Spinning and Dyeing Yarn: The Home Spinners Guide to Creating Traditional and Art Yarns - Tapa dura

"Loving wool and all its needleworking implications, such as crocheting and knitting, doesn't necessarily add up to a love for its cousin, spinning. 'It's costly, ' say the nay-sayers. 'Requires too much equipment and knowledge, ' insist others. Answering all these negative reactions with an updated, easy-to-use manual is British crafter and author Martineau. Her approach is simple. She streamlines the information and shows critical instructions - dyeing, using different spindles. And finishing the yarn - in colorful step-by-step photographs. Basic troubleshooting tips demystify and solve common issues. Plus, her response to equipment expense is to make your own. A separate section on selling handmade yarn, with tips on photography, shipping, handling, and managing online sales gives even rank amateurs a chance to aspire to turning pro." -- Booklist

Ironically, as we move toward a more technologically advanced world, the simple domestic crafts of old are making a comeback. People of all ages are discovering a deep love for weaving, knitting, crocheting and other fiber arts. Along with that has come the desire to create their own one of a kind, artisan yarns.

When it comes to yarn, fiber lovers know that spinning and dying go hand in hand. Yet many books on the yarn craft cover only one topic or the other. In Spinning and Dyeing Yarn, fiber artist Ashley Martineau covers both subjects with rich, illustrative detail and step-by-step tutorials. Simply put, this book a must have for fiber enthusiasts of all levels. Inside, four sections cover:

Fiber Identification and Preparation Explains the various fiber types--from animal wools and plant fibers to silk and synthetics-- how to clean and store them, and preparation techniques for spinning.

Dying Techniques Richly illustrated and easy-to-follow tutorials cover dyeing techniques such as hand painting, dip dyeing, gradient dyeing, solar dyeing, and more for animal and plant fibers.

Spinning Techniques Both drop spindle and wheel techniques are included, along with instructions on how to build drop spindles and a spinning wheel and setting spun yarns.

Going Professional When readers are ready to share their craft, they'll find helpful advice for buying wholesale supplies, preparing for shows, and marketing and selling their work.

You will also find instructions for creating novelty yarns, spinning with fabric and feathers, advice from professional yarn designers, tips on improving work process, and more. With breathtaking images throughout, Spinning and Dyeing Yarn is one of the most comprehensive volumes on yarn design our editors have seen.