3 Review(s)

This book presents a modern approach to teaching an ancient art that's reviving rapidly. The unprecedented popularity of knitting and crocheting is spurring great interest in handspinning (making yarn from raw fiber using a spinning wheel or hand spindle). Unlike other references, this book has a refreshing, contemporary visual design. With step-by-step instructions and photos, it covers the necessary tools and materials, preparing fiber for spinning, plying and dyeing yarns, working with fibers other than wool, using handspun yarns, and more. Because spinning wheels are expensive, it begins by teaching readers how to use a hand spindle to make yarn. With today's emphasis on things that are handmade and natural, this book fills a great niche. Judith MacKenzie McCuin (Augusta, MT) is a nationally known spinner, master weaver, and fiber artist whose articles regularly appear in "Spin-Off" magazine.