angora a handbook for spinners

If only I knew about this book when I began my journey into the fluffy world of angora rabbits & my desire to spin their wool.

Angora A Handbook For Spinners by Erica Lynne

If you have an itch to have your own adorable fiber animal & you love fiber crafts, you need to read this book. This is the book I wish I had when I first started on my journey. The author is very knowledgeable in not only the care of angora rabbits, but has studied the differences in each breeds wool. She explains how each breed of angora rabbits wool performs for spinning & for how the fiber will knit. FYI: Knitting is more suited to a non elastic fiber such as angora.

This book starts with the history of angora, the development of angora as an industry, angora rabbits & their fiber, biological facts about angoras, types & grades of angora, & buying angora fiber. Phew! All that in just the first chapter!

The middle of the book focuses on how to work with angora fiber (also wrongly/commonly called wool). The author explains fiber preparation, spinning, blending, & colors. She also discusses how to create your own pure as in one hundred percent angora knitwear. Your eyes didn't deceive you. I did indeed say, 100% angora knitwear. "That's not possible" you might think. Think again. It is possible with the right angora fibers. The author explains how to make the most beautiful knitwear & even discusses the health benefits of wearing pure angora. But wait! There's more! You can weave, yes weave with angora!

The end of the book discusses producing your own angora fiber. How to find the perfect angora rabbit, travel with him or her, & how to care for him or her. She also discusses common rabbit diseases along with how to treat them. She even offers several ideas on how to properly groom & handle your angora rabbit during the long grooming process.

For such a slender, out of print book, the information within is timeless. The author is clear & professional in sharing her knowledge. The only thing I found disappointing is that the photos are in black & white. When she shows photos in regard to understanding colors, black & white photos are inadequate. The reader cannot learn nor fully appreciate the variances in colors & coat structures in the different breeds of angoras. It is also impossible to see the unique color contrasts in finished angora knitwear.

While this book is geared towards owning a angora rabbit as a pet and using it's fiber, if you are not interested in having a pet angora, it is still valuable. It can help you better understand (or if just getting started, learn) how this beautiful animals fiber behaves in comparison to other protein based fibers. It will also help you be a more savvy shopper. If you wish to use angora for spinning & other fiber crafts, this book should be on your shelf.