Have you registered for Spinzilla yet? Team registration ends on the 22nd and you have until October 3rd to register as a rogue spinner. Among other incentives, there is a photo contest and you could win $100 in fiber!
Today I decided to list a few of my favourite spinning books and ask where you like to go to help get the most out of your spinning.
It took me quite a bit of time to get the actual hang of spinning despite reading numerous books and magazines, all of which are amazing resources now that I have the basics down. I watched a few videos, but I just couldn’t get it. I struggled on my own for well over a year and then begged a friend to teach me one afternoon.
While I’ve been trying to spin at least once a week, it isn’t much. So when I do actually sit down at the wheel or pick up a spindle I focus on strengthening my skills and I haven’t felt adventerous to try something new lately.
These are some of the spinning books in my bookcase that I recommend. There are a few here that I don’t have my own copy of, but borrowed several times from the library and recommend them. They are listed alphabetically by author. We all learn differently and may turn to a specific volume for different reasons. For the most part I’m just listing the titles I like here, if there is interest, in the future I’ll explain why I recommend these books.
The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning: Being A Compendium of Information, Advice, and Opinions On the Noble Art & Craft
by Alden Amos
This one can be a little Opinionated, but if you want something with heft similar to The Principles of Knitting, this book is for you.
In Sheep’s Clothing
by Nola Fournier, Jane Fournier, Susan Strawn (Illustrator), Joe Coca (Photographer)
Respect the Spindle
by Abby Franquemont
Spinning in the Old Way
by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts
The Intentional Spinner
by Judith MacKenzie McCuin
Color in Spinning
by Deb Menz
The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook
by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius
The Field Guide to Fleece
by Deborah Robson
If you wondering if you should ply or not, you really should make the decision if you are spinning a single to be kept as a single or planning to ply it before you spin! Riin’s article shows clearly why.
3D printing has opened up a whole new colourful world for bobbins, over at Akerworks Adan’s been producing flat pack bobbins. The list of available bobbins is growing, I’m testing one on my bee now, and it’s tons of fun and making me want to spin more!
Where do you turn for spinning resources? Do you have a favourite book, website, specific video? Please speak up and let me know.
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