Knitters who want new worlds to conquer can reach for this guide to handspinning their own designer yarns. A rundown on equipment introduces the drop spindle, supported spindle, niddy-noddy, McMorran balance, and yarn meter, while the following sections include choosing wool and other fibers, presenting knitting patterns suitable for handspun yarn, and in-depth profiles of real urban spinners. For crafters who want to experiment with spinning but don't want to sacrifice too much of their knitting time, there are lots of ideas for jazzing up a thrift-store cardigan with handspun trim or knitting a boatneck pullover in a combination of commercial and handspun yarns. Methods for incorporating beads and threads into yarn and a technique for dyeing yarn in the dishwasher are also featured.
Shannon Okey is a designer and the author, co-author or editor of many fiber arts-related books, including Knitgrrl, Knitgrrl 2, The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design, Spin to Knit, Felt Frenzy, Crochet Style, Just Socks, Just Gifts, AlterNation, The Pillow Book, How to Knit in the Woods, the second edition of Knitting For Dummies and Alt Fiber. She is currently working on a number of new publishing projects.
Okey is the former editor of UK-based monthly knitting magazine Yarn Forward, and also wrote a column for knit.1 magazine. She owns Knitgrrl Studio, a workshop/studio space in Cleveland, has appeared on several crafty TV shows, including Knitty Gritty, Uncommon Threads, Crafters Coast To Coast and Knitting Daily TV. She teaches all over the world. (You've never had fun til you've tried to teach drop spindle spinning on a cruise ship that's lurching from side to side!)
For the latest news on Shannon and her books, check out her Knitgrrl website which includes her teaching and events schedule, as well as information on upcoming projects.
