The Spinner's Book of Yarn Designs

November 5, 2012
This inspired resource for spinners details the dizzying array of techniques and tactics that turn fleece into yarn. Veteran spinner Anderson has created a veritable spinner's cookbook, detailing 80 lovely concoctions and confections, with suggestions for variations and further exploration. The opening chapter covers basic fiber preparation and spinning techniques. Chapters on singles, the spinner's basic building block, detail techniques for stand-alone singles and singles for plying; subsequent chapters cover spiral yarns, opposing plies, boucles, cable, crepe, coil, and novelty yarns. Delicious varieties such as spiral "flame yarn," "bubble crepe," "cloud yarn," and distinctive "pigtail yarn" are detailed. Beautiful illustrations and clear step-by-step diagrams are offered for each of the 80 yarns that are discussed, and pop-out boxes with tips, tricks, and food for thought (for example, "lace knitting: two-ply versus three-ply") pepper each chapter. The pages have thoughtful side tab labels to make finding the right section easy. Inventive, accessible, and fun, this book is an invitation to spinners of all skill levels to venture into uncharted territory and try out something new. This beautiful reference is an essential addition to any spinner's library.

November 15, 2012

According to the introduction, Anderson's goal here isn't to teach readers how to spin, but to share the information that she has collected over the 35+ years that she's been creating her own yarn. The first half of the book covers spinning basics, from fiber preparation to spinning singles to a variety of plying techniques. The second half covers advanced techniques for spinning novelty, textured, and art yarns, including boucles, crepe yarns, and coil yarns. Anderson includes ample photographs, many of them including callouts describing the makeup of the yarn being discussed. VERDICT Most recent spinning books have focused on one type of yarn, and Anderson's more general approach offers enough variety to keep spinners busy.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2013

According to Anderson, "This book isn't meant to teach you how to spin." Instead, it is a well-illustrated introduction to the basics of fiber preparation, spinning, and finishing of new spun yarns. Her examples are primarily based on spinning wheel techniques, but she does not ignore drop spindles. A great resource of inspiration. (LJ 11/15/12)

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.