Mielke's
Fiber Arts, LLC Your Central Wisconsin source for weaving,
spinning, knitting, crocheting, tatting, bobbin lace, felting, dyeing, and
locker hooking equipment, books, and supplies.
SHEARING DAY:
Sheep Handling, Wool Science, and Shearing with Blades, Kevin Ford.
Some books come along that just can't be introduced fully in few words. Getting that fleece correctly off all those sheep so the wool is ready, the sheep safe, and the sheerer doesn't have to depend on electrical connections, is an ancient task. The author presents us with a thorough study of this endeavor that is also a good story of his experience in this world of sheep shearing. Spinners and wool handlers will not find this information any where as well presented. Many photos of the hows and whys.
ISBN: 0966915348. Hardcover. $34.95 #139288
A
SMALL UPRIGHT SPINNING WHEEL CONSTRUCTION MANUAL, Richard & Myrna Schneider. This charming diminutive wheel is compact and easily
portable. Measured drawings, photographs and detailed, step-by-step instructions
help you every step of the way. You do need a lathe to make this wheel. Softcover, $7.95 #549002
SPIN CONTROL: Techniques for Spinning the Yarn You Want, Amy King.
Are you a new or experienced spinner looking to create useful and unique yarns? Spin Control teaches you to make handspun yarns that may include the best traits of commercial yarns but always have their own personal touches. From soft, bulky singles to durable cabled yarns with terrific stitch definition and from tweedy yarns with rich texture and color to serviceable 3-ply that holds up to heavy use, the sky is the limit with this thorough resource.
Teacher, store owner, and fiber source Amy King of Spunky Eclectic shares her time-tested techniques for success in Spin Control, which include:
How to adjust spinning wheels for best results with the least effort
How to combine techniques to create beautiful yarns.
Instructions and brilliant photography on core spinning and other less traditional techniques
And, Amy even takes you off the beaten path and shows you the exciting opportunities of novelty yarns.
So, explore the types of yarn and create beautiful, functional handspun to meet your fiber needs! From skinny 2-ply lace yarns to sturdy cabled yarns, Spin Control has the fundamentals you need for one-of-a-kind yarns.
ISBN: 978-1-59668-105-7. 120 pages. 8 1/2" X 9" softcover
$22.95 #239307
SPIN
DYE STITCH: How to Create and Use Your Own Yarns, Jennifer Claydon.
Spin Dye Stitch features everything the fiber artist needs to know to turn wool roving into beautiful one-of-a-kind handspun yarn and dyed fibers. Instead of a boring “how-to” book, author Jennifer Claydon shows you how to work with the fibers in a practical format, with clear step-by-step photos and beautiful projects featuring knitting, weaving, embroidery and needle felting.
ISBN-13: 9781600611551. ISBN-10: 1600611559. Publisher: F&W Publications.
Softcover. 128 pages. $24.99 #139716
SPIN TO KNIT:
The Knitter's Guide to Making Yarn,
Shannon Okey.
Do you want to knit with something other than commercial yarns? Dare to be different — become a full-fledged fiber fanatic with Spin to Knit, the essential guide for knitters wanting to learn to make their own yarn! Urban spinner Shannon
Okey, author
of KnitGrrl, teaches the basic tools you need to get started spinning: whether you should begin with a drop spindle or a wheel, and how to control singles, twist, and ply. Shannon also discusses incorporating color into spinning, from "dishwater dyeing," to incorporating beads, thread, or other media into yarns for visual interest. Inventive patterns include a thrift-store garment that is jazzed-up with the addition of a beautiful handspun trim, a boatneck pullover that combines both mill- and hand-spun yarns, a retro pom-pom scarf, a traditional lace shawl, and much more.
ISBN-10: 1596680075. 8½'' X 9'' softcover. 128
pages. $21.95 #169298
SPINDLE SPINNING: FROM NOVICE TO
EXPERT, Connie Delaney.
This is a manual for the spinner, who, like most spinners around the world do their spinning the time worn way on a weighted stick of some form or other. A very well produced text with good essays on spinning and clear line drawings and photos of the various processes and techniques, this slim tome will inform the novice and inspire the expert.
