What a warm, welcome work for the weary crafter. This book provides a beautiful overview of what a blending board is, with a discussion of history and form, before providing readers with an introduction to the tools they'll need to start to successfully spin off the wheel and onto the board. Held describes the board as an affordable, accessible option for those interested in spinning but unable to afford or not interested in a drum carder. She goes on to share exactly how a blending board works, with photos illustrating everything from related tools to tips, tricks, and techniques. Each section dispels myths and defines terms related to spinning, thereby demystifying the process and making it possible for anyone to make batts, clouds, and more.
VERDICT While Held used the blending board as a literal springboard into her yarn business, she recognizes that spinners at all levels of expertise can benefit from learning how to use the tool to transform fibers into fabulous, fat, fluffy rolls.--Emily Bowles "Library Journal" (3/18/2025 12:00:00 AM)
"How many ways can you use a blending board? If you are just making rolags, you are missing out on an adventure! In this exciting book, Debbie Held gives you the keys to use your blending board for a variety of preparations and loads of ways to play with color. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for the process show you that if you have a blending board, you have the ability to create unique blends and colorways at your fingertips." --JILLIAN MORENO, author of Yarnitecture: A Knitter's Guide to Spinning--Building Exactly the Yarn You Want
"Whether you love spinning woolen yarns from rolags or smooth, worsted yarns from near perfectly aligned top, the blending board can create all these fiber preparations. Debbie shows us that one tool can rule them all!" --FELICIA LO, founder and creative director, SweetGeorgia Yarns
Encompassing both Debbie's artistic creativity and logical, reasoned, technical information, