With its soothing, meditative effect, handspinning is a relaxing hobby, and the beautiful yarns you create are an even better reward. This visual guide shows you the basics, beginning with the tools and fibers, and takes you through spinning, plying, making novelty yarns, using exotic fibers, dyeing, and more. Whether you use an inexpensive hand spindle or splurge on a spinning wheel, stick with wool or try alpaca, cashmere, or cotton, you'll learn how to create fun, original, one-of-a-kind yarns that you can knit or weave into truly unique, handmade, and all-natural creations. Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review The skill demonstrated is defined and described Detailed color photos demonstrate each step Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo Helpful tips provide additional guidance

As the DIY trend continues, crafters are taking their skills to the next level and are looking for "what's next." Hand-dyeing is on the rise--giving crafters the freedom to create their own unique yarns and fibers to spin wholly original projects. This photo-intensive book covers everything from dyeing with Kool-Aid to more involved processes like working with acid dyes and hand-painting. Concealed wiro binding allows the book to lay flat--perfect for undertaking projects with wet or dye-covered hands. Barbara Parry (Shelburne, MA) is the founder and creative vision behind Foxfire Fiber & Designs. She produces her own yarn line from the wool of the sheep she raises on her farm in the Berkshire foothills, which is home to 70 sheep, two llamas, and two goats. The wool she produces is prized by knitters and handspinners and has won numerous awards. Barbara chronicles life on her farm in her blog "Sheep Gal: Notes from a Shelburne Shepherd" (www.sheepgal.typepad.com).

As the DIY trend continues, crafters are taking their skills to the next level and are looking for "what's next." Hand-dyeing is on the rise--giving crafters the freedom to create their own unique yarns and fibers to spin wholly original projects. This photo-intensive book covers everything from dyeing with Kool-Aid to more involved processes like working with acid dyes and hand-painting. Concealed wiro binding allows the book to lay flat--perfect for undertaking projects with wet or dye-covered hands. Barbara Parry (Shelburne, MA) is the founder and creative vision behind Foxfire Fiber & Designs. She produces her own yarn line from the wool of the sheep she raises on her farm in the Berkshire foothills, which is home to 70 sheep, two llamas, and two goats. The wool she produces is prized by knitters and handspinners and has won numerous awards. Barbara chronicles life on her farm in her blog "Sheep Gal: Notes from a Shelburne Shepherd" (www.sheepgal.typepad.com).

Have you ever tried spinning painted top or roving only to be disappointed with the color outcomes in your yarns or finished projects? This book will clearly and artfully walk you through understanding color theory making it less intimidating for both novice and expert spinners alike. Never before has a book presented the same dyed roving worked up into 20+ different approaches accompanied by easy to follow directions so you can see how the techniques look in both a skein and a knitted swatch. Plus there are photos of finished products accompanying the techniques to make envisioning the spinning application even easier. After reading this book you will be inspired to delve into your stash with a new eye and excitement for color in your spinning. In addition to writing books, Alanna also offers workshops both online and in person on spinning and dyeing. You can visit her website www.alannawilcox.com to learn more.

Covers new PowerPoint features including how to create presentation slides, dress them up using templates and graphics, add sound and animation, and present in a business or Internet setting Equips users to present visually charged, captivating slideshows Sophisticated, revised full-color design provides readers with easier navigation Shows users how to make real-world use of PowerPoint 2007 with highly visual two-page tutorials and numbered, step-by-step screen shots in full color on high-quality paper

If you are interested in exploring the infinite possibilities of making your own yarns, veteran spinner and teacher Judith MacKenzie McCuin offers insight, understanding, and invaluable information about your craft in The Intentional Spinner with DVD. The Intentional Spinner with DVD is a compendium of spinning wisdom, with a fun blend of technical knowledge, history, tips, and gently opinionated narrative. Yarn making is approached in three fundamental areas: Understanding Fibers: Compare the rich historic traditions of plant and animal fibers with the fascinating scientific advances in synthesizing fibers. Managing Yarn Structure: Step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate the range of possibilities in yarn, from sturdy plied yarns to playful novelty yarns. Practical Uses: Learn how to make yarns that precisely match your needs with decision making and planning to create the exact project you want from the beginning. The Intentional Spinner with DVD includes four projects that demonstrate how handspun can be used in weaving and knitting. The projects explain how to choose material, techniques, and finish the processes. The enclosed DVD features detailed information on yarn diameter, plying, novelty yarn structures, and finishing. Blending technical expertise and fascinating lore, The Intentional Spinner with DVD is a must-have reference for every spinner.

A knitting book focusing on the sheep-to-shawl process by a well-known knitter, shepherd, and artisanal yarn producer. Gain an insider's view on fiber farming and yarn craft, from sheep to skein, all told through the eyes of shepherd and textile artisan Barbara Parry. Follow her flock over the course of a year and discover all the facets of life with sheep: from shearing day and lambing season, to preparing fiber for yarn. Along the way you'll find projects for the fiber obsessed by top knitwear designers, essays on country life, and over 100 stunning photographs. With the growing locavore movement, the rising trend in sustainable farming, and the ever-increasing interest in crafting, this book is perfect for those who yearn for a closer connection to a rural lifestyle and who enjoy making things by hand.