Customer Reviews

Intertwined: The Art of Handspun Yarn, Modern Patterns and Creative Spinning (Handspun Revolution)

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

On the contrary, I think this is an incredibly interesting book, if you approach it from the viewpoint that it is basically, as the title implies, a SPINNING book and not a KNITTING book. Not only are the photos fabulous and on practically every one of the 300 pages, but the author gives quite detailed explanations for why and how she spins all those unusual yarns. I always thought that it was only new spinners who were producing those huge bumpy yarns to sell on Etsy because they didn't yet have the experience to spin thin, even yarns, but now I understand the thought processes and the work behind spinning the oversize, unusual yarns and I can really appreciate them. Hey--this book almost made me want to drag my spinning wheel out of the back of the closet and take up spinning again! Her descriptions of creating yarns and the ideas she has were just that inspiring! I also disagree about the knitting (and crochet) patterns--I think she does give quite a few ideas of how to use these unusual, creative yarns while continually stressing that they will not perform in a regular pattern the way that commercial yarns will. These yarns are suited to more "arty" projects where they can be seen best (scarves, necklaces, hats, outlining a skirt or edging mittens) such as those that she does give ideas (and patterns) for. Overall, the book is quite creative and should spark lots of ideas in its readers. (I don't know what other book the first reviewer is referring to--did Lexi write a previous book?)

I'm not sure where the previous reviewer got the mistaken idea that this was a knitting book, since the title even says that it's about creative spinning, but it goes to show that even the best books can be fully misunderstood.

Because this? Totally one of -- if not THE -- best books on spinning art yarns and fibers that push the limits of what's considered to be "handspun yarns". With 30 techniques illustrated and an equal number of patterns to be knit, crocheted, or sewn to utilize the yarn you're creating, it's both inspirational AND information-packed. Three HUNDRED PAGES of inspirational, in fact.

What I love most about it is that it's a book not only to glance at, and maybe use for spinning or object-creation, but that it's also a book I can sit down and READ. There is a great section on finding inspiration for your spinning from both within and outside of yourself, and one on reverse-engineering projects that has me running for my wheel. The profiles of art yarn spinners are also wonderful to read.

If you're strictly a knitter/crocheter/weaver, this book will probably not hold a lot of excitement for you, unless you're one of the few who use artyarns a lot in your handwork. But for a spinner or a fiber artist who wants to create projects from wool (or fiber in general), I can't recommend this one highly enough. It really is the most inspirational book I've found on this subject, and one that will be holding a very special place on my shelf, once I stop looking at it every few minutes.

After I was so disappointed in the very expensive very small book from Pluckyfluff called HANDSPUN REVOLUTION, I was not very optimistic when I had a few enthusiastic spinners recommend this new book INTERTWINED to me.

I nodded and then laughed inside- "Yeah, like I am gonna pay an arm and a leg for another few pages of nothing!"

The first book was nice, but only worth about $7 or so to me- not the hefty $36 price (retail) for a literal handful of vague pages of photos and instructions on some interesting yarns that the author created.

This book, however, is a completely different story.

I have only been spinning a year and a half, but I am an artist so I want some creative new ways to push my spinning and knitting and crocheting. I am not content to create run of the mill yarns and projects. I want something interesting, unique and creative.

INTERTWINED is a wonderful book. LOTS of pages. LOTS of information. LOTS to inspire all kinds of spinners and creative types like me who want to take spinning and creation to a whole new inspirational level.

The book is set up just a little ADD with smatterings of political rantings here and there, diaries of a day in the life of a project stuck in, but that is part of the charm. It is not a reading from start to finish book, but rather the kind you can pick up and thumb through to pause on a part that interests you at the moment.

I find that Intertwined is well worth the money and the odd spinning projects using paper and other strange things are just fanciful, yes.

However, there is a lot of other information in this book worth getting it for.

I like the diagrams inside of how to spin certain creative types of yarn. I also love the photographs not only of the yarn, but of the finished creations made from the yarn. There is a lot of inspiration for those who want to be freed of restrictions in using fiber to spin as well as making projects from that fiber- letting the fiber tell you where it wants to go.

There are plenty of projects inside for scarves, knitted unique hats- even ties. I was surprised to find some weaving in here as well. And some very creative uses for old clothing, spinning and crocheting or knitting.

Intertwined is an exercise in creativity with plenty to motivate and ignite that part of you that just needs something to spark you on into another level of art using fiber and spinning.

I highly recommend it.

If you are a practical person who gets upset with a little slub of fiber in your yarns, this book is NOT for you. ;D

If you are an artist who longs to have crochet, knitting, and spinning turn into the same kind of fun you had when you were a little kid with some finger paints and no limits to what you could paint or where (within reason)- this book is for you.

When I realized that Amazon was sending me TWO copies of this book because I managed to pre-order it twice, I was a bit perturbed. Then I got the book. It is such a beautifully done book, both in content and in the appearance of book itself (that pink cloth spine pleases me to no end), that I decided I didn't mind being "stuck" with two copies. I wasn't stuck for long, however, because when I showed it to a sister spinner, she wanted it immediately.

An earlier reviewer mentioned that much of the spinning information was covered in the author's first book, and that is somewhat true. But that first book is far more expensive and has much less content than this one.

This book has instructions for spinning wild yarns, projects that use those yarns, is loaded with photographs and has some wonderful text. I especially love the Spinner's Journal chapter, and the section devoted to the freeform crochet work of Ana Voog. I was delighted to see a two page piece written by one of my favorite fiber artist bloggers, Jacey Boggs.

