Alden Amos shares his deep knowledge of wheel mechanics, spinning fibers, wheel construction, and yarn, as well as a wealth of spinning history and traditions. Every aspect of handspinning is explored, including dissolving lanolin, washing fleece, rotating wheel position, and choosing types of wool. Also discussed are various hand positions, which can result in everything from smooth, fine thread to funky, bulky yarn.
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From Library Journal
Just when double-treadle spinning wheels had become popular, Amos caused quite a stir by suggesting that they were not necessarily God's gift to the handspinner. As the owner of a double-treadle spinning wheel, I couldn't resist looking to see if his opinion had changed in the intervening years. Nope. Amos argues here that you don't really need this type of wheel unless, among other things, "you are such a klutz that you cannot keep the wheel going with one foot." Amos, who has been making spinning wheels and studying handspinning for more than 40 years, has finally distilled this experience into a definitive book deserving of its title. Even the most knowledgeable spinner will learn something and will be entertained in the bargain. This major contribution to the literature should be in any library where there is demand, though small public libraries may prefer less comprehensive books, such as Lee Raven's Hands on Spinning (1987) or Connie Delaney's Spindle Spinning: From Novice to Expert (Kokovoco, 1998) to offer beginners.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Just when double-treadle spinning wheels had become popular, Amos caused quite a stir by suggesting that they were not necessarily God's gift to the handspinner. As the owner of a double-treadle spinning wheel, I couldn't resist looking to see if his opinion had changed in the intervening years. Nope. Amos argues here that you don't really need this type of wheel unless, among other things, 'you are such a klutz that you cannot keep the wheel going with one foot.' Amos, who has been making spinning wheels and studying handspinning for more than 40 years, has finally distilled this experience into a definitive book deserving of its title. Even the most knowledgeable spinner will learn something and will be entertained in the bargain. This major contribution to the literature should be in any library where there is demand, though small public libraries may prefer less comprehensive books, such as Lee Raven's Hands on Spinning (1987) or Connie Delaney's Spindle Spinning: From Novice to Expert (Kokovoco, 1998) to offer beginners." - Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc., Library Journal
"A great and entertaining read...Informative and funny...[despite] the very technical nature of the book." — Spindle and Wheel online magazine
"A great and entertaining read...Informative and funny...[despite] the very technical nature of the book." — Spindle and Wheel online magazine
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Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Carol Denehy
Format:Hardcover
Alden Amos calls himself opinionated, and he is. If you want to know all about spinning on a traditional (preferably Ashford) wheel, this book will help. If you are interested in alternative techniques and/or are not using a standard wheel, you will not get much help. I am always wary of authors who know the one true way to do anything.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Too wordy, only line illustrations and a flamboyant writing style ,which makes the text hard to get through, gives this book a 2 star rating. Page 16 seems to indiacate that the writer has very little confidence in your being interested enough to continue and has a paragraph entitled "Why You May Want To Read Further". The book does answer some questions about handspinning in general but, in areas where more detailed info should have been provided, there's nothing. For instance, I wanted to find out how long I should steam a skein of yarn to set the twist. Pages 199 to 201 tell me nothing (except that steaming is best for wool).
If you've done some spinning and want a book that interesting in its approach then buy this book. If you are new to spinning or want good reference books for your shelf then you'll be much better off with "Hands on Spinning", "The Ashford Book of Spinning" and a subscription to "Spin Off" Magazine.
If you've done some spinning and want a book that interesting in its approach then buy this book. If you are new to spinning or want good reference books for your shelf then you'll be much better off with "Hands on Spinning", "The Ashford Book of Spinning" and a subscription to "Spin Off" Magazine.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Alden Amos should have used a ghostwriter. This book is about 3/4 useful information and 1/4 commentary intended to show that Mr. Amos is one of the "in crowd." He uses cutesy terms like "Princess Twinkle" in lieu of Sleeping Beauty or "Oil of Oompha" for Oil of Olay. This in itself grates, but can be overlooked. Also, he implies that only mental defectives and klutzes use double treadle wheels. Throughout the book he makes several snide references to spinning amateurs and the mistakes they have made in his presence or while dealing with him.
There are many, many mathematical calculations in this book. I have never been good at math and this whole section daunts me. I simply spin a yarn that looks like what I want, without making any calculations, and so far have never been disappointed.
There are also several diagrams for making spinning accessories like niddy noddies, spindles and so on. If you are into this sort of crafting, the book would be useful for you.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cool--Waaaaay too much Information
I read this book last week at my friend's house, and had to order one for myself. Any handspinning book that contains a recipe for a quench to harden steel is a book I had to... Read more
Published on Jun 24 2004 by Alice M. Campbell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for beginners & experts Alike
This is an excellant choice for someone who is looking for background information as well as the basics. Read more
Published on Aug 20 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good visit with Alden...
You can use this book several different ways. You can look up information about specific subjects -- or read it through like a really informative journel. Read more
Published on Oct 12 2002 by Rosemary
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved It
I am relativly new to spinning. I heard about this book in a magazine and started looking for it. When I found it I imediatly bought it. I am greatly enjoying this book. Read more
Published on Mar 22 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
dazzled reader
This is an amazing book, it has all sorts of wonderfull jiucy peices of info that any craft's man or woman can learn something from. Read more
Published on Jan 31 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning
Great Book, lots of information. Alden definately has he own likes & dislikes with is definately shows in this book.
I found parts of it confusing, it is too Technical.
Published on Jan 14 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bound to be a classic
Whilst the writing style can be slightly overwhelming at times this book is one of those "Must Haves" that everyone will wish they had purchased once it goes out of... Read more
Published on May 26 2001 by Sarah Bradberry
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