Pre-Rhinebeck Untangling: Jacey Boggs of PLY magazine

As a journalist with an extensive background in print, I always get a little excited — and, also, very intrigued — when someone starts a non-digital publication. Jacey Boggs took the print plunge last summer when she launched PLY magazine, which is dedicated to the art of spinning, offering smartly-written stories and beautiful photos.

Before PLY, Jacey taught spinning all over the world (there are still some spots open in her Saturday workshops at the NY Sheep and Wool Festival) and also produced a spinning DVD and wrote a book. Before that, Jacey sold her handspun, spinning six hours a day, five days a week, and supporting her growing family. Still, Jacey, who’s studied Japanese, economics, political science and journalism, says she considers PLY her first “grown-up job.”

There will be an opportunity to win an issue of PLY as part of a raffle prize package at the Rhinebeck trunk show, of which the magazine is a media sponsor.

What made you decided to start PLY and why did you go the print route (I ask this as a very interested, mostly print journalist!)?

I started PLY because I saw that the spinning community needed it and I thought that I could do it well. Of course, if I’d known how big of a job it would be, I may have hesitated or thought I couldn’t handle it. Ignorance is bliss and I’m thankful I didn’t have more knowledge at the time. I decided print simply because I like print magazines. I want my fiber magazines on my shelf, I want to see them, smell them, feel them. I want to hold them. I know that fiber people are tactile so I figured they wanted the same.

What are the best things that you’ve learned while running a magazine?

That it’s possible to do something great. That people make the world go around. Even the biggest projects, the most ambitious goals, are accomplished by individuals, either alone or working together. We shouldn’t let grandness intimidate us. Success is attainable if you are true and honest and good and you create a product that embodies those qualities. Drama and negativity poison creative projects. Look straight ahead and do what’s right, always.

Also, lists are invaluable.

How did you get into spinning?

Like most spinners, I was a knitter that wanted to save money. It didn’t really work.

Are there certain fibers you particularly love to spin? Any you are intrigued to try spinning?

I love all fibers. Honestly. As I get further into my spinning career, I realize that every fiber is good for something, has a use, is perfect for some project. Except Karakul, I just don’t like that stuff.

What does the future hold for PLY?

More of the same, I hope. Bigger and better with every issue! I’d like to reach every spinner and I’d like to have everyone that wants to be heard, say something on our pages!