Handspinning

This lens will point you towards the best books, blogs, fiber sources and inspiration for handspinners. Its lensmaster, Shannon Okey, is the author of Spin To Knit (Interweave Press -- October 2006) as well as the Knitgrrl learn-to-knit books for teens and tweens.

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Merino-Tussah Blend...

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Great Stuff on Amazon

The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning: Being a Compendium of Information, Advice, and Opinion on the Noble Art and Craft

by Alden Amos

THE definitive book, once you've learned the basics. I learn something new every time I pick it up.

Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 10/12/2008)

The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook: Dyeing, Painting, Spinning, Designing, Knitting

by Lynne Vogel

Contains my favorite learn-to-dye techniques and info on spindle spinning.

Amazon Price: $14.21 (as of 10/12/2008)

Homespun, Handknit: Caps, Socks, Mittens & Gloves

Excellent patterns that use handspun yarn.

Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 10/12/2008)

Handspun Revolution

by Alexis Boeger

Fans of Lexi Boeger's unique yarns (pluckyfluff.com) will want to check out her book on the unorthodox, creative techniques she uses.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)

Spin to Knit: The Knitter's Guide to Making Yarn

by Shannon Okey

Want to learn to spin and/or use handspun yarn in your patterns? Check out Spin To Knit!

Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 10/12/2008)

Links

Elaine Benfatto: Instructions for making and using a wrist distaff and a shaft for a handspindle, categorized links, descriptions of antique tools, and pictures of various projects.
Spinners' and Weavers' Housecleaning Pages: For the exchange of things related to spinning and weaving -- tools, equipment and raw fiber from home-raised animals.
The Spinning Wheel Sleuth: Periodical devoted to spinning wheels and related tools
Spinning Wheel FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about spinning wheels, along with build-one-yourself instructions and resources.
Insects that Damage Wool: Description, habits, and treatment of clothes moths and carpet beetles.
Spin Off: A magazine devoted to all aspects of spinning. The site includes indexes of back issues and subscription information. Also other Interweave Press spinning information.
Northeast Handspinners Association: Dedicated to the art and craft of handspinning in northeast US. Events calendar, information on The Gathering sponsored conference.
Modern History Sourcebook: The Loss of Woollen Spinning, 1794: Social observations on the loss of woollen spinning as a cottage industry in 1794
HJS Studio: Fiber artist Holly Schaltz teaches contemporary interpretations of handspinning and handweaving. Includes class information, teacher biography and description of her process.
An Tir: Spinners Guild: Group of spinners operating in the context of the Society for Creative Anachronism. History, bibliography.
Jytte Piggott's Handspun Wool: Pictures of sheep, handspun and dyed woollen yarn and knitted sweaters from Scoraig, Scotland.
Spinning Loft: A teaching facility dedicated to the promotion of fiber arts. Information about classes, recommended equipment, and events at the farm.
The Joy of Handspinning: Basic information for spinners about technique, wheels, spindles and fibers.
Spinning Studio: Dorothy makes handspun yarn, knitting kits and offers spinning lessons.
Chiengora Chic: All about how to spin dog hair, which breeds can be used and the results that can be achieved.
Black Sheep Newsletter: A quarterly for sheep growers and fiber enthusiasts. Table of contents of current issues, subscriptions, books and back issues.
Company of the Silver Spindle: A Guild operating within the Society for Creative Anachronism. Photo gallery, glossary of terms and a list if spinning deities.
Handspinners: An online magazine for natural fiber producers, artists and consumers. Features articles on artists, production and marketing.
Patsy Zawistoski: Teacher and author offering information on her workshops, videos for sale, and online help.
How to spin coiled yarn: Pippi Knee socks teaches you how to spin supercoil yarn -- very cool!
Spin to Knit: Book page for Spin to Knit