Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Short of shearing the sheep, author Shannon Okey provides everything knitters need to know to take fiber from fuzz to fab."
BUST"Full of inspiration and stories to get those of us who are a little intimidated by spinning over our fear." Crafts.LovetoKnow.com
"A lighthearted introduction to an ancient craft...fun tips of the trade to spin and knit with panache." MonstersandCritics.com
"A wonderful new book...I believe this book can take you to new creative heights, and I highly recommend it." Anchorage Daily News
"This book is perfection for newbie and wanna-be spinners who want to do it NOW!" Knitty.com
"Nicely illustrated with a homely, folksy approach, this book offers some technique, patterns and a variety of tips." KnitNet
"With Spin to Knit everything you need to create one-of-a-kind designer yarn is right at your fingertips." Get Creative
"All in all, this publication is a fast read, beautifully written and illustrated, and a joy to linger over." Spindlicity.com
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
Shannon Okey learned to spin in 2002 after many years as a knitter and artist. She has appeared on the DIY Networks
Uncommon Threads and
Knitty Gritty, and HGTVs
Crafters Coast to Coast. Her books include
Knitgrrl (Watson Guptill, 2005) and
Knitgrrl 2 (Watson Guptill, April 2006). She is a city coordinator for national indie craft show Bazaar Bizarre and lives in Cleveland, Ohio.