by Vanessa Kroening (Author)

Want to spin your own beautiful yarn? Expert spinner Vanessa Kroening shows you how in this easy introduction to spinning with a drop spindle. No need to invest in an expensive spinning wheel!

"The bounty of photos ensure readers will know how every step should look, and Kroening's knowledge of the craft impresses. This makes yarn spinning easy." - Publishers Weekly

Expert spinner Vanessa Kroening shows you how to spin in this wonderfully accessible introduction to spinning with a drop spindle. Vanessa explains how to:

• clean and prepare fleece for spinning

• what to look out for when choosing a fleece

• how to card, blend colors, and make rolags and batts.

• use a drop spindle

• ply your yarn and how to add beads, sequins and other elements, as well as how to dye your yarn

Spinning with a drop spindle isn't just fun - it's amazingly relaxing and highly creative too. You get to choose the type of fiber, and the colors and thickness of the yarn you make - you can even dye the yarn, and add beads, sequins and other embellishments to create your own unique yarns. A spindle is so compact, you can carry it around town with you and is not even necessary to have to spin. Be inspired and take your knitting, crochet, felting and weaving to a whole new level!

Author Biography

Vanessa Kroening is an expert in spinning with a drop spindle, and acquired her knowledge through reading, researching, experimenting and meeting with like-minded crafters. She has exhibited as The Spinner's Stash at craft and fibre shows such as The British Wool Show, Kirsty Allsopp's Handmade Fair, Yarnporium and Textiles East and now exhibits at yarn shows in the US such as Stitches Midwest and Southeastern Animal and Fiber Fair. Additionally, she offers lessons and workshops in both spinning and felting.

Vanessa is married with one child and has recently moved back to Valdosta, GA after 15 years in the UK. Formerly an aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force, Vanessa's online shop, The Spinner's Stash, specializes in handmade drop spindles, and spinning and felting fibres. Samples of her work can be found on her website, thespinnersstash.com and on Instagram @thespinnersstash.