In a Spin: Handspun yarn design and technique
Pat Old
"In a Spin" is Pat's first book and can be decribed as a journey with her as she explores yarn design. The book has been arranged as a series of projects with the exphasis of each project more on technique rather than the reproduction of the final item. Thanks to Pat's unique style, it has a distinctive New Zealand slant (and includes translations!) and gives fun insights into this country. There is something for everyone and contains information on many subjects including choosing fleeces and discussions on fibre tools.It has been beautifully presented with many colour photos so is just as suited to be a coffee table book as a reference text.
We at Majacraft are proud to be sole distributors for 'In a Spin' and recommend it for anyone wishing to develop their spinning knowledge and skill.
Book Review
Creative Fibre's new President, Pat Old, has somehow managed to write and
publish a book on spinning, 'In A Spin', during the first year of her term
of office. This is quite an achievement and she is to be congratulated.
The book is crammed full of useful information - and reads as if you have
Pat at your elbow, encouraging you in her very personal style. The book
ranges from information on equipment, and the care of it, explains ratios
and their application and covers concise and clear information on wool
characteristics, including how to deal with a fleece and spinning a woollen
yarn, semi worsted and worsted yarns A section covers other fibres; alpaca,
silk, cotton and even possum, as well as working with sliver. Her years of
experience offer great advice on plying and finishing techniques for all
kinds of yarns.
What distinguishes the book from the general run is the section on Yarn
Design, where we are treated to so many developments that Pat has pioneered
and explored in depth. Her 'diz-designed yarns', plastic bag dyeing and
novelty yarns are all generously shared, with plenty of coloured
illustrations scattered all through the book. Have fun with your versions of
her 'Mainland Jazz', 'Thrum Yarn', felted yarns and 'allsorts blends'. It
concludes with a chapter on 'How much is enough?' - every spinner needs to
know this.
I think it is a 'must have' for every spinner, new or more experienced.
Anne Percival
Getting Started - Unpublished chapter from 'In a Spin' (Pat Old) (0.1MB - 18/11/2009)
