#45 - The Reference Issue, Summer 2024

LY Magazine — Drafts, Structure & Measurement Issue

Do you ever pause mid-spin and wonder which draft you should be using — and why? Curious about how (and when) to measure TPI? Not sure which ply structure really holds up best for socks? This issue is made for exactly those questions.

Packed with clear, thoughtful guidance, this issue dives into the nuts and bolts of spinning with intention. You’ll find articles covering everything from scouring and dyeing to drafting choices, measuring yarns, understanding grist, and choosing the right yarn structure for the project you have in mind. There’s even a clever, low-pressure way to practice spinning diameters that tend to trip you up.

What really sets this issue apart is its usefulness. Alongside the deep-dive articles, you’ll find handy reference sheets — perfect for keeping near your wheel or spindle. They offer quick, at-a-glance guidance on drafts, woolen vs. worsted, grist, finishing, and measuring TPI in both singles and plied yarns. The kind of thing you’ll reach for again and again.

This is one of those issues that quietly makes you a more confident spinner. Less guessing, more understanding. More control when you want it — and more freedom to play when you don’t.