Inspiration:
When I first started spinning hand painted top, I felt frustrated. I wanted to understand how to control the colors in my yarn and make intentional choices, but I couldn’t find a resource that showed what really happened when you spun dyed fiber in different ways, especially one that made sense for visual learners like me.
Lynne Vogel’s Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook was the first book that gave me a glimpse into what was possible. It offered a variety of dyed fiber and spinning approaches, which helped me see how color and technique could work together. But I wanted to go even deeper. I wanted to see what would happen if you took the same top, dyed exactly the same way, and approached it with many different spinning methods to really isolate how technique affected the final color outcome.
That curiosity led me to experiment and document my process. Since I love teaching and learning through play, I didn’t want the work to stay in a notebook. I wanted to create something that would bring value to other spinners who were just as curious about color.
This idea became even more important to me when I began working on my Master Spinner certificate. My in-depth study focused entirely on this topic. It all started with a braid of fiber I bought at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, where I also had the chance to take a class with Lynne, who has become both a mentor and a friend. I spun that braid into a scarf, and that one project became the seed that grew into A New Spin on Color.
The swatches, skeins, and samples featured throughout the book are the actual pieces from my in-depth study. Every photo, diagram, and step by step explanation comes from that process. My hope is that this book gives you the visual clarity, technical confidence, and creative excitement you need to approach your own spinning with more intention and a lot more joy.
Shelley M. –
Alanna is an amazing teacher, very engaging and knowledgeable. I’m looking forward to taking more of her courses.
Mona –
Debra Santolla –
Fast service! Excellent book for the beginner or seasoned spinner. Would recommend to have in any fiber artist’s library!
Tony F –
This book is everything I wanted it to be. Alanna’s depth of knowledge on color as it relates to fiber through a finished object is fantastic. If you are looking to take your spinning or dyeing to the next level and become more technical in achieving the results you desire then this is a must have book for your library.
Laurie Williams –
This is a beautifully done,
self published, work of art. I don’t believe there is anything else on the market that compares to it. Be prepared to go on a journey as Alana shares her expertise. There is so much to learn. I have the pdf version for easy portable access and can’t wait to get my print copy
Linda P –
Your book is not only beautiful but full of information I was hoping to see to complete the knowledge you gave us during the workshop.
Deb S –
What a terrific job you did with this book! Beyond belief!!! This color work needs to be put on every spinner’s plate. With all the fantastic indie dyers out there now you have addressed a topic that should and now has been addressed! And very well done!
Tina (Bluemoon Fiber Arts) –
It’s a lovely book from an experienced spinner and teacher. Highly recommend!
Krista McCurdy (Pigeonroof Studios) –
It’s incredible; i haven’t seen anyone go as thoroughly and as methodically into spinning differently dyed fiber and how to spin the differently dyed fiber to get what you want. If you are a spinner, this book is a must-have. I’ve never seen such a marvelously thorough and original book on spinning from dyed top before; it should be a staple of all spinner’s reference libraries.
Ply Magazine –
If you’ve ever been attracted to a brightly-dyed braid of combed top or roving, only to be disappointed when you tried to knit with the finished yarn, this is the book for you. Art teacher Alanna Wilcox has spent years experimenting with spinning for color, and she has compiled all of her experiences into this book that is beautiful to look at and packed with stuff you want to know. Whether you’re new to the color scene or an experienced dyer, there’s something for you to learn from this book. Alanna starts with a foundation of theory and then guides you through the process of preparation and spinning for solids, barber poling, stripes, heathered yarns, and blended colors. The step-by-step photos and graphics will show you precisely what to do, and her friendly style keeps you from getting intimidated. – — PLY MAGAZINE, WINTER 2017 SCENE BOOK REVIEW
Beth Smith –
I have spent 90% of the the last 10 years focused on raw fleece and undyed processed wool. I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about hand painted fibers. When I sat down with this book I suddenly had a desire to start playing with some of those painted beauties I have been collecting for years and then just admiring on the shelf.
Jillian Moreno –
Your book is beautiful and has so many great and well illustrated ideas, I had a blast reading it!