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Tour de Fleece is right around the corner—and I’m getting ready for the spin of the season! Whether you’re a longtime spinner or new to the joy of the draft, I invite you to prep alongside me. Let’s talk bobbins, fiber prep, common challenges, and how we can all enjoy a slower, more intentional spin this year.

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🌀 Clear the Bobbins, Clear the Mind

Step one: clear off those bobbins!
I’m starting with a multicolored purple merino blend that’s just begging to be chain-plied into a soft three-ply yarn. It’s a simple task, but it gets the energy flowing and makes room for what’s next.

✨ Bonus: I’ll be recording the process, so follow along for inspiration!

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🤯 The Too-Many-Choices Problem

Let’s be honest—fiber stashes have a way of multiplying. The biggest challenge for me is deciding what to spin. Should I:

• Spin for a sweater?
• Tackle a luxury fiber?
• Work through stash from local sources?

This year, I’m simplifying. I’ve picked:

• One main fiber for the wheel
• A few smaller samples for the spindle

Less decision fatigue = more time at the wheel.

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💭 Over-planning Is Real

Ever plan to spin two pounds in three weeks? Me too. And when it doesn’t happen, the guilt creeps in.

So here’s my Tour mantra:
🌿 Be realistic. Be gentle. Show up with joy.

I’m setting a time-based goal instead:

• 15 minutes on busy days
• 30 minutes for flexibility
• 1 hour when I’m home and can relax into it

No pressure, just presence.

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🧵 Tricky Fibers to Watch Out For

Every spinner has met their match. Mine?

• Vacuum-sealed combed top – too compressed and slippery
• Short staple fibers – easy to over-spin and hard to manage

If it frustrates me, it’s not going in the Tour basket. I’m choosing fiber that inspires, not irritates.

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🎯 Making It Fun with a Tour de Fleece Bingo

Sometimes a little structure sparks creativity. I love using a Tour de Fleece Bingo card—either one of the many shared online or one I’ve made myself. It adds variety, keeps things playful, and gives me small wins to celebrate along the way. Check out Patreon for spinning folk who are on board.

✔️ Challenge met. Square marked. Spinner happy.

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🌾 Local and Purposeful: My Spinning Focus

Aligned with my 100 Mile Life challenge, I’m focusing on:

• Fiber from local farms and makers
• No new purchases until I’ve spun what I have
• Spinning with intention—thinking ahead to sweaters, vests, or cozy winter knits

This isn’t just about making yarn. It’s about making choices that align with my values.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Tour de Fleece is more than a spinning challenge. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and commitment—whether you spin for 5 minutes or 5 miles of yarn.

Let’s keep it light, joyful, and grounded.
And if you need a reminder: You’re already doing great.

🧵 Tell me in the comments: What’s the one fiber you can’t wait to spin this year?