Thanks to this book, I see that I can finally begin to predict my results at the wheel; I am excited and encouraged to learn that I, too, can spin intentionally! What a great and appropriate title that grabbed my attention from the get-go. I have been looking for just such a teaching text.
I am a self-taught spinner working with raw, unprocessed fibers of a wide variety and using four different types of wheels. I have spun off and on (mostly off because of personal demands)for the last 13+ years. By trial and error,by reading and researching books and the internet and Spin-Off Magazine, I have learned much, but Judith MacKenzie McCuin''s new volume on the holistic approach is invaluable to any spinner. I appreciated her introduction to fibers, all the background so logically laid out as basic material that is great reading but will be handy reference information. Her clear, concise explanations of 'worsted' and 'woolen' spinning, her descriptions of the processes and the reasons for spinning and plying choices have exploded my understanding of the craft and its possibilities.
I will have to say that I think my appreciation of her content has been greatly enhanced by my many hours already at the wheel(s), at working with raw fleece, handling different kinds of fibers, and by my own attempts at fiber prep, spinning, and plying. I am only half-way through this book, but I am really with her! She is talking my language! Describing in words (a job that''s not easy to do)the actions of spinning, plying, etc., is a challenge more than adequately handled by Judith.
This is an important, modestly-priced book for the hand-spinniners library, especially for those of us who don''t have a budget for attending fairs, classes, etc. Thanks, Judith, for this wonderful book! I''m savoring every section like as if it were a delicious wine and will go back to it the rest of my spinning years.