Hand Woolcombing And Spinning

Knitting is an enduringly popular and creative craft, but many associate the techniques primarily with hand knitting, believing machine knitting to require arcane knowledge. However, machine knitting is formed from the same stitch structures and is equally versatile. Translating between Hand and Machine Knitting rediscovers the potential of domestic machine knitting to open up new possibilities for dedicated knitters, offering an equally creative yet timesaving method of crafting new designs. With over 500 images, this comprehensive guide offers detailed step-by-step explanations of techniques in both hand and machine knitting, whilst also offering inspiration and design advice. Dr Vikki Haffenden, a highly experienced knit designer, technical knitter and educator, shares the knowledge and understanding she has accumulated over a career designing for the knitted textile and knitwear industry and as a lecturer in knitted textile design. Topics covered include: Illustrated step-by-step instructions of hand and machine knitting techniques; Qualities and behaviours of fibres and yarns and their suitability for knitting; Equipment requirements and advice; Basic stitches and stitch constructions of hand and machine knitting; Combining stitches to make surface texture and colour patterns; Shaping and knitting 3D shapes; Calculating garment shape and size from tension swatches. Superbly illsutrated with 397 colour photographs and 130 line artworks.

Hand spinning is a peaceful, wholesome and creative craft that can bring immense joy and satisfaction to a busy life. This beautiful book explains how to spin unique yarn using natural raw materials such as fleece, flax and silk. It aims to teach, encourage and inspire spinners to extend their skills and uncover the mystique surrounding the long draw, the hallmark skill of accomplishment in hand spinning. It includes over 200 supporting images and clear step-by-step instructions on spinning methods, fibre preparation, colour skills, dyeing, yarn structure, art and yarn design. It will bring inspiration and pleasure to all spinners, regardless of experience or expertise. Gives clear and precise instructions for the long draw, worsted and core-spinning techniques that determine yarn quality and performance; Outlines how to choose and prepare fleece, flax, silk and camelid fibre for hand spinning; Includes proven definite colour skills that will personalize and enhance hand-spun work; Describes dyeing animal and vegetable fibre and yarn, without special materials or equipment, using natural and synthetic dyes; Encourages use of classic yarn structures such as boucle, gimp, coils, and crepe, as design features for unusual visual and textural effect; Individual hand-spun work illustrates the concept of art yarn and the design process; Suggests projects for the mindful spinner, from making a Shetland hap to creating art yarn that has meaning, artistry and purpose. Beautifully illustrated with 204 colour photographs and 12 artworks.

For spinners and weavers alike! Get in-depth information on fiber properties and color choices, as well as beautifully photographed samples. Spin to Weave is not simply a how-to-spin book, but a how-to-spin-exactly-what-you-want book. Weavers who spin their own yarns have the ability to choose fiber type, method of twist insertion (woolen, worsted), twist amount and/or direction, finishing methods, and grist. Author Sara Lamb focuses on the process of spinning for specific results, providing detailed instructions, a sampling of projects, variations, and a gallery of pieces by other spinners. Sara takes the reader to the very source of woven fabric--introducing the thought processes and concepts related to choosing fibers and how to spin them with finished fabric in mind.

A Beginner Spinner Guide For Learning The Intricacies of Spinning Wool Fiber Into Yarns Spinning is an ancient technique that is gaining popularity among contemporary crafters. It allows them to create distinctive, personalized, and uncommon yarns that may be utilized in modern crocheting, knitting, weaving, and embroidery, to mention but a few. It's an incredibly creative technique that's also simple to master by anyone. This book, Yarn Spinning Handbook, takes a newbie on an adventurous journey in the art of spinning across what they need to take active steps, with step-by-step instructions included. This book covers a range of learning points such as: 1. An explanation of the yarn spinning process 2. The tools and supplies (e.g., spindles, spinning wheels, fibers, etc.) to get started, their mode of operation, and how to choose the right tools and supplies for spinning 3. How to spin wool fiber into yarn using a drop spindle 4. How to spin wool fiber into yarn using a spinning wheel 5. How to pre-draft and draft wool fibers to produce yarn consistency 6. How to ply your yarn, using the 2-ply and Navajo/ chain ply technique as well resolving yarn plying problems 7. The methods to finish your handspun yarns (winding, washing/ steaming, drying, and twisting for later use in crocheting, weaving, knitting, etc.) 8. Troubleshooting yarn spinning problems 9. Tips for maintaining the spinning wheel And a whole lot more! So, what are you waiting for? Get a copy of this book RIGHT NOW to get started

Wheel designer and maintainer of textile traditions, Alden Amos the recipient and evaluator of traditional wisdom lets no point go unexamined. This is truly a BIG book offering decades of experience in making and handling yarn. He'll change your spinning for the better, whether you agree with him or not.