HANDSPINDLES by Bette Hochberg.

Handspindles have been in use for at least 6,000 years. There are many different types and styles and ways of using them. Bette Hochberg gives a good background on spindles and spindle spinning. She discusses ten of the most common varieties of spindles, how they were used, and what types of fibers would have been spun on them. Good information.

FIBRE FACTS by Bette Hochberg.

A fact-filled spinners and weavers guide to natural and synthetic fibers and yarns. How they behave; choosing and using them; finishing and caring for them. How their properties affect quality, appearance, and performance of textiles.

Understanding the Spinning Wheel by Eric Corran.

This very important book has a split personality. Is it a technical manual for woodworkers on the most minute details of spinning wheel construction? Is it a complete history of the modern spinning wheel? Is it an advanced spinners' manual for the more proficient use and maintenance of their various wheels? The center of this manual is the vast amount of information collected over the past 35 years by the author, who is a retired engineer and woodworker. In his hands, this information becomes the most thorough exposition of the development of the modern wheel, the variations on the flyer. The book has charts, tables, illustrations, and photos of the most important developments in spinning wheel design over the past 500 years. Complete working drawings are here for woodworkers. Complete discussions of how the various parts of the wheel have developed are here for anthropologists. Complete know-how for spinners to use in refining their skills is here. This is definitely the book for understanding the spinning wheel.

ESSENTIALS OF HANDSPINNING by Mabel Ross.

This book has a great amount of material in its 40 pages that's not easy to find elsewhere. Among other things, the author shows you how to produce handspun yarn in the same sizes as commercial yarn. That allows your handspun to be used with ordinary knitting patterns. The book ends with a chart of spinning faults and remedies.

40 pages, softcover, 5.75" x 8.25"

HIGH WHORLING by Pricilla A. Gibson-Roberts.

On the subject of handspindles, high whorl and low whorl, the author is unabashedly opinionated: the high whorl is superior and she shows why in this book.

High Whorling is an inviting book book for the new spinner, covering all aspects of spinning with the high whorl handspindle from fiber selection and preparation to detailed spinning technique. It is also the ideal guide for those with previous experience in low whorl or wheel spinning who wish to take up the high whorl. Spinners at all levels will want to study the author in her (sometimes surprising) approach to fiber and spinning technique, her choice of hand tools, and her own carefully worked out methods of yarn finish.

135 pages, hardcover

SPINNING IN THE OLD WAY by Pricilla A. Gibson-Roberts.

Loose fibers become yarn because of twist, which holds them together. Just by adding twist you can create yarn that is sturdy enough to be knitted or woven into fabric. All you need is a high-whorl spindle, some unspun fiber, a few yards of leftover knitting yarn for a leader, and the guidance of a master spinner and knitter Priscilla Gibson-Roberts through the pages of this book.

176 pages, softcover, 6" x 9", illustrations throughout

Small Upright Spinning Wheel Construction Manual by Richard & Myrna Schneider.

This charming diminutive wheel is compact and easily portable. Measured drawings, photographs and detailed, step-by-step instructions help you every step of the way. You do need a lathe to make this wheel.

58 pages, softcover, 6.5" x 8.5"

No-Lathe Saxony-Style Spinning Wheel Construction Manual by Richard & Myrna Schneider.

54 pages, softcover, 6.5" x 8.5".

SPINDLE SPINNING: From Novice to Expert by Connie Delaley

This book leads you, with the humor and skill of a patient teacher, from your very first day to fine silk thread. Shows you the best methods for all types of spindles — top-whorl to Navajo — even how to make your own!

Learn to Spin Silk on a Top-Whorl Spindle by Ruth Macgregor.

Silk, the stuff of dreams. . . .

Have you dreamed of silken yarns, their moonlight shimmer cool and fresh?

Have you wanted to learn to spin, but been put off by the thought of wool or fuzzy yarns?

Yearn no more — the answer is here!