For those who tend to take off on their own, who tweak patterns to suit their own style and work methods, who like freeform work and play with fiber, this book provides ample, well-illustrated instructions and an abundance of inspiration. ---Zann Carter

After reading a glowing review of INTERTWINED, I ordered a copy. Today, after inspecting the book at a local bookstore, I was very happy to be able to cancel my Amazon order. The book isn't very practical, and definitely should NOT be purchased on faith or sight unseen.

Because I loved HANDSPUN REVOLUTION, I was surprised to see that INTERTWINED is mostly devoted to "crafty" projects made from paper, recycled fabric, etc. Most, if not all, of the patterns are for accessories, such as hats or headbands, that I wouldn't want to wear. To me, "yarn" made from junk still looks like junk. Also, how do you clean an item that is knitted from yarn that is mostly paper? Are you supposed to wear the item a few times and then throw it away, after devoting all that time to making it from scratch?

I can see why others find the book inspirational. The projects are highly creative in their use of nontraditional materials, and the photos are beautiful. Nevertheless, I am tremendously put off by the "scrapbook" layout (which is sort of like KNIT.1 Magazine). Although the pages are entertaining to look at, the fancy boxes make the text and instructions hard to read, and diminish the reference value of the book.

I have waited for this book for a long time and already have the first book written by the author. Both of them, but especially this one, are just what those of us who spin art yarns needed. Well laid out, descriptive and with plenty of illustrations - you just can't put it down. Yes it presumes that you have a knowledge of basic spinning techniques, but I would have been disappointed if pages were taken up with this information, when there are so many on the market already explaining this. This book stretches your boundaries and opens your mind to so many avenues in spinning. For those spinners who want to replicate the traditional 8ply and 4ply knitting yarns - you might be challenged by this authors way of spinning. However for those of us who want to explore this non traditional art form in spinning, this book is a total winner. There is only so much written text that you can provide until that moment when you need to look at an illustration and it speaks a thousand words! This book has the right balance of both and is beautifully done.

If you actually look at the book, you will find that it gives suggestions for many different types of accessories- scarves, ties, hats, wraps etc.
What makes these items unique is that the yarn they are fashioned from is spun from hand-dyed animal fibers combined with paper, twine, cassette tape, recycled fibers, found objects, etc. It's really an instruction manual for creating one-of-a-kind fiber pieces. There are not many books that showcase these creations, certainly not at this level of detail. The patterns are a bonus. If you are interested in nontraditional spinning, this book is a must-see. (Lexi's first book is entitled Handspun Revolution, FYI.)

No, this book is not for everyone. It is not for new spinners who need to learn the basics. It is neither for more advanced spinners who need highly specific instructions. The knitting patterns? Eminently skippable.

Sounds like a terrible review, so far. But, I simply love this book!

This is what it is: a book of inspiration IF you enjoy fiber, playing with fiber, and have an open mind (and perhaps a sense of humor). There are yarns in this book that one would never actually use for anything except dust collecting devices! Yarns made of old cassette tapes, shredded paper - no, I wouldn't copy them and have absolutely no use for them - but the fact that someone else tried these ideas is simply fascinating to me. It inspires me to stretch my imagination.

I've been a mostly traditional knitter and spinner for many years. Once, I would have scoffed at these types of "art yarn." They are mostly fairly useless for making usable finished objects. But, as a total fiber fanatic, I've come to see the absolute joy, creativity, and pure fun that goes into the making of art yarn.

The beautiful photography and luscious layout of the book imparts all of these things. I've had this book since it came out and it's been on top of my book and magazine pile since. I can not get enough of it!

So, if you're a fiber freak like me, I would imagine you'd feel similarly. If you are a pure traditionalist, and can't see the point of yarn for yarn's sake in the least, stay away. I will say that the instructions are somewhat vague, but I really don't think the strength of this book is as a teaching tool. It's strength is in the inspiration and the joyful way in which it encourages folks to stretch their concepts of what yarn can be. I've been moved to try things I would not have done before because of this book and that alone is worth the price of admission. If you are a fiber fanatic who's not traditionally minded, or are open to new possiblities, I recommend this book with unabashed enthusiasm!

How could someone give this book one star? It has so much to offer. You just need to read it! I bought it before I started spinning, and had no problem adapting her concepts. Lexi is a fabulous writer, with great insight on yarn. From cover to cover it's chock full of fabulous photos, great projects for crochet & knitting. It covers everything form carding art batts to spinning. It's so full of info, including where to buy links...that you keep "discovering" things. Plus my friend Rachel-Marie's yarn was featured...now that's cool.

You can't be an art yarn spinner without this on your shelf!

I am relatively new to spinning, so my handspun is never perfect and even, but it is fun and I like it. This book gives the opportunity to think of yarn itself as a freestanding piece of art. It is exciting to see the colors and interaction of fibers in making a ball of yarn. Perhaps it is possible to think of yarn for yarn's sake. Actually the section on what to make with the yarn is unnecessary, as the yarn loses some of its artistic quality when made into a functional item. She makes the point that you have to learn the basics of spinning as a good foundation before you can make good art yarns. This is the basis of art, you have to learn the basic elements of composition before one can produce good abstract art. I would probably never slavishly copy anything in this book, as that is really not its intent. A book like this should inspire a fiber artist, or any artist, to think outside the box, to see things that are visually exciting. It is possible to visualize a highly interesting pile of wildly handspun yarn in a contemporary bowl in a gallery setting. If the objective of spinning is to make a hat, then nice and even will keep your ears warm. If fiber used in an aesthetically interesting way will make the viewer think that perhaps fiber can be a medium for real art and not just craft, then this book is inspirational.