Homespun Revivals - Economy Spurs Fiber Spinning Movement

Spinning is making a move throughout “flyover country” in the U.S. and spinners are showing up at Starbucks, Panera Bread and local malls to join knitters. This is not the exercise form of spinning that is hot on the coasts, but the old-time tradition of spinning by wheel to make fiber.

Dog hair, recycled sari silk, newspapers, plastic bags, dryer lint, and bamboo are spun into fiber to knit or crochet. Spinners are even using Kool-Aid to dye yarn! Dog hair is referred to as Cheingora: ‘chein’ is French for dog, and ‘gora’ from angora. Certain dog hair is considered in the same luxury fiber category as cashmere and mohair.

Spinners are buying their fleece, dog hair, dryer lint in bulk, dying it, spinning it, and then knitting it for one-of-a-kind, totally handmade fashion. Spinners tout the calm, almost zen, feeling that comes from the rhythmic motion of the pedals and the movement of the yarn through their hands onto a spool.