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.
Expand Your Spinning Repertoire!
Explore the exciting possibilities in wool and wheel with Sarah Anderson as she invites you into her yarn library and demonstrates how to spin everything from classic fat and fine singles to dozens of boucle variations and one-of-a-kind novelty yarns. Featuring step-by-step instructions on making 80 distinctive yarns, this is the primer every spinner needs to begin building a unique collection of luxious yarns.
64 unique reference cards appear throughout to illustrate step-by-step the singles and twist combinations that comprise each yarn. A second set of the cards, in a handy take-along format, is packaging in a separate envelope at the back of the book.
Foreword by Judith MacKenzie
Introduction: Endlessly Fascinating Fiber
1 Spinning Basics
2 Singles for Plying
3 Stand-Alone Singles
4 Spiral Yarns
5 Opposing Plies
6 Boucles
7 Cable Yarns
8 Crepe Yarns
9 Core Yarns
10 Novelty Yarns
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
This inspired resource for spinners details the dizzying array of techniques and tactics that turn fleece into yarn. Veteran spinner Anderson has created a veritable spinner's cookbook, detailing 80 lovely concoctions and confections, with suggestions for variations and further exploration. The opening chapter covers basic fiber preparation and spinning techniques. Chapters on singles, the spinner's basic building block, detail techniques for stand-alone singles and singles for plying; subsequent chapters cover spiral yarns, opposing plies, boucles, cable, crepe, coil, and novelty yarns. Delicious varieties such as spiral "flame yarn," "bubble crepe," "cloud yarn," and distinctive "pigtail yarn" are detailed. Beautiful illustrations and clear step-by-step diagrams are offered for each of the 80 yarns that are discussed, and pop-out boxes with tips, tricks, and food for thought (for example, "lace knitting: two-ply versus three-ply") pepper each chapter. The pages have thoughtful side tab labels to make finding the right section easy. Inventive, accessible, and fun, this book is an invitation to spinners of all skill levels to venture into uncharted territory and try out something new. This beautiful reference is an essential addition to any spinner's library.
