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The Intentional Spinner
 
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The Intentional Spinner [Paperback]

Judith MacKenzie McCuin
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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"In this complete overview of the art and science of creating hand-spun yarn, McCuin covers characteristics of different types of fiber, techniques for spinning yarns, and caring for hand-spun yarn and includes a few basic projects."  —Library Journal



"Not just a collection of information, but to a large extent a collection of wisdom."  —Cast-On.com



"5 out of 5 stars. Fascinating reading. This is an excellent, detailed book with lots of technical information."  —Knitting News



"If the words 'warp' and 'weft' spark off a dream of sitting by a spinning wheel on a wintry afternoon, this book can make your dreams come true"  —AllAboutYou.com



"Of course it's good! What did you expect? Judith MacKenzie-McCuin + Interweave = spinny goodness."  —Knitty.com

Product Description

Offering a blend of technical knowledge, history, and easy-to-use tips, this inspiring collection of spinning wisdom deftly explores the three fundamental areas of yarn production: understanding fibers, managing yarn structure, and making yarns that precisely meet the spinner's needs. The rich, historic traditions of plant and animal fibers are fascinatingly juxtaposed with recent advances in synthesized fiber and mankind’s use of fibers in the past, present, and future, while detailed, image-laden instructions for four intermediate projects demonstrate the range of possibilities, from sturdy, plied yarns to playful, novelty yarns. Spinners are also offered guidance on planning a project from start to finish, as well as how to care for and store completed projects.

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5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A modern, informative, practical and beautiful book, Feb 17 2009
By 
Barbara "Loves to Knit" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: The Intentional Spinner (Paperback)
I am very pleased with this book! At first I hesitated to buy another spinning book because I already know how to spin but I was hoping to learn more--I'm learning lots more now! I decided to buy it because I've been reading the author's very helpful articles in Spin Off Magazine. The book is loaded with great colour photographs of yarns, wools, fibre, and everything to do with spinning fibre. Its visual presentation is excellent and the book is better than I expected.

The first section covers the different types of fibres - animal, plant & manufactured (there's history in this section but it's really very interesting and is accompanied by photos). Many different types of fibre are covered, both old and new.

The next section covers fibre preparation and spinning techniques - all fully illustrated. The info on drafting methods is invaluable. It also fully illustrates techniques to ply your fibre and yarn design - planning the perfect yarn.

There are four knitting projects included in the book as well - a shawl, socks, scarves and a kese (a bath loofah done on a loom).

The book finishes with how to care for your fibre (storage, dealing with moths, etc) and a bibliography and index. FYI - Not covered in this book is dyeing fibre. It's presumed you know how to set up a spinning wheel but you can get that info from the author's other fabulous book Teach Yourself VISUALLY Handspinning. I'm very happy with both books.

This book is a great mix of the historical and the practical aspects of spinning.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars informative and inspiring, Mar 27 2009
By 
Diane Parenti (Whitehorse Yukon Territory) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: The Intentional Spinner (Paperback)
I have been a spinner for many years, and I found a lot of helpful information in this well-written book. The projects are designed to teach specific skills, which they do. Judith is a superb teacher, and she has a wealth of knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to spin and who wants to improve their skills.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com: 4.5 out of 5 stars (19 customer reviews)

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A spinner's spinning book, Feb 13 2009
By Constance - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Intentional Spinner (Paperback)
This is the second book by Judith MacKenzie McCuin. The first being, "Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning". The first book was a good overall introduction with many techniques that are touched on but was not intended to be an in depth study of spinning and fit the format of the Teach Yourself Series.
With this new book the author's own voice is on every page and her hands are in the photos. This is a month long workshop in book form and not to be missed for new and advanced spinners alike. Sometimes one idea or photo is worth the price of admission and with this book there is something on every page that makes the book a worthwhile purchase.
As from the title, Intentional Spinner, the information in this book seems designed to allow you to start from the raw fiber and to produce the yarn that you need for the project you desire to make.
I have quite a few spinning books on my shelves that are good books but too dense to get a good reading. This format is open and easily accessible for quick reference and later study. Many tools for spinning are shown and discussed. Fiber types and history are covered and the types of spinning used on each fiber is included. There is a wonderful chart on woolen vs worsted spinning that clarifies the characteristics of each type. I would like it engraved on my wheel!
This may not be the last word on spinning but it is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the use of fibers and using fiber for many purposes, from spinning to knitting to weaving. Anyone who is interested in how fiber is processed to become so integral in our daily lives will enjoy this book.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for spinners, Mar 17 2009
By C. Kauffman "drumwitch22" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Intentional Spinner (Paperback)
This book does a great job of taking the next step from the many beginning spinner books out there. She clearly addresses the technical/mechanical aspects of spinning and helped me understand how to step back from the "intuitive" yarn I've been making (which is pretty good yarn) and pay attention to the details so I can repeat my successes. A lot of the information she provided on fibers is excellent and the details there answered several questions I had. She has raised a storm in the spinning community with the sideways drum carding idea... but that is NOT addressed in this book.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars a class with Judith in your home, Mar 25 2009
By Gypsy Queen "Geepsie" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Intentional Spinner (Paperback)
This book will save you airfare and hotel costs. It discusses everything she teaches in her classes. You have to read it slowly and carefully because it is so packed with information. I don't recommend reading it from cover to cover...pick out the sections that are relevant to the spinning question you are asking, and read it at the wheel.

Know also that there are other ways to do the things that Judith doesn't teach that are good alternatives. Most of us do a short woolen draw that isn't forward. She doesn't endorse that. But it works.

She is one of the most knowledgeable spinners of our time. Her book is a necessary addition to the spinner's library.
 Go to Amazon.com to see all 19 reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars 
 
 
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