Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn (Paperback)

by Maggie Casey (Author)
Key Phrases: scotch tension, plying twist, balanced yarn, Spinning Yarn, Using Your Handspun Yarn, Getting Aquainted (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[An] excellent introduction to the craft . . . highly recommended for public libraries."  —Library Journal

"5 out of 5 stars. This is an excellent book for anyone who is thinking about learning to spin or who already has a spindle or wheel."  —Knitting News

"Well, hallelujah! A wonderful, inspiring new introductory overview of spinning. This is a FANTASTIC book."  —Deb Robson, former editor, Spin-Off magazine

"This book is one of the best beginner books on spinning I have ever read . . . even the experienced spinner will learn quite a lot by reading it." —Spindle and Wheel online magazine

"The brilliant thing about this book are Maggie's hands. They are everywhere. On nearly every page is a close-up photo of Maggie demonstrating every aspect of spinning."  —knitty.com

"An ideal choice for new spinners."  —About.com Guide to Knitting

Product Description

For knitters, crocheters, and weavers ready to make their own yarn, this handy guide provides detailed instructions for spinning both on a spindle and a wheel, and offers a special section devoted to troubleshooting and wheel maintenance that keeps projects on track. It offers a comprehensive look at the various available fiber options, choosing and preparing each type of fiber for use, and crafting these materials into ready-to-work pieces. A final chapter on the various uses of spun yarn focuses on project planning, with definitions and context for measuring wraps per inch, determining yards for specific projects, and choosing a yarn size.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680652
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680654
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,500 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #2 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Spinning
  #3 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Weaving
  #12 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlework

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for beginning spinners, April 23, 2008

By	Donna (Colorado, United States) - See all my reviews

Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn is by the owner of our local yarn shop, Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins in Boulder, Colorado, one of the best spinning teachers on the planet.

As the title says, this book is an encyclopedia for spinning. It's perfect for beginners, and also has information for intermediate to advanced spinners. I consider myself an intermediate spinner. I don't have a ton of experience, but I can spin an even yarn to the approximate girth that I am shooting for. I don't know how to spin any novelty yarns (yet, see Intertwined: The Art of Handspun Yarn, Modern Patterns and Creative Spinning (Handspun Revolution)), and I have never spun enough of one yarn to make anything bigger than a vest. There is a lot of information in this book that is new to me and that I intend to use to enhance my own spinning skills.

Maggie's book includes instructions for spinning on a drop spindle and on a wheel, as well as lots of great material on preparing fiber for spinning. Color photos throughout illustrate all of the techniques, and Maggie is the model in the photos, which means that they all accurately depict the way she holds her hands and the fiber. The book is also infused with Maggie's personality and lots of humor, which makes it fun just to read even if you're not quite ready to get the fiber into your hands. If you've been thinking about learning to spin, this book truly is the right place to start. If you're a seasoned spinner, you'll find some advice and tips that will help you improve your skill.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Primer on Spinning, March 16, 2008

By	Cheryl Riniker (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I learned to Spin from Maggie herself, and this book was like her classes - outstanding. Her years of experience teaching others to spin are evident in the tips and descriptions of the book. She walks through various aspects of spinning from fiber selection and preparation to drafting techniques, plying, and finishing. The photos of the techniques in the book are especially well done. She references several types of spinning wheels so regardless of the spinning wheel you have or might choose, you have seen enough varieties of a flyer or drive band adjustment knob to make the connection.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spinning class in a book, March 18, 2008

By	sfknitter (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

I'm familiar with the author through her articles on spinning. I happily pre-ordered this book and am very happy that I did. As the previous comment indicates, it is like a class. It has the small and big details (like exactly where to place wheel cords) I need to know to start spinning. The book is written in very encouraging terms and me too, I love the very good photos. Of course nothing is better than a class with Maggie Casey but this book is sure helping!! (I've only had it a day too.)