Spin to Weave: The Weaver’s Guide to Making Yarn Paperback – June 25, 2013

I don't have a large loom, but I do have a rigid heddle loom that is 30+ inches wide. I want to weave interesting things, but need some pointers if I wanted to get into larger pieces of fabric beyond scarves and such.This book really gives me a lot of food for thought. It is NOT a rigid heddle book, but it does give plenty of information on how to spin yarn with the idea that you are using it in weaving. I love that it gets into every aspect you could possibly want or need to know about creating yarn for weaving. There is plenty of information on washing of fabric if it is woven, dyeing fibers to use in spinning yarn for the woven piece, and pictures which show progression from fiber, to yarn, to woven piece.The photos in this book are fantastic. They are inspirational and instructional too. I am a visual learner, so having photographs works beautifully for me. It helps me see what takes a lot of words to explain, but I tend to understand best with photos/pictures/diagrams.As for patterns to actually weave, there are some. They are a good springboard for you to understand how to get from fiber to woven piece, but if you are new to weaving, it might not help you in the aspect of being instructional for the actual weaving process.WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK-photos are excellent-durable cover-inspirational-takes mystery out of spinning for weaving-gives ideas for patterns for woven things that are flattering and interesting but not too hard to makeWHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK-I wish it had a bit more information about rigid heddle vs the other looms-would have been nice to have more weaving information in as well as how to make yarn for weavingTHE BOTTOM LINEI know that this book is not supposed to be the "One Stop Shopping" book for weavers. It is only to instruct you how to spin yarn that you want to use for weaving. It does that REALLY well. The photos are fabulous. The layout is easy to follow and reference to instead of reading in a linear fashion. It is compact enough to keep it near my loom or spinning wheel, but substantial enough to use it for reference quite often. FIVE STARS for this one. I tend to not be motivated with many of the weaving books I have come across. This one really does motivate me.

Just so you know...I'm a 30+ year spinnner who is very confident in my yarnmaking. I weave as well but have more experience knitting with my handspun than weaving with it. I hate to follow recipes in spinning and weaving books and love inspiration and the story of how things are made. Sara Lamb's book is just what I ordered and lots more.The pictures in the book are very clear as to what I'm looking at. The photos will add to my weaving knowledge because I can use the photo to see what I'm aiming for in my weave. The fiber and yarn are shown with the fabric they have produced. I'm still learning how to read the yarn and predict what fabric it will produce when woven and this book will help me.I am excited to see the various objects produced and happy to see that they are not all multi-shaft loomed pieces. It's important for people to realize that weaving takes place on many types of looms and it's important to show the fabric from different looms. This book does this.Chapters Two and Three make up half the book and this is where I am inspired to run to my wheel and start spinning. The two pieces in the book that show diagrams are timeless and the instructions are easily understood. There is a proviso-if you are a person who buys kits and needs to follow a pattern every step of the way or if you want to make the exact same thing you see this book is not for you. If you can weave a long rectangle and do a bit of sewing you'll be happy with the pieces.It's the stories of how the pieces were conceived and the thought process that excites me about the book. I'll refer often to Spin to Weave when I want to start something new.

A lovely book, but a bit of a disappointment to me. Much of what's in this book could be in a general weaving reference, not one specifically geared toward handspinners. I was hoping for more in-depth information about spinning technique for warp yarn. The author does discuss this, but doesn't spend a lot of time on it. I would like to have seen more information about weaving with energized singles (with examples), and the use of sizing in the warp. There is a useful section on finishing fabric, a helpful resource list and bibliography, and clear assembly diagrams and directions for two of the author's garments.About half of this book is a set of descriptions of the author's projects and a gallery of works of other artitsts. The photos are very good, and the descriptions are interesting, but that's not what I came for.

I watched the DVD before the book came out (and I highly endorse it as well!). The book arrived on Monday - I have already read it cover to cover and have re-read a few chapters. I have been spinning and weaving for many years, but I have never used my handspun in my weaving as warp - always too afraid about breaking my precious handspun. And NEVER considered using singles either. No longer - this book has given me the courage to spin for my warp. I just finished washing and combing some Wensleydale that I plan to spin as singles and use as warp (yes, I am cheating a bit by using a long wool...baby steps!). I also love how she combines her painted warp with solids to create those beautiful patterns that are so typical for her. There are some patterns in the book to make some clothing and accesories. One thing the book has the DVD doesn't (and they could have so easily included it as a pdf) are instructions for making a PVC swift and niddy-noddy. Great project for setting wet yarn. For those who spin and weave this would make a great addition to your library!

If you spin, and weave, then this is the book for you, it gives so much useful information on producing the yarn for your project, the best book on this subject I've read yet. It will be referred to a lot, giving advice on different fibres to use, how to spin for the effect you want, etc. etc. Clearly illustrated too.

I love this book. There are ideas in here you can keep coming back to. Great for all kinds of hand loom weavers

Really great book, am enjoying working my way through it, have just started to spin and weave so it is a really good reference book to have. Many thanks for quick delivery

Fact filled book! Liked the comparisons and examples. Good photo detail and practice detail.

I was Very disappointied when I received this book.There are just a lot of pictures without the explanation how the garments are woven.The things told about spinning could be said in a few pages instead of a whole book