Spinning is a practical, fascinating and satisfying hobby with continuing appeal in an age of mass production. It is a comprehensive spinning primer written by a leading New Zealand spinner with an international reputation as a teacher and craftsperson. This book describles a physical skill clearly and concisely and her instructions are illustrated by over one hundred step-by-step photographs and diagrams. In addition to advice on spinning wool with a variety of techniques, she offers chapters on the use of other fibers and novelty yarns, and on dyeing. There is also an introduction to the craft of felting and a useful selection of patterns for knitting , crocheting and weaving your own handspun yarn.

International weaving teacher, Rowena Hart, shows how you can create exiting, beautiful garments and crafts - all on the simple two shaft loom. In the book she guides you step-by-step through the many techniques, showing just how easy it is to make your woven creations come alive through colour and texture. Be inspired by Rowena, who has worked with weavers from many cultures in her role as Education and Marketing Manager of Ashford Handicrafts Ltd, the world famous spinning wheel and weaving loom manufacturer. Also known as the Rigid Heddle, this loom is simple to use, light and compact. It will produce fabrics and tapestries to delight you - whether you are a novice or experienced weaver.

Discover the satisfying fun of spinning your own yarn! This step-by-step guide shows you how to create 80 distinctive yarn types, from classics like mohair bouclé to novelties like supercoils. Covering the entire spinning process, Sarah Anderson describes the unique architecture of each type of yarn and shares expert techniques for manipulating and combining fibers. Take your crafting to a new level and ensure that you have the best yarn available by spinning it yourself.

Hand spinning is a peaceful, wholesome and creative craft that can bring immense joy and satisfaction to a busy life. This beautiful book explains how to spin unique yarn using natural raw materials such as fleece, flax and silk. It aims to teach, encourage and inspire spinners to extend their skills and uncover the mystique surrounding the long draw, the hallmark skill of accomplishment in hand spinning. It includes over 200 supporting images and clear step-by-step instructions on spinning methods, fibre preparation, colour skills, dyeing, yarn structure, art and yarn design. It will bring inspiration and pleasure to all spinners, regardless of experience or expertise. Gives clear and precise instructions for the long draw, worsted and core-spinning techniques that determine yarn quality and performance; Outlines how to choose and prepare fleece, flax, silk and camelid fibre for hand spinning; Includes proven definite colour skills that will personalize and enhance hand-spun work; Describes dyeing animal and vegetable fibre and yarn, without special materials or equipment, using natural and synthetic dyes; Encourages use of classic yarn structures such as boucle, gimp, coils, and crepe, as design features for unusual visual and textural effect; Individual hand-spun work illustrates the concept of art yarn and the design process; Suggests projects for the mindful spinner, from making a Shetland hap to creating art yarn that has meaning, artistry and purpose. Beautifully illustrated with 204 colour photographs and 12 artworks.

A book on spinning basics for beginners from internationally acclaimed spinner and weaver Anne Field. With easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions, Anne guides the novice spinner through all they need to know to get started. She explains the spinning process and techniques, including preparation of fleeces, worsted and woolen spinning methods, plying, adjusting tension, treadling, skeining, drafting and blending as well as helpful advice about spinning wheels and how they work. A wide range of fibers suitable for spinning are featured--wool, alpaca, silk, mohair, cotton, angora, and synthetic and blended fibers--with details on the characteristics of each fiber and best spinning methods to use. Also included are many great projects with full instructions on how to use your newly spun yarns. Fully illustrated with full color photographs throughout.

This inspiring illustrated guide teaches experienced spinners to make beautiful designer yarns and encourages them to be more creative and have more fun with spinning. Handspun yarns can be white, lumpy, gray, and precise--or they can be as colorful and deliciously textured as the spinner's imagination. Presented are instructions on applying dye to fibers in new, exciting ways; predicting how novelty yarns will look in finished fabrics; blending fibers for color and texture effects; spinning singles and plied yarns; and using these fantastic new yarns in weaving, knitting, and crocheting. Spinners will also add corespun, boucle, snarl, knotted, and tufted yarns to their spinning repertoire.

For knitters, crocheters, and weavers ready to make their own yarn, this handy guide provides detailed instructions for spinning both on a spindle and a wheel, and offers a special section devoted to troubleshooting and wheel maintenance that keeps projects on track. It offers a comprehensive look at the various available fiber options, choosing and preparing each type of fiber for use, and crafting these materials into ready-to-work pieces. A final chapter on the various uses of spun yarn focuses on project planning, with definitions and context for measuring wraps per inch, determining yards for specific projects, and choosing a yarn size.