You Spin Me Right Round

As some of you may already know, I like to knit. I'm always looking for a new fiber-related challenge, so I have decided to try spinning my own yarn. As I have neither the money nor the space for a spinning wheel, I got a hand spindle, some fleece, and took some books home from the library. My first efforts were somewhat...lumpy, but I'm going to persevere! Humans have been doing it for thousands of years, after all.

If you want to give spinning a try yourself, or are just curious about the process, look for these books the next time you visit the library.

• The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook: More Than 200 Fibers From Animal to Spun Yarn - This book has everything you could possibly want to know about the critters who produce fiber suitable for spinning. I had no idea there were so many different breeds of sheep. If you're also in the mood for cute, look for the picture of the tiny Ouessant sheep on page 182.
• Respect the Spindle: Spin Infinite Yarns With One Amazing Tool
• The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning
• Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn
• Knitting with Dog Hair: A Woof-to-Warp Guide to Making Hats, Sweaters and Much More - Yes, you can spin yarn from your dog. Really.

Author Bio:

When Erin M. is not at the library, she is either traveling (actual or armchair), playing with wool, or keeping an eye on pop culture. With the occasional bit of something completely different.