54 of 56 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good for beginners, July 7 2009
By Teatime2 "teatime2" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Spin Control (Paperback)
I had looked forward with much anticipation to this book by the Spunky Eclectic lady. Alas, although most of the spinning information in this book is accurate, there is nothing new or spunky here.
The information about pre-drafting is a bit muddled as it seems to confuse splitting a roving, tops or other fiber preparation with actually drafting, or drawing out. Some of the text does not match the photography and some of the photos of yarns do not match the knitted samples. However, this is probably attributable to editing errors.
The author does introduce lots of unusual possibilities for plying and cabling; lots of stimulation there. Also, the photography is luscious.
All in all, a pretty good book for beginners but I prefer Judith MacKenzie McCuin's The Intentional Spinner or Mabel Ross' The Essentials of Yarn Design for Handspinners.
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bad editing spoils a good book, July 10 2009
By Caroline M. Alexander "kero1au" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Spin Control (Paperback)
Like many spinners, I really looked forward to this book, and so far I have enjoyed the eye-candy, and read the text with interest.
Fortunately, I'm not a newbie spinner, because some of the basic editing and proof-reading errors can only confuse the inexperienced, who will not recognise the errors as such at all.
This is embarrassing for the publishing house concerned, as well as the author, and dooms the book to be one of those you read, then return to the local library or put up for resale on ebay.
This is a pity as its written in a friendly and enjoyable style, and is thorough in setting out basic procedures, something we often forget about. The pictures are great, and I appreciated the section on sitting correctly at the wheel, as well as the illustrated detail on the great debate about woolen and worsted.
The best feature of the book? The knitted samples from the different drafting and spinning techniques used, particularly as I am not an experienced knitter. This alone would have earned the book 5 stars if it wasn't for the sloppy and rushed editing. Read before you buy!
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just what I expected, July 16 2009
By Knitting Beth - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Spin Control (Paperback)
I had looked forward with anticipation to this book and it was exactly what I thought it would be. The writing style is friendly and encouraging for anyone wanting to try a new technique. There are plenty of spinning techniques to try. Lots of great information about sampling and the part about predrafting is just right. Not drafting before you spin as much as improving the prep for a more enjoyable spinning experience.
The photographs are lovely and helpful.
This is a book for beginners to intermediate spinners looking for ways to improve their spinning.
Beyond the intermediate stage there is lots of good reference material here. This book will be on the shelf next to my favorite spinning books that I go to again and again.