What are some good books for research into spinning, spinning wheels, and fiber-y things? I am still interested in starting, but I want to get a lot more info, and have the resources at my fingertips. Suggestions?
I don’t own any myself but I did borrow Spinning in the Old way from the library and thought that it was very helpful. I know that I have heard of a few from others but I don’t remember the names off the top of my head. Also I joined Spindlers on yahoo. They are a lot of help.
I too am on spindlers. I lurk a lot and absorb great info. As for books, um…not really sure. I haven’t found a book with lots of spinning info. The best book I’ve come across is Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook. It covers lots of spinning info concerning socks. A lot can be used for other projects as well though.
May I suggest instead of a book try Spin Off mag subscription. Great info and inspiration there.
I can suggest these free links though…
http://find.mapmuse.com/re1/mmHomeBrands.php
Find a spin group near you. Best info comes from them hands down. My group doesn’t care if you have a wheel or not. Many are just knitters and weavers.
http://www.hjsstudio.com/tutorials.html
http://www.fuzzygalore.biz/articles/sheep_breeds.shtml
I thought “Spin It” by Lee Raven was really helpful.
Yay Hildie!! I’m going to start too!
I just bought “Spin to Knit” and since I don’t know how to spin, I don’t know if these experienced gals would like it, but I found it to be pretty informative, along with having pretty pictures! :teehee:
I also picked up a copy of Spin It. I’m going to have to subscribe I think :teehee:
The Alden Amos Big Book of spinning is on amazon.com for cheap and ships fast, it is the thickest spinning book around, basically a spinning bible of sorts!
Mr. Amos’ is probably the most complete and comprehensive, but if I would have started with that book, I would have never started to spin.
I recommend Carol Kroll’s,The Whole Craft of Spinning: From the Raw Material to the Finished Yarn
And ‘Spinning for Speed and Softness’ by Paula Simmons
Once the fiber bug takes hold, check out “In Sheep’s Clothing: A Handspinner’s Guide to Wool” by Nola Fournier and Jane Fournier
Then when you want to play with color, check out Deb Menz’ “Color in Spinning”
Wow!!! Thanks everyone!!! You’re such a great group of enablers!!! 
We live to serve dear Hilde.
So that you know the fee for advise around here is 1 ounce per advice.
:teehee:
Gee, an ounce huh? I’ll have to call my dealer…
Hildie, I went to the main branch of the Charlotte library in uptown, and looked for spinning books there. They had about 10 different books on the shelves! I checked out all of them, and they really helped.
But the thing that helped me the most was watching videos of people spinning. I have 2 videos, and each person did something different. I think that spinning is a very individual thing, kind of like knitting. We each have our own favorite way of holding the needles and yarn.
How to Make Yarn
and
Spinning and Weaving the Ashford Way
Here are a few online videos to get you started:
Plying Yarn:
Here’s another video of a lady spinning in 1938. She has a STRONG hand when she spins. Her technique is not what they recommend now in spinning classes, but it seemed to work for her!
That 1938 video is seriously cool! Thanks for sharing that great find
You’re welcome Sandra!
If you can’t see it on the webpage, here is the description of that video.
[size=6]Mrs Helen Maddrell (Isle of Man) demonstrating carding and spinning wool.
(This was definitely filmed in 1938 - I have a letter written by her inviting my Grandfather to tea. And a letter from him in which he refers to the film of her spinning.) [/size]
thanks!!!