Journalist and wool junkie Deborah (“Debbie”) Held has been putting a spin on words since 2005, when she launched a freelance career she has yet to quit.
Debbie’s first 600 or so bylined articles were all business focused: strategies, industries, trends, profiles and features (with many cover stories). This provided her with a skill she would need to survive the ups and downs of the economy: an ability to interview anyone.
Knowing what questions to ask others has helped Debbie to deliver solid content pages, marketing materials, and eerily in-voice ghosted blog posts. (Plus, she’s insatiably curious, so…)
In 2015, Debbie decided to merge her love of handspinning and all things wool-related with her world of words. Her articles may be found in Spin Off magazine, PLY, and online with Schacht Spindle Company. She also writes the recurring Her Handspun Habit column for Long Thread Media/the Spin Off blog.
Debbie teaches spinning classes around the world. Her courses on supported spindling and better e-spinning may be found on the School of SweetGeorgia website.
In her (limited) downtime, Debbie can be found surrounded by her ever-growing stash of spinning fiber and related treasures, spending time at her spinning wheels, and laughing at Stanley, her large Persian cat. They all live in the Atlanta area.
Get your first month of membership at the School of SweetGeorgia for FREE (new members only)! Click HERE.
I was a guest on The SweetGeorgia Show podcast (12/2019), where I talked about how I came into my spinning career, my travels, breaking through crushing anxiety, and more. Listen here! To watch my most recent interview with Felicia (3/2021), click the video below:
Hi Joyce. Your timing with this note gave me goosebumps. Chris has been on my mind all day today. My one regret is that I didn’t get more time with this kind, generous woman. I was really just getting to know her when she died. With the Georgia National Fair coming up, I can’t help but be reminded of the day Chris stood in front of PHG and showed us all the skein of handspun she had entered, all because she’d read an article I’d written, which she said gave her the courage to just do it. “I didn’t win anything, but I am SO happy that I entered.” she told us. She was positively joyous about it. I said, “There’s always next year…,” but there wasn’t. I hugged her tight after the circle sharing. She had tried to thank me for helping her, and yet she is the one who helped me. That day, Chris helped me see myself and my potential in a whole new light.
She is missed.
I am thrilled that there is a spinning night up in Canton!!! You must have a good crowd.
Thank you so much for getting in touch. She must be watching us.
Debbie
Hi Lynne,
Thank you for writing. Ah, we have TWO special traits in common–both of which are central to life’s enjoyment.
All the best,
Debbie
I had Debbie as the teacher on the combination spinning class I attended at the Mayacraft retreat in UK .
The class was really exiting and Debbie was amazing as a teacher l. It inspired me to new ideas to combine different fibers to get a exiting combination and unique combination.
It’s a real pity for me that I live so far away (Sweden ) that I can’t attend more spinning classes for her.
Sanne Hermelin from Sweden
Hi Debbie,
You are so talented…in the Fiber Arts and in writing. I started following you at the beginning of my fiber journey. When I heard your story on the Sweet Georgia podcast, I was moved. I couldn’t help but to secretly hope my life would mimic yours. When I see something so beautiful comes from hardships and struggles it gives me strength to persevere.
I have a rare genetic condition and had spent 5 years on home health. I met the Fiber Arts and it was my daily dose of miracle cure. I began to get better, signed myself off the care, got a job, went back to adult Ed for my GED and applied to Haywood. Just when I thought I couldn’t go on, I heard the podcast. It gave me exactly what I needed to press forward. I am now a graduate and am currently trying to find housing in Haywood County. School starts soon!! You encourage and inspire in ways you never even know about…thank you!
You were also very kind to me when I had to put my old sick dog down. Again, you shared your story with me and I gain strength. THANK YOU AGAIN.
I hope one day I can take a class from you!!!
I
Hi Brandi,
THANK YOU for your most thoughtful words. Somehow, I missed your comment here or I’d have answered you so much sooner. I apologize!
Of course, I know you from Facebook and have been following your move to North Carolina to join the fiber arts program. And yes, I also remember your helping your doggie to cross over peacefully and how deeply it hurt. Look at that timing … had things not happened when they did, you wouldn’t have been able to go to school this year. While I know we both wish we could still have our dogs, there’s a liberation in having only yourself to care for. This is the time for you to absorb all you can in order to build your fiber career. This is your time, Brandi.
I cried reading your comment and your beautiful thoughts. I was also on home health care for many, many years, on and off. I was fed and hydrated intravenously as I could not digest a thing. I just kept reminding myself that there would be a day when I would be better (well, better enough). I kept picturing it. I had no idea that spinning would one day become my way of life, but I am grateful for it every single day.
I’m going to tell Felicia how much the podcast episode helped you. I truly believe that’s why she makes them. As for me, I am just humbled to have been her guest and to know that someone else out there could relate to my struggles. As your life continues to improve, you will see just how bright lightness is as compared to the dark.
Congratulations on your many successes thus far, Brandi; you should be very proud of yourself!
I look forward to seeing what all you learn about once school begins, and I’ll be cheering for you!