I rarely participate in spin/knit/etc.-alongs and when I have (Advent scarves), it has always been at my own pace. This January, I took part in a challenge on Instagram called “We Make Yarn.” Come to find out, no one minds if you go at your own pace, post photos late, or even if you choose not to participate in one or more parts of the challenge. I also discovered that I enjoy participating in these types of challenges. Mainly because they do just that … they challenge me. They provide me with an opportunity to look at things differently, see more of what other folks are doing, try new things, and at times even laugh at myself!

The most recent challenge that I am doing is Ply Magazine’s 51 Yarns Spin-Along. This challenge is particularly good for me because it is forcing me (ok, ok … I’m forcing myself) to try my hand at spinning several different yarns that I wouldn’t spin otherwise. We’re almost halfway through the 51 Yarns and this has been so much fun! I don’t think I’ll ever be very good at art yarns but, at least now, I can say that I’ve been able to spin samples of many of them.

If you’d like more information on the 51 Yarns Spin-Along, check it out at https://plymagazine.com/ply-books/51-yarns-spinalong/. It’s not too late to start, remember it’s your challenge and your spinning! So please join in on the fun!