You’re spinning? Isn’t it just too much fun?
Once you are confident with your skills, I know you are going to be happy for years as you feel all sorts of fibers slip through your fingers. But, handspinning isn’t just a tactile experience. Color is a whole other world of spinning. I think it is even more fun because it is a way for you to add your own color preferences to spinning.
Color in Spinning by Deb Menz is a large book but Deb’s lessons make working with color completely approachable. The page sizes and quality paper provide a excellent canvas for the large, colorful, detailed photos.
In Chapter One, Deb covers color principles that are the most useful to spinners. After years of learning how to achieve clear colors, rather than muddy and subtle, Deb has learned how to adapt the classic color theories to the challenges of dyeing fibers. Even though Deb talks to you about theory, she strongly recommends that you understand the essence of colors and their relationships and then mix your colors intuitively.
Starting with Chapter Two, you begin to put your color understanding to work. Immersion dyeing is an excellent way to begin your color adventures. You will learn about different types of dyes, equipment and finally how to dye your fiber by immersing it in a colorful bath.
When I first began spinning, I bought raw fleece, washed it, dyed it and finally worked it through a drum carder. But, these days I like to buy un-dyed roving, like our Bare Wool of the Andes, Gloss or Stroll fibers. I dye these lovely fibers and start spinning my art.
Chapter 3 covers techniques for painting rovings for spinning multicolored yarns.
Chapter 4 reviews a topic I’m more familiar with thanks to my years of processing raw fleece – blending colors and fibers with a drum carder. From choosing a drum carder through combining color and texture together, Deb shows you every step. Including very nice tips for spinning from the colorful batts for a variety of finished yarns. Insanely fun!!
Combing is yet another way to play with color. It is a bit involved but the results can be breathtaking.
Well, that little rundown should definitely have you thinking of adding your own color sensibilities to your spinning. Just take it one step at a time and Deb will get you to a happy, colorful spinning place.
