Being a novice at spinning for about a year, I bought a package of assorted fibers to practice spinning to get some experience in fibers other than just the Hampshire/Suffolk wool I have been doing. I have also been trying lately dog and cat hair, which is quite different from spinning sheep wool.

Included in the package are different kinds of silk, camel, alpaca, llama, flax, hemp, cotton/silk, merino, corriedale, mohair, angora, cashmere, cashgora and others.

I do have the book "From sheep to Sweater" (or shawl?) and it discusses different types of sheep wool, but the other types of fibers, especialy flax, hemp, or cotton, I do not know how to approach. I have an Ashford Traveler spinning wheel. Any suggestions on spinning different fibers or books that discuss such?

Thank you for your answers.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), October 06, 2000

Answers

I am no where near as far along as you (I don't even have anything to spin on yet!) But I will be eagerly waiting to see what other replies you get. I raise Angora rabbits.

-- Suzy in 'Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), October 06, 2000.

There is a great little book called handspinners Handbook by Bette Hochberg which goes in to indepth detail on spinning all typs of fiber including all the exotics. And as the saying goes practice makes perfect, Dog hair and angora rabbit and alpaca are some of my fav to spin. A single strand alpaca and single strand angora rabbit plyed back on each other makes the most beautiful yarn for scarfs! Still cant get emails but If I can answer any qustions you can post them here as I will be checking back.

-- kathy h (saddlebronc@msn.com), October 06, 2000.

Where can I purchase the book Handspinner's Handbook? I have looked in my new issues of Spin Off and it is not advertised. Places I have looked on the net want to charge $4-$6 shipping. That is ridiculous. I found an old ad in Spin Off (fall 1998) for Straw Into Gold, but can't find it listed currently on the website.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), October 08, 2000.

Straw into golds telephone # Is 510-548-5241, Dont know what there e mail adress is though.I have been there a few times Its a great shop and that is were I got my book from.

-- kathy h (saddlebronc@msn.com), October 08, 2000.

My favorite handspinning book is Hands on Spinning, by Lee Raven. Lots of good instructions AND pictures....I need lots of pictures ;O)! If I see a book I want on the net, and don't want to pay shipping and handling, I call my local Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstore. If you have one within easy driving distance, you can pick up your book while in town running errands, and not pay andy more than the label price!

-- Leann Banta (thelionandlamb@hotmail.com), October 10, 2000.