Blog Archives

Meet Strauch Fiber Equipment’s New Owner, Mike Gallagher!

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Otto

Hi there, I’m Mike Gallagher, the new owner of Strauch Fiber Equipment Co. Right now, I’m learning the ropes and training with Otto and Joanne at their workshop in Virginia. Although they are retiring, they plan on remaining active within … Continue reading →

Posted in About Strauch | Comments Off on Meet Strauch Fiber Equipment’s New Owner, Mike Gallagher!

The Next Chapter in the Strauch Story Begins

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Otto

Last May, we publicly announced our successor search for a “fiber-loving unicorn” to carry on the Strauch tradition. In that time, we have searched high and low and met many wonderful people. We’re very grateful to everyone who helped spread … Continue reading →

Posted in About Strauch | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Next Chapter in the Strauch Story Begins

How To Card A Butterfly Batt

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Otto

April showers bring May flowers…and butterflies! With so many beautiful species found in the natural world, you’ll never run out of colorful inspiration! Here is the photo we chose to help us select this month’s color palette: There are many ways … Continue reading →

Posted in Carding, Inspiration, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on How To Card A Butterfly Batt

PLY Away 2019 Recap

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Otto

The PLY Away retreat is one of our favorite fiber events to kick off the spring season! Held in Kansas City, MO at the 5-star rated Westin Conference center downtown, this delightful venue is a fabulous setting to learn about & … Continue reading →

Posted in Shows | Tagged , , | Comments Off on PLY Away 2019 Recap

Meet Our Makers: Hopkins Fiber Studio

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Otto

When we attend shows and fiber festivals, we almost always connect with a new maker who uses our products to create their wares. This month’s installment of Meet our Makers is a little different, however: we connected with Hopkins Fiber … Continue reading →

Posted in Carding, Meet Our Makers | Tagged , | Comments Off on Meet Our Makers: Hopkins Fiber Studio

How to Card a Jelly Bean Batt

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Otto

Spring has sprung! Today we share a fun way to incorporate several bright, cheery colors into a beautiful batt inspired by a beloved seasonal sweet: jelly beans! The trick to working with so many colors is to start with a neutral background and build … Continue reading →

Posted in Carding, Inspiration | Comments Off on How to Card a Jelly Bean Batt

Cleaning & Storing Fleece and Fiber

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Otto

The spring fiber festival season is just around the corner! For fiber artists who delight in sourcing fleece and fibers straight from the source, these events are the perfect opportunity to replenish your stash with unique fibers you may not … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiber, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Cleaning & Storing Fleece and Fiber

Resource Round-Up for Fiber Artists

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Otto

Do you have the urge to clean out your craft room, and need a place to sell some of the tools you no longer use? Have you recently bought a piece of used fiber equipment and need some advice on … Continue reading →

Posted in Handspinning, Resources | Comments Off on Resource Round-Up for Fiber Artists

How to Card a Sweetheart Batt for Handspun Hearts

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Otto

Looking to add a handmade touch to your Valentine’s Day? There are lots of free knitting and crochet patterns for making hearts for your sweetheart, and today, we’ll not only show you a quick & easy batt project to whip … Continue reading →

Posted in Carding, Handspinning, Inspiration, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on How to Card a Sweetheart Batt for Handspun Hearts

How to Make Rolags With a Drum Carder

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Otto

Have you ever wanted to spin from rolags? This type of fiber preparation is well suited for production-style handspinning, particularly the long-draw woolen method. Today, we’ll show you how to turn prepared fibers into beautiful rolags with a Strauch drum carder! Supplies A Strauch … Continue reading →

Posted in Carding, Tutorial | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on How to Make Rolags With a Drum Carder