Hand Woolcombing And Spinning: A Guide To Worsteds From The Spinning-Wheel

by Peter Teal

Book by Teal, Peter

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Knitting

184 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1976

Reviews

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to other spinning book from the 70s (at least those my library system stocks), this one is unusually useful. There is a fair amount of intriguing historical detail, the author's occasionally amusing style of writing, and a fair amount of practical detail--sometimes far too much for something you probably aren't going to do yourself (in particular, make your own combs), sometimes not quite enough (for instance, I was hoping to find more information on the uses of different types of combs). The author is obviously devoted to perfectionism, which adds to his amusing writing. A sensible spinner may prefer not to follow his arduously specific methods, but it is still quite nice to know the ideal range for many details.

I definitely wouldn't want this to be my primary resource on carding, but it's of a sufficient quality that I may order a used copy at some point.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that covers how to make some of the basic tools as well as how to spin in different ways.

[Joi]

I enjoyed the authors very disciplined approach to wool combing and spinning in general. When I first learned to spin I was just happy that the fibre didn't drift apart in my hands or knot up like twine, but now I'm more interested in producing the specific type of yarn I want, and this book is helpful in pointing out the things to be mindful of at the fibre prep stage in order to achieve consistent results. I probably won't ever be as particular, but it has encouraged me to take notes and sample a lot more in order to be able to reproduce the type of yarn I'm after for any particular project. Although the author is very specific and detailed, he is also mindful that each spinner will develop their own technique, and recognises that there is no one "right way" to spin.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good reference book for spinning worsted style. It has a very good tutorial for making your own woolcombs which I have used. Any lack in the resulting combs are not due to the book, more to my lack of experience using the tools! Definitely recommended for the handspinner.

[Caz]

Full of detail, both interesting historical and also practical. He's a bit too much of a perfectionist for me to follow his methods to the letter though. Interesting background information for fibre preparation