meets Bamboo (From Medieval Tapestry to Modern Hand Spun Yarn)
how to spin textured yarn
From Tapestry to Texture
In medieval Europe, the grandest stories were not told on paper but woven into cloth. Massive wall hangings like the Apocalypse Tapestry and The Lady and the Unicorn were immersive narratives built from fiber itself. Wool provided the solid, matte foundation, while silk caught the light in shimmering highlights. Gold and silver-wrapped threads elevated sacred or royal details, turning cloth into radiance. The interplay of rustic strength and refined sheen wasn’t incidental,it was the very mechanism that gave the work depth and drama. These textiles remind us that contrast, the matte against lustrous, coarse against smooth it has always been the heart of storytelling in fiber.
Why Contrast Still Matters
That instinct hasn’t faded. Wool still offers durability and warmth with an earthy, grounding presence in any yarn. Pair it with a smooth, plant-based fiber like bamboo, and something dynamic happens: the contrast creates movement, subtle shine, and a tactile rhythm that draws the eye and hand.
It’s the same principle those medieval weavers leaned on. In the Apocalypse Tapestry, silk threads were used to draw out heavenly light from otherwise somber scenes, while in The Lady and the Unicorn, silk highlighted the unicorn's mane and the folds of gowns, giving depth and luxury to the narrative. Where they reached for silk and metal-wrapped threads to add light-catching brilliance to their woolen scenes, I reached for bamboo. It’s my modern, accessible stand-in for silk—offering that same shimmer and softness but at a fraction of the cost. It lets the handspinner step into the same tradition of thoughtful contrast, without needing a royal budget.
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.
What’s fascinating is how that texture translates beyond the skein. Just like a tapestry gained depth from varying warp and weft, this kind of yarn adds layered visual interest when knit or woven especially in simple accessory patterns. A handspun hat or glove made from a yarn like this isn’t just cozy. It brings dimension to the surface, and when worn, it signals something beyond style: craftsmanship.
Because much like those grand tapestries once marked wealth and taste, using handmade yarn in your wardrobe today marks something just as valuable, discernment and care. A quiet form of luxury rooted in process, not price tag. In a mass-produced world, wearing something spun by hand says you’re paying attention. That you value story and texture, not just convenience. That you’ve chosen something made, not manufactured.
Putting the Yarn to Use
Textured yarns shine best when the stitches don’t compete with the fiber itself. I’d use this skein in one of the simple free patterns on my Handspun Yarn Patterns page, designed to showcase curls, sheen, and contrast without losing them in busy detail. Whether woven into cloth, knit into a cowl, or edging a larger piece, the yarn is meant to stand out.
Then and Now
Medieval weavers and modern spinners are linked by instinct: to tell stories through contrast. Wool and silk then,or my experiment with wool and bamboo now the principle remains the same. Contrast is what elevates function into expression. Try pairing fibers with different textures and behaviors in your own crafting, and see where it takes you. You can watch my full process in the video linked below, and explore free patterns to start using your own textured yarns.
Learn more about Spinning and Designing your own Art Yarn
Learn to Spin Yarn
Discover the SpinOlution Bullfrog Spinning Wheel – a compact and durable wheel perfect for spinners on the go. With a foldable design and smooth, comfortable treadling, the Bullfrog is ideal for spinning all yarn types from fine to bulky. Shop now at Feral Scene!
Meet the SpinOlution Bullfrog, a 16-ounce spinning wheel designed for spinners who want both power and portability. Lightweight and easy to carry, the Bullfrog folds to the side for simple transport—perfect for fiber festivals, classes, or just spinning outside on a nice day. Even with its compact size, it delivers smooth performance and a wide range of speeds, thanks to precision engineering and multiple bearings.
Built from durable Baltic birch, the Bullfrog is sturdy, easy to adjust, and great for spinning a variety of fibers. It comes with a 16-ounce flyer that can also use 8-ounce bobbins, giving you options for both singles and plying. The unique treadle design has a deeper, more powerful motion that many art yarn spinners love. Whether you're at home or on the go, the Bullfrog offers the flexibility and performance to keep up with your creativity.
SpinOlution wheels are made from high-quality Baltic birch plywood. Please note that occasional knots or patches may appear in the wood—these are natural characteristics from the wood manufacturer and are not within SpinOlution’s control. While we do our best to select the finest materials, these cosmetic variations are a normal part of working with real wood and do not affect the performance or durability of the wheel.
The product can differ slightly from shown photos, since we try to improve our products continuously.
Seriously I’m pretty obsessed with this wheel, It’s everything I love about the Pollywog but with a larger drive wheel and huge bobbins.
I love that it has the built in lazy kate and the folding neck works perfect.
More official pictures to come! I absolutely love this wheel. It’s ready to order! feel free to contact me with any questions.
Please be advised that shipping time is 4 - 6 weeks ( sometimes earlier) to allow for them to be custom made
Also due to Spinolution being they're own company any of my coupons and sales to not extend to the Spinolution products.
Layaway is available please email me and we'll set up something that will work for you
erin@feralscene.com
A robust wheel designed for consistency and durability.
Bullfrog with 8 oz flyer + 3 bobbins – $995
Bullfrog with 16 oz flyer + three 16 oz bobbins – $995
Bullfrog with 16 oz flyer + two 8 oz & one 16 oz bobbin – $995
The Bullfrog comes equipped with a 16 oz flyer and three matching bobbins, with compatibility for 8 oz bobbins as well. Spin fine to bulky yarns with ease and enjoy a variety of speed ratios: 1:4.5, 1:6, 1:8, 1:12, 1:18.
Purchasing and Shipping Details:
Bullfrog Spinning Wheel Pricing: $1035
Includes 3 bobbins
Accessories available at additional cost
Features:
New treadle design with deeper motion
Folds for easy transport with carrying handle
16 oz flyer led with 5 speeds
Can accommodate 1 x 16 oz bobbin and 2 x 8 oz bobbins
Size: 28 inches high, 11 inches deep
Weight: 14+ pounds
Material: Baltic Birch with lacquer finish
Open hook orifice and magnetic bobbins for convenience
Made in the USA
Experience the versatility and ergonomic design of the Bullfrog Spinning Wheel. Your spinning journey elevates to new heights with this sturdy, silent, and beautifully constructed wheel. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to see more official pictures soon – we're excited to help you bring your spinning visions to life.
Looking to buy a SpinOlution spinning wheel with confidence and support? As an official SpinOlution dealer based in the USA, I specialize in helping fiber artists—from total beginners to advanced spinners—find the perfect match. Whether you're drawn to the Monarch for large skeins, the Pollywog for starting out, or the Echo for versatility, you can shop all the top SpinOlution wheels right here with personalized insight, fair pricing, and fast shipping. This page exists to help you not just browse, but buy the right SpinOlution wheel for your needs, with expert guidance you won’t find on big-box sites.