This book takes you through the basics of spinning, including preparing wool
to spin. The chapters cover top-whorl, bottom-whorl, Navajo, Turkish and
supported spindles, as well as how to make several types of spindles. 80
pages, black and white photos and diagrams.
ISBN-10: 0966095200. Softcover, $15.95 #139167
SPINNER'S
COMPANION, Bobbie Erwin.
This is a quick reference guide that both beginning and experienced spinners
will use to look up common spinning terms, find out how to maintain their
wheels, and learn how to process fiber and spin yarn. The fourth book in the
best-selling Companion series (with over 100,000 copies in print), this handy
spiral-bound offering is an authoritative tool that spinners will want to keep
beside their wheel or with their handspindle at all times. Spiral bound,
112 pages, 5 x 7, ISBN:1-883010-79-9 $19.95 #239043
SPINNING AROUND:
Spinning, Dyeing & Knitting Elizabeth Zimmermann's Classics, Jeannine
Bakriges.
Master spinner (and dyer/knitter), Jeannine Bakriges worked for years to compile this beautiful and informative book. The book includes extensive technical information on spinning, notes on natural and solar dyeing, including setting up a dye studio, and knitting patterns by Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen including: Sock-Toe Scarf, Halter Top, I-cord Gloves and Hat, Knit-Stitch Pullover, Very Warm Hat, 3-Cornered German Shawl,Circular Brioche Watch Cap, Headband, Kliban Hat, Moccasin Socks, Epaulet Jacket, Jogger’s Mitts, Moebius Vest, Dickey, Knee Socks, Moebius Scarf, Balaclava Helmut, Bohus Sweater & Hat, Pillbox Hat, and the Mananita. From fleece to knitted garment, Spinning Around is an incredible journey.
ISBN-13: 9780942018332. ISBN-10: 0942018338. Publisher: Schoolhouse Press.
144 pages. 8.5" x 11" softcover. $29.95 #139736
SPINNING
COTTON ON A CHARKHA, Eileen Hallman.
The
video is a comprehensive hands-on workshop including material from Eileen
Hallman's Charkha
101* and Charkha 201** classes. While the Indian book charkha is used in the video,
the techniques are appropriate for any spindle wheel, including the great wheel.
Eileen demonstrates teaching techniques that she has developed over the 6 years
that she has been teaching
on the charkha; she says, "...my students have taught me as much as I have taught them.
I am
indebted to them for sharing their struggles and pushing me for ways to solve
common problems."
*Charkha 101 Synopsis Learn to spin cotton the easy way! Learn how
to tune and maintain the charkha, how to determine the ratio, and how to
spin to specification. We will also cover cotton types and properties.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand charkha
2. Understand yarn terminology
3. Learn the long draw
4. Spin cotton easily
**Charkha 201 Synopsis
This class is for experienced point spinners. We will cover tools and
techniques for spinning consistent yarns, techniques for improving speed, and
techniques for separating colors in striped slivers.
Learning Objectives
1. Learn to spin for consistency
2. Understand yarn terminology
3. Learn some speed techniques
4. Learn color separation techniques
$34.95 #559012
SPINNING
DESIGNER YARNS, Diane Varney.
A long awaited re-print of an old favorite! Few things are as satisfying as
creating the perfect yarn for a special project. This book, first printed by
Interweave Press in 1987, leads the new or intermediate spinner gently into the
world of super-soft luxury fibers, textured effects, and the dyepot’s
miracles. Learn to apply dye to fibers in new and exciting ways, predict how
novelty yarns will look in finished fabrics, blend fibers for color and texture
effects, and spin singles and plied yarns in ways that will put more zip in your
spinning—and your weaving, knitting, and crocheting. Corespun, bouclé, snarl,
knotted, and tufted yarns will become part of your spinning repertoire, and
you’ll rediscover the excitement of spinning all over again. ISBN: 193149939X. 7" x 9
1/4" softcover, 96 pages. $16.95 #239071
SPINNING, DYEING & WEAVING,
Penny Walsh.
