Spinning Designer Yarns by Diane Varney                                                                 ISBN 1-931499-39-X, Softbound, 96pgs, $16.95(US), Interweave Press, Interweave Press, 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland, CO 80537-5655 USA, www.interweave.com, 1-800-272-2193 (USA), 970-669-7672 (International)

Diane Varney has authored a “must have” book for hand spinners.  Spinning Designer Yarns is of great value whether you work with a spinning wheel or drop spindles.  You do need to know the basics of how to spin and ply to benefit from this book.

There is information specific for those using spinning wheels such as size of orifice, flyer hooks, adjusting the wheel and modifying the yarn.  Don’t let that scare you; if you use a spinning wheel, it will all make sense; if you use hand spindles, it does not apply.  I spin with drop spindles and a high whorl is my preference.

As a novice in hand spinning, Diane’s book has helped me immensely.  It is the perfect reference book for hand spinners.  It is timeless; the information will still be applicable 50 years from now.  The chapters are broken into design; spinning control, color, fiber and color blends and making yarn.  Diane’s explanations and instructions are very easy to follow.

The design section will inform you about planning before making your yarns.  There is a listing of characteristics that describe yarn; fiber preparation; pilling and many other considerations.  The explanation of the S-twist compared to Z-twist is very easy to comprehend.  I had no idea how important it is to know which is which!

The color chapter will explain about dyeing fibers and color theory.  There is a Color Guidelines list that those new to the fiber world will really appreciate.  You will also learn about variegated dyeing.

Fiber and color blends provide you with the how to of making one of a kind color blended fibers and how to keep track of your blends to recreate them.

Making yarn is my favorite chapter.  I have learned to make curly yarn, slubs, snarl yarn and shaggy yarn. I also learned to cage yarn, core spin, the spiral technique, add beads, feathers and other fun items to the yarn.  Believe it or not, you can even ply rags and ribbons.

I recommend Spinning Designer Yarns to both beginner and advanced hand spinners.  If you are planning to learn to spin, plan on purchasing this book.  You will not regret it.  I keep my copy with my spindles, ready for easy reference.