Spinning is making a move throughout “flyover country” in the U.S. and spinners are showing up at Starbucks, Panera Bread and local malls to join knitters. This is not the exercise form of spinning that is hot on the coasts, but the old-time tradition of spinning by wheel to make fiber.
Dog hair, recycled sari silk, newspapers, plastic bags, dryer lint, and bamboo are spun into fiber to knit or crochet. Spinners are even using Kool-Aid to dye yarn! Dog hair is referred to as Cheingora: ‘chein’ is French for dog, and ‘gora’ from angora. Certain dog hair is considered in the same luxury fiber category as cashmere and mohair.
Spinners are buying their fleece, dog hair, dryer lint in bulk, dying it, spinning it, and then knitting it for one-of-a-kind, totally handmade fashion. Spinners tout the calm, almost zen, feeling that comes from the rhythmic motion of the pedals and the movement of the yarn through their hands onto a spool.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Fiber Spinning Movement
- Opportunity for businesses to cater to the growing trend of fiber spinning, providing materials, tools, and workshops for spinners.
- Eco-friendly Fiber Sources
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: developing and marketing sustainable fiber sources like recycled sari silk, bamboo, and plastic bags for spinners and knitters.
- Handmade Fashion Revolution
- The resurgence of spinning and knitting presents opportunities for businesses to embrace the demand for personalized, one-of-a-kind, and handmade fashion items.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Craft Supply Industry
- The craft supply industry can tap into the growing demand for spinning tools, dyeing materials, and unique fiber sources for spinners and knitters.
- Eco-friendly Packaging Industry
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: the packaging industry can explore eco-friendly alternatives for dryer lint packaging as spinners embrace this unconventional material for fiber spinning.
- Fashion Industry
- The fashion industry can capitalize on the handmade fashion trend by collaborating with spinners and knitters to create unique and sustainable collections.
