Fiber Gathering: Knit, Crochet, Spin, and Dye More than 25 Projects Inspired by America's Festivals

I have loved fiber (knitting and crochet) for a long time but have recently taken up handspinning as well. I am almost entirely self-taught, so good books are priceless for continuing my education. Fiber Gathering definitely fits the bill! This book provides everything I would expect from a pattern book, including beautiful but useful pictures for viewing the product and clear directions for making one for myself. It also includes directions for projects that can take fiber art to the next level...how to dye fiber and basic spinning instructions, for example. And to top it off, the basic premise of the book, combined with artfully arranged photos and a thoughtful narrative, provides ample inspiration for approaching fiber art from different directions, both geographically and culturally. I recently attended my first fiber festival, a small regional event, and took my copy of Fiber Gathering with me to read in the car. It provided the knowledge (and courage) needed to purchase and process my very first raw fleece. I will surely use this book as reference and for inspiration for years.

When I moved to Nashville many years ago, I was excited to go to my first real state fair in the state capital. Somehow, I completely missed the fiber portion of it. Now I'm far away again, and will have to find another fiber show to attend, but this book certainly whetted my appetite. The book is well-photographed, and leads you through several shows in states all across the United States offering varieties of yarn I didn't know existed. It's a fun travelogue, and there are several nice patterns as well.

At 64, I have begun to knit to focus my thoughts and relax. FIBER GATHERING is just what I needed to be introduced to the celebrations, American traditions, and common values of the wider community of knitters. Joanne Seiff writes with warmth and humor and is an excellent teacher.

None of the projects in this book appealed to me personally. I enjoyed reading about the fiber festivals, but I sold the book.

Loved this book. Just started spinning; have been to Hemlock (NY Finger Lake region), and can't wait to get to others on this coast. And then some on the other coast!

Wasn't quite what I thought it would be, but I liked the book just the same.

This book is an absolute tresure. I've given it to several friends who have also come to enjoy the great stories, wonderful pictures, and fun projects this book covers. One of my favorite books this year!

Fun read!