Weaving your own textiles is a rewarding activity—with the added benefit of knowing that the entire process can be done by hand, with little outside energy. This handbook looks at where different fibers come from, how to grow and harvest them, and how to prepare them for spinning. The principles of spinning are also included, as well as information on how to dye your fibers with natural dyestuff. Also included are numerous simple projects for decorating your home. 100 color illustrations.
ISBN-13: 9781616080020. ISBN-10: 1616080027. Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
. Hardcover, 128 pages. $12.95 #139743
DVD
- SPINNING EXOTIC FIBERS & NOVELTY YARNS, Judith MacKenzie. Learning by video is a contemporary concept that is only as successful as the teacher. The subject of spinning fibers from animals other than sheep requires an excellent teacher. This course exceeds both requirements. The first section consists of a discussion with a breeder about the various animals. Next comes the appropriate spinning technique for each fiber. The information on the various styles of novelty yarn is the best I've seen. This video is a pleasure to watch and study. 96 minutes. $19.95
#139584
SPINNING FOR SOFTNESS & SPEED, Paula Simmons.
We are so happy that this classic is back in print! As Paula states on the
back cover, "At all my workshops I found people having the same problem
over and over again: they were having trouble getting their yarn as soft as they
wanted." The book not only solves that problem but presents a system
that results in dramatically increased spinning speed as well. 8.5" x
5.5" softcover, 91 pages. $24.95 #659128
SPINNING LLAMA AND ALPACA:
3rd Edition (With Samples),
Chris Switzer.
"Everything you might ever want to know about spinning the wool from the popular Andean
camelid, but couldn't find the best book for," would describe this new book. All kinds of camelid raising lore, wool handling facts, spinning hints, including dyeing, abound here. Along with all the photos and illustrations, there are even some actual samples of wool and yarn.
ISBN-10: 096426630X. Softcover. Was $16.00 on
clearance for $8.00! #139115
DVD
- Spinning Luxury Fiber, Judith MacKenzie.
Spinners today have such an abundance of fiber choices, sometimes it's hard to know where to begin – and to know how to handle these precious materials once you have them in your hands. In this extensive treatment of the best the fiber world has to offer, Master Spinner Judith MacKenzie shares what she’s learned from deep experience in both craft and industry, with a hands-on teaching style that will give you inspiration, confidence, and good results.
This three-disk set covers:
Silk, from cocoon to top to noil to magnificent blends
Alpaca, both huaycaya and suri
Camel
Llama
Paco-vicuña
Yak
Bison
Cashmere
Quiviut
You’ll learn how to prepare each fiber, how to spin it, how to finish your yarn, and the fascinating history and lore of each.
ISBN: 9781596684591. 3 disks. $39.95 #239222
SPINNING WHEELS AND ACCESSORIES,
David Pennington & Michael Taylor. "Collectors of spinning wheels, antique dealers, and lovers of textile
tools will be excited that Pennington and Taylor are back with another great
book about spinning wheels, including over 350 color photos to go with their
painstaking research. Their emphasis remains the American spinning wheel
from 1775-1900, and they have substantial sections on fancy European wheels as
well as the various accessories that textile tool collectors crave.
Special sections on Shaker wheels, patent wheels, famous makers, as well as
extensive coverage of chair wheels, Irish castle wheels, double flyer wheels,
and an appendix with over 1000 makers and their makers marks are highlights that
collectors and dealers will treasure. The pieces shown in this book are
all from private collections, so it gives the buyer access to pieces never seen
before, including some European fancies that have sold for over $25,000!
ISBN-10: 0764319736. 8½" x 11½" hardcover. $59.95
#139363
DVD
- SPINNING WOOL BASICS & BEYOND: Wheels, Fiber Preparation & Spinning Techniques,
Patsy Zawistoski.
