Product Description

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.

There is has been a resurgence in interest in spinning and in using one-of-a-kind yarns, particularly by the all new knitters and crocheters, and there are no other cutting-edge, inspiring books out there to satisfy this enthusiastic audience.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #117016 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

Review

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Customer Reviews

On the contrary...
On the contrary, I think this is an incredibly interesting book, if you approach it from the viewpoint that it is basically, as the title implies, a SPINNING book and not a KNITTING book. Not only are the photos fabulous and on practically every one of the 300 pages, but the author gives quite detailed explanations for why and how she spins all those unusual yarns. I always thought that it was only new spinners who were producing those huge bumpy yarns to sell on Etsy because they didn't yet have the experience to spin thin, even yarns, but now I understand the thought processes and the work behind spinning the oversize, unusual yarns and I can really appreciate them. Hey--this book almost made me want to drag my spinning wheel out of the back of the closet and take up spinning again! Her descriptions of creating yarns and the ideas she has were just that inspiring! I also disagree about the knitting (and crochet) patterns--I think she does give quite a few ideas of how to use these unusual, creative yarns while continually stressing that they will not perform in a regular pattern the way that commercial yarns will. These yarns are suited to more "arty" projects where they can be seen best (scarves, necklaces, hats, outlining a skirt or edging mittens) such as those that she does give ideas (and patterns) for. Overall, the book is quite creative and should spark lots of ideas in its readers. (I don't know what other book the first reviewer is referring to--did Lexi write a previous book?)

Inspiration in hardcover
I'm not sure where the previous reviewer got the mistaken idea that this was a knitting book, since the title even says that it's about creative spinning, but it goes to show that even the best books can be fully misunderstood.

Because this? Totally one of -- if not THE -- best books on spinning art yarns and fibers that push the limits of what's considered to be "handspun yarns". With 30 techniques illustrated and an equal number of patterns to be knit, crocheted, or sewn to utilize the yarn you're creating, it's both inspirational AND information-packed. Three HUNDRED PAGES of inspirational, in fact.

What I love most about it is that it's a book not only to glance at, and maybe use for spinning or object-creation, but that it's also a book I can sit down and READ. There is a great section on finding inspiration for your spinning from both within and outside of yourself, and one on reverse-engineering projects that has me running for my wheel. The profiles of art yarn spinners are also wonderful to read.

If you're strictly a knitter/crocheter/weaver, this book will probably not hold a lot of excitement for you, unless you're one of the few who use artyarns a lot in your handwork. But for a spinner or a fiber artist who wants to create projects from wool (or fiber in general), I can't recommend this one highly enough. It really is the most inspirational book I've found on this subject, and one that will be holding a very special place on my shelf, once I stop looking at it every few minutes.

Love It or Leave It
After reading a glowing review of INTERTWINED, I ordered a copy. Today, after inspecting the book at a local bookstore, I was very happy to be able to cancel my Amazon order. The book isn't very practical, and definitely should NOT be purchased on faith or sight unseen.

Because I loved HANDSPUN REVOLUTION, I was surprised to see that INTERTWINED is mostly devoted to "crafty" projects made from paper, recycled fabric, etc. Most, if not all, of the patterns are for accessories, such as hats or headbands, that I wouldn't want to wear. To me, "yarn" made from junk still looks like junk. Also, how do you clean an item that is knitted from yarn that is mostly paper? Are you supposed to wear the item a few times and then throw it away, after devoting all that time to making it from scratch?

I can see why others find the book inspirational. The projects are highly creative in their use of nontraditional materials, and the photos are beautiful. Nevertheless, I am tremendously put off by the "scrapbook" layout (which is sort of like KNIT.1 Magazine). Although the pages are entertaining to look at, the fancy boxes make the text and instructions hard to read, and diminish the reference value of the book.