Book excerpt: A book on spinning basics for beginners from internationally acclaimed spinner and weaver Anne Field. With easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions, Anne guides the novice spinner through all they need to know to get started. She explains the spinning process and techniques, including preparation of fleeces, worsted and woolen spinning methods, plying, adjusting tension, treadling, skeining, drafting and blending as well as helpful advice about spinning wheels and how they work. A wide range of fibers suitable for spinning are featured--wool, alpaca, silk, mohair, cotton, angora, and synthetic and blended fibers--with details on the characteristics of each fiber and best spinning methods to use. Also included are many great projects with full instructions on how to use your newly spun yarns. Fully illustrated with full color photographs throughout.