The spinning books are divided up over several pages, to
shorten loading times. Books are listed alphabetically by title.
HANDS ON SPINNING, Lee Raven. In my estimation, this is the best book for people who want to learn to spin
(this is the book I learned from!). Takes you through the basic spinning
technique on a hooked stick, to spindle, to wheel. Selection of fleece,
washing and carding covered as well. Includes basic knitting and weaving
patterns for using your first yarn. Paperbound, 8 1/2 x 10 3/4, 120 pages,
color and black and white photographs throughout, ISBN 0-934026-27-0. $18.95.
#239021
HANDSPINDLES,
Bette Hochberg. Handspindles have been in use for at least 6,000
years. There are many different types and styles and ways of using them. Bette
Hochberg gives a good background on spindles and spindle spinning. She discusses
ten of the most common varieties of spindles, how they were used, and what types
of fibers would have been spun on them. Good information. Sc, $9.95
#109329
A HANDSPINDLE
TREASURY: 20 Years of Spinning Wisdom from Spin Off Magazine. The handspindle–a profoundly simple tool that helped
civilize the world–is the subject of 28 articles collected here from past
issues of Spin-Off. This books represents 20 years of the best and most
useful knowledge on handspindles including techniques and tricks. Paperbound,
8 1/2 x 11, 88 pages, color photographs and line drawings, ISBN 1-883010-85-3.
$16.95 #239023
HANDSPINNER'S
HANDBOOK, Bette Hochberg. Here's a very clear, practical manual on spinning all
types of fibers on a 'flax' wheel. All aspects of spinning are considered and
the 'long draw' method emphasized, parts and care of the wheel are discussed,
breeds of sheep, other natural animal and vegetable fibers, man-made fibers,
carding, drum carding, blending fibers, plying, skeining, and stumbling blocks
are covered. The presentation is easy to follow. Sc, $9.95
#109340
HANDSPUN TREASURES FROMRARE
WOOLS: Collected Works from the Save the Sheep Exhibit, Edited
by Deborah Robson.
Collected
works from the Save the Sheep Project. Bringing together the art of
spinning and wools from rare breeds of sheep, Handspun Treasures from Rare Wools
catalogs the 29 touring pieces from the Save the Sheep Exhibit. It also includes
photos and pieces that illustrate points about the rare-breed fibers and what
makes them indispensable for contemporary handspinning. Complete with basic
spinning terms. Paperbound, 8 1/2 x 11, 96 pages,
color photographs, ISBN 1-883010-84-5. $19.95
HIGHWHORLING:
A Spinner's Guide to an Old World Skill, Pricilla Gibson-Roberts. This book is an ambassador for high, or top, whorl spindles. I fell in
love with this book the first time I read it. Her text is just as
straightforward as her illustrations, and is a delight to read. Much
spinning information is packed into this book that applies not only to spindles,
but to all spinning, as well. 135 pgs. Hc, $18.95 #139164
HOMESPUN,
HANDKNIT: Caps, Socks, Mittens & Gloves, Edited
by Linda Ligon. More than a pattern book, Homespun, Handknit includes favorite
designs, hints, and techniques from 50 experienced knitters and spinners.
Projects range in difficulty from easy beginner pieces to advanced brainteasers.
Paperbound, 8 1/2 x 9, 160 pages, color photographs and black and white
illustrations throughout, ISBN 0-934026-26-2. $21.95 #239072
HOW
TO BE OWNED BY AN ANTIQUE SPINNING WHEEL: A Practical Guide, Peter Fowler.
Revised version. This is a nice little guide book to familiarize the
spinner and collector with the legacy of antique spinning wheels. It is not a
how-to-spin book. It is a 'what is antique spinning equipment?' book: how to
spot them, how to restore them, how to put them to use. The author examines
wheels and spinners of all types, from all countries, all eras, with many old
and some recent photos. Good reference book. ISBN: 8930630465.
1/2" x 8 1/2" softcover, 96 pages. $19.95 #139205
IN
SHEEP'S CLOTHING: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool, Nola Fournier and Jane
Fournier.
Essential
reading for handspinners, wool growers, and other fiber craft enthusiasts, this
indispensable reference book provides a comprehensive review of the
characteristics of wool from 100 breeds of sheep. Actual fleece locks are shown
in full-size photographs, and knitting, crochet, weaving, and other techniques
illustrate the importance of matching wool type to end use. Everything from
baby-soft Merino to silky Lincoln and sturdy Karakul—the full range of nature’s
miracle fiber—is represented here, with special attention given to fleece
characteristics and to methods of preparation and spinning. You’ll find expert
advice on: selecting top-quality fleeces; cleaning wool efficiently and
thoroughly; teasing, flicking, combing, carding, and other preparation methods;
and spinning and plying a variety of yarn styles. ISBN:
1-931499-38-1. Paperbound, 7½" x 10¼", 224 pages, 103
black-and-white photographs, and 19 black-and-white illustrations.
$24.95 #239030