If you want to learn to spin or are a novice spinner and want to brush up on your technique, you will want this video. It is comprehensive and offers clear and precise instructions on how a spinning wheel works, the various types of wheels, wheel set-up, fiber preparation, pre-drafting, and how to spin various wool fibers. A written insert is included with the video that outlines all the materials you will need to get started. One thing that struck me is how much encouragement
Ms. Zawistoski provides; you feel like she's actually in the room with you urging you on. 112 minutes.
$19.95 #239299
SPINNING WOOL:
Beyond the Basics (Revised), Anne Field.
Building on the basics presented in the author’s previous book, Ashford Book of Spinning, this handbook provides more advanced spinners with information extending beyond the act of spinning—how to spin an adequate yarn and extend the range of yarns produced, what happens during the spinning process, and the relationship between the raw materials and the final output—for greater mastery of the craft. This new edition features up-to-date information about spinning wheels, new color photos, and seven new projects. Organized in four sections—wool, spinning wheels, yarn design, and projects—the text provides examples of a global range of fleece types, a detailed examination of the functions of bobbin and flyer wheels, a step-by-step analysis of spinning yarns of a predetermined size and twist count best suited to the properties of the fleece, and informative explanations of different spinning materials. The nine woven and knitted projects, including a fleece rug, skirt fabric, mittens, and a triangular shawl, are particularly suitable for handspun yarn.
Published by Trafalgar Square Books ISBN-13: 9781570764646. 7 1/2'' X 9 1/2''
softcover. 160 pages. $24.95 #109490
THE SPIN-OFF INDEX AND RESOURCE DIRECTORY, Spin-Off Magazine. Twenty-three years of articles indexed by subject and
author, more than 200 spinning shops and product suppliers, and a world's worth
of spinning guilds. How convenient! OUT OF
PRINT - NOW AVAILABLE AS A PDF AT INTERWEAVE
PRESS.
SPIN-OFF MAGAZINE, Interweave Press. THE magazine for spinners. Articles on spinning, equipment,
fibers, fiber animals, knitting, weaving, dyeing and much more. Current
issue and recent back-issues in stock, $7.99 each (unless marked
otherwise). For a listing of issues, with photos of covers, Click
Here.
START SPINNING:
Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn,
Maggie Casey.
Make the yarn of your dreams! You can buy yarn anywhere, but spinners know that the best yarn is the kind you make for yourself. Start Spinning takes you from loose fiber to yarn made on a spindle and spinning wheel, with friendly advice and a sure hand at every step. Developed over two decades of teaching beginners, Maggie Casey's techniques and tidbits will have you creating delightful yarns to knit, weave, crochet and admire.
ISBN-10: 1596680652. 8 1/2'' X 9'' softcover. 119
pages. $21.95 #139628
DVD - START SPINNING: The Video.
Follow along with Eunny Jang as she learns the ins and outs of spinning from spinning teacher extraordinaire Maggie Casey. This 2-disc DVD set will take you from just wool to good yarn and beyond. Learn how, when, and why to pre-draft your fiber; how to adjust your spinning wheel; how to spin good single yarn; and how to ply and finish a good skein. Plus, you'll see the basics for carding and combing, spinning with a long draw, spinning worsted weight, spinning from the fold, and more.
2 disks. $34.99 #239216
STOREY"S
GUIDE TO RAISING LLAMAS, Gale Birutta.
Subtitled "Care, Showing, Breeding, Packing, Profiting," this new
guide leads the llama breeder and lover through all these areas of llama
husbandry with great attention to details and a contagious love for these
ancient domestic creatures. The nitty gritty of a llama's daily routine are
explained with charts, drawings, and photos. The section on guard llamas, full
of anecdotes, will warm your heart and make you want to get a llama!
ISBN-10: 1580173284. Softcover. $18.95 #139110 Out
of print - one copy left in stock
Storey's
Guide to Raising Sheep, Paula Simmons. Here's a definitive book on small-scale sheep raising. It gives you complete
up-to-date basic information, in understandable form, on every phase of sheep
raising. Paula and her husband have been raising sheep for 20 years. She has
faced all the problems she writes about. Her book is an enjoyable offering of
practical know-how. ISBN: 1580172628. Illustrated. Softcover,
$18.95 #139140