Welcome to the blog! Whether you're a seasoned spinner or brand new to the craft, Tour de Fleece offers an incredible opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with other spinners, and unleash your creativity.
What is Tour de Fleece?
So, what exactly is the Tour de Fleece? It’s a fun spin-along event that coincides with the Tour de France cycling race. Just as cyclists pedal their way through challenging terrain, spinners spin their way through fiber, aiming to achieve personal goals and push their spinning skills to new heights. The beginnings of the Tour de Fleece are a bit ambiguous, without a specific person or year it started. From what I can gather, it really picked up popularity about a decade ago and now has participants from all around the world.
Each year, spinners from across the globe join this event to spin together virtually, sharing their progress, tips, and achievements. It's a celebration of the fiber arts community, bringing together spinners of all levels to learn, grow, and enjoy the craft. The Tour de Fleece typically runs parallel to the Tour de France, and spinners set their own goals, whether it’s to spin a specific amount of fiber, master a new technique, or simply enjoy the meditative process of spinning.
Our Unique Approach
Most Tour de Fleece teams approach the event with a competitive spirit, striving to spin the most length, the most ounces, or the most intricate yarns. Some teams pick a theme like a brand of wheel, breed of sheep, or nerdy fandom to anchor their team together. And while that's all well and good, my team, Team Mohair for the Dame, takes a slightly different approach.
At Mohair for the Dame, we're all about camaraderie, support, and personal growth. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, our team welcomes spinners of all skill levels and backgrounds. Spindles, wheels, electric wheels—you name it, we welcome it! When it comes to the types of yarns you can spin, the sky's the limit. Fine yarns, bulky yarns, art yarns—whatever sparks your creativity, we encourage you to explore it during Tour de Fleece.
Our team is not about competition but about fostering a supportive and friendly environment where everyone feels welcome. We believe that the joy of spinning comes from the process itself, from the tactile pleasure of working with fiber to the satisfaction of creating something unique with your own hands. By focusing on personal growth and community, we ensure that everyone has a fulfilling and enjoyable experience during the Tour de Fleece.
Why Team Mohair for the Dame?
When I began spinning and joined my first Tour de Fleece team, I became fast friends with Christina from Wool for the Dame. Our nerdy personalities and our shared love of fiber found us keeping in touch. We both wanted to find more fiber friends to spin with and found the general competitive nature of TdF didn’t exactly foster that attitude. So, we started our own team of nerdy spinners who are just happy to spin and make a new friend or two.
Team Mohair for the Dame was born out of a desire to create a space where spinners could come together, share their love of fiber arts, and support one another without the pressure of competition. We wanted a team where everyone could feel comfortable and encouraged, whether they were spinning for relaxation, creativity, or skill development. Over the years, our team has grown into a wonderful community of like-minded individuals who enjoy spinning and making new friends.
Ready to Join the Fun?
Signing up for 'Mohair for the Dame' is easy. Simply head over to our Ravelry or Facebook Group and introduce yourself. Then, get ready to embark on a spinning adventure from June 29 to July 21.
We are excited to welcome new members to our team. Joining is simple, and you'll immediately find yourself part of a friendly and supportive community. Whether you're spinning on a spindle, wheel, or electric wheel, you'll find plenty of inspiration and encouragement.
Special Features for Team Members
But wait, there's more! This year, we've got a special treat for our team members. Jes created a fun PDF game board that allows you to create your own color code and fill in each day of the tour. It's a fantastic way to track your progress and add an extra element of fun to your spinning journey.
The game board is designed to be both functional and enjoyable. It helps you visualize your progress, set daily goals, and celebrate your achievements. You can customize it with your own color codes, stickers, or notes, making it a personal and creative part of your Tour de Fleece experience.
Let me tell you about challenge days and rest days. Challenge days are all about pushing yourself to reach new spinning heights, whether that means trying a new technique, spinning a challenging fiber, or setting a personal record. Rest days, on the other hand, offer a chance to recharge and relax. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between challenge and self-care, and the game board is a great way to keep track of that.
Join Us Today!
So, what are you waiting for? Join 'Mohair for the Dame' today and let's spin our way to victory together. Whether you're spinning for speed, skill, or sheer enjoyment, Tour de Fleece is an experience like no other. So grab your fiber, fire up your wheel, and let's spin our hearts out.