Book Review from YarnMaker
The book is divided into three parts; The World of the Angora Rabbit (which includes history) (pages 9-82) TheCare of the Angora Rabbit (pages 83-134), and Crafts (pages 135-156) followed by a Bibliography and some useful addresses/websites.
The Crafts chapter covers making a drop spindle, carding and spinning of Angora wool, dyeing and felting. If your only interest is in spinning this book won't satisfy, but if you have a general interest in Angora rabbits there is plenty of interesting history you won't find elsewhere, much of it from the author's research in the Fur and Feather magazine archive that goes back to the late 1800s. This book is well written and a good read. Details of genetics and breeding are included for the keen rabbit keeper alongside the basic information needed if you are thinking of having just one or two of your own fibre producing pets.
Book Review from Journal of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Winter 2014
Whilst this book is really aimed at new Angora owners, the last three chapters contain valuable information on preparing and spinning the fibre, written by someone with a wealth of experience.
Lesley Hordon tells you everything you need to know from the early history of the breed to care and management, in an easy to read format. Breeding, health, cleanliness, diets and the structure of the fibre are the main topics covered in this book. The final three chapters contain a comprehensive introduction to the art of preparing, spinning, dyeing and felting, with the added caution of the downside of spinning pure angora- “slippery for beginners,” “too warm,” and the benefits of blending with wool or silk.
The illustrations are accompanied by knowledgeable text and for the price of a drop spindle (although there are instructions on how to make one) a good way to make the rabbit earn its keep. If you are a novice spinner further assistance would be needed to produce a balanced yarn but this would come later once you are hooked. The techniques of dyeing and felting could then be followed up with greater understanding of the process required for this fibre.In an age when more of us are buying our own exotic animals so we can grow our own fibre and if you are keen to own an angora rabbit, this book is for you.