Archive for January 18th, 2008

Intertwined

Intertwined is an inspirational handbook for yarn lovers everywhere, created in an eye-popping, showcase style and packed with sparkling, full-color photos.
This book will be a delight to the enthusiastic fiber crowd that is growing by leaps and bounds. It captures all the excitement of experimental, handspun yarns, and includes recipes for handspun yarns, project ideas for knitters and crocheters, tips on how to use one-of-a-kind handspun yarns (whether you spin them or buy them at yarn boutiques), and a gallery of handmade creations. The book also features profiles, anecdotes, essays, and thoughts on fiber arts and the creative process. Contributors range from Alpaca farmers and cutting-edge spinners to well-known knitwear designers.

Laura’s Review: This book is a real Wow! If you want some inspiration for your handspinning, this is it. The book is not for beginners, but if you have a good grasp of how to make a consistent traditional yarn and you know how to ply, you have the basics for branching out into some of the ideas in the book. For traditionalists, many–actually, most—of the yarns shown will be a little far out. But even a traditionalist can get some ideas that show just how fiber can be spun to create many different effects. The photos are great and the instructions are clear and give you the confidence to try out some of the techniques. This book is a good one for your library if you like to experiment or break out from the ordinary. The book is also newly published in 2008, but is available on Amazon now.

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The Yarn Lover’s Guide to Hand Dyeing

For rich, unique yarns of your very own creation, The Yarn Lover’s Guide to Hand Dyeing is your essential go-to guide.

Now you can create gorgeous, unique, handpainted yarns in your very own kitchen. In this practical guide to dyeing yarn at home, you’ll learn simple techniques for creating beautiful, colorful yarns–and pick up some new patterns to highlight your new hues along the way.

Fiber artist, knitter, and teacher Linda LaBelle provides her own valuable expertise and insight and gives readers a peek into a typical day in the lives of seven professional hand dyers through lush photographs and personal interviews in which they share their thoughts, advice, and sometimes dyeing secrets!

Laura’s Review:  I liked this book, and I would recommend it for someone contemplating trying to dye fiber for the first time.  I think it is a good overview of various techniques, without over-emphasis on any one technique.  Experienced dyers will still find some tips and ideas, as well a some possible projects.  I enjoyed the embedded interviews with professional dyers, and could relate to their struggle to find time for their work, animals, fiber, family, and creativity.  Most of the stories were inspirational and all were fun to read.  The photography in this book is beautifully done.

posted by laura in Books,Dyeing and have No Comments