Local Hand Spinner Shares Her Wisdom with the ōSHen Knits & Fibres Community
Vanessa FlemingA couple of months after Astoria’s quilt shop, which previously sold yarn, closed its retail space to focus on sewing machine repairs, Lynne visited our shop in search of a new venue to consign her hand-spun yarn. The timing couldn't have been better, as we had just discussed bringing more local artists into the store. We invited Lynne to bring in her creations, and we were truly amazed by the quantity and beauty of the hand-spun yarn she presented. Each piece was unique, crafted from a variety of fibers. This experience deepened our understanding of fiber compositions and the artistry involved in hand-spinning yarn.
Lynne Leland in her natural habitat!
Before Lynne arrived, I had already embarked on my own journey of hand-spinning with an Ashford wheel gifted to our shop. As someone who has transformed her art into a business, I was yearning for a creative outlet that was just for me. While I sell knitting patterns and focus on creating samples for our hand-dyed yarn, ōSHen Fibres, knitting samples, although enjoyable, didn’t entirely satisfy my personal artistic needs. I began dyeing yarn to enhance my physical and mental well-being, but as our yarn sales skyrocketed in the shop and with the upcoming Flock Fiber Festival, yarn dyeing became more about community than personal fulfillment.
My first bobbin!
That’s when hand-spinning emerged as an art form I knew I wouldn’t monetize. With Lynne bringing in her stunning skeins for sale, I felt reassured that I wouldn’t be tempted to fill that niche. A few weeks before meeting Lynne, I started working with another local, Brenna, who teaches our drop spindle classes, to help me get acquainted with our shop wheel. I had taken a drop spindle class with Brenna and practiced enough to feel somewhat confident in my understanding of drafting and spinning techniques.
However, I soon realized I still had a lot to learn. Experienced spinners make it look effortless, but it’s certainly not! After Lynne expressed interest in selling her hand-spun yarn, she began joining us during our Coffee & Crafts mornings on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Her wealth of knowledge was invaluable, and I learned so much from our one-on-one sessions.
Lynne and I sharing a laugh as my clumsy fingers fumbled through the drafting process. However, once it clicked, I managed to get it right, and I owe it all to my fantastic teacher!
We also welcomed another local knitter, Andi, who brought her e-spinner, leading to the creation of an adorable mini spinning circle. Others joined us at the table for knitting while crocheters cozied up in the living room. Since Lynne started attending Coffee & Crafts, our space has felt more wholesome than ever.
Andi trying out corespun with Lynne!
We have initiated monthly trunk shows and designer collaborations, and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our trunk show events than with Lynne and her exquisite hand-spun yarn. We’ve set up a gorgeous pegboard display specifically for our monthly trunk shows, and having Lynne’s yarn on display brought an unexpected warmth to our shop.
You can shop Lynne’s yarn both in-store and on our website, where we’ve categorized the yarn by weight and spinning method.
The beautiful display that will be up all month long!
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lynne, allowing the ōK&F community to get to know the artist behind these remarkable skeins and to share her wisdom with those interested in embarking on their own spinning journey.
When did you start spinning?
I began in the early 70s in Port Angeles, where my husband was stationed in the Coast Guard. I took a class as a new mom at home with a baby, eager to get out of the house. I paused my spinning journey after moving, as it was challenging to find fiber back then without the internet. It wasn’t until we were stationed in Astoria in 1991, when my husband became the commanding officer, that I picked it up again. By then, connecting with other people made sourcing fiber easier. Once the internet became available, it opened up a whole new world of fiber suppliers across the nation. My first wheel was a NAGY wheel from New Zealand.
You’ve mentioned that you never use your own yarn! Have you tried other types of fiber arts?
In school, I completed the mandatory knitting project in home economics, making a scarf, and dabbled in weaving because my neighbor wanted to build a loom, but I never pursued them further. However, I sewed a lot, and my daughter Shannon, who works for Shift & Wheeler, previously owned a children's clothing shop in Astoria where we created many garments. Unfortunately, Shannon had to close her shop due to relocation with her Coast Guard husband.
Who is your favorite company to order fiber from?
Inglenook Fibers.
Lynne brought in fibers to share her knowledge with Andi and I
What is your favorite type of fiber to work with?
Mixed merino and silk blends.
If you had to choose between 2-ply or corespun to spin, which would it be?
Definitely 2-ply. It’s more versatile and allows for greater creativity, especially with art yarn.
2 ply hand spun yarn is created by twisting two single strands together for strength, balance, and a traditional texture. Core-spun yarn wraps fiber around a central core (like commercial yarn or thread), designed to showcase texture, create art yarns, or provide stability for bulky, non-stretchy fibers
Learn from someone else, and if possible, try out different wheels before making a purchase. Opt for a new wheel, as they tend to be easier to use. Avoid being tempted by that antique wheel you see at a garage sale, as they often lack parts that can be hard to find.
In addition to creating beautiful hand-spun yarn, Lynne and her daughter Shannon operate a farm outside of Astoria, where Lynne uses some of her own sheep’s fiber for spinning. If you’re interested in unprocessed fiber, please let us know, and we will connect you with Lynne!
We want to extend our gratitude to Lynne for sharing her wisdom with us at oSHen Knits & Fibres, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience her work firsthand!
You can shop Lynne’s yarn exclusively at our Astoria shop and online. If you find yourself in Astoria on a Sunday, drop by the shop between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to try your hand at spinning on our shop wheel!