IN-OFF Volume XXI Number 2 Summer 1997 The Magazine for Handspinners Living the Pioneer Ways: Edna Blackburn by Wendy Bateman ..... Fe A pioneer in her opinions and in her exploration of traditional crafts, Edna Blackburn gave generously to us all. The Yanks Tackle the International Wool Challenge by Linton Davidson ........ 0.0.60... cee eee --30 Spinner’s Question: Tools for Processing Wool ...... 36 You've got the equipment, and you've got the fleece. Flickers, drum carders, ‘hand cards, combs of all types: how to choose the right one for the job? Fiber Basics: Superfine Merino by Gloria Hall..... 38 What kinds of differences will you find between ultrafine Merino that you Process yourself. and a similar fiber in commercial preparation Habitual Spinning by Rita Buchanan.................. 46 Every experienced spinner has a “signature yarn.” Do you like yours, and does it meet all your needs! Staff Spinning Projects by Ann Budd, Karen Gogela, and Linda Ligon ....... 56 Washing Your Wool, and getting it clean enough for a commercial processor by Connie Delaney..... . 58 Fine Lace Experiments by Janice Keller ....... et ee 66, Knitted Lace: Fundamentals for Handspinners by Deena Engel with Sharon Nettles 70 You need to get the pattern right, and you need to spin the right yarn. Here re guidelines for using a wide variety of fibers for making knitted elegance. Saxon Green by Nancy Skinner... The Celts produced a vibrant green with two plants: weld and woad. You can, too. An Ode to Woad by Bobbie Irwin. Z . . 86 ‘There is no perfect dyeplant, but look at the range of colors this one produces! Departments Abbreviations 101 Advertisers’ Index. 120 Books 93 Calendar 97 Classified Ads 113, Ealitor's Page 2 Letters mre Letters/Charkhas. ' i Product News m Spinners’ Connection........... 28 Spinners Question .....--..++4+ 36 Cover: Janice Keller's double explora- tions of precise spinning and of the patterned realms of knitting have come together in new ways through hher recent lace experiments. Worked in silk and fine wool, these small, exquisite pieces are moving her to- ward larger work as well. See pages 66-68 for more information, and page 67 for detailed descriptions of the pieces shown on the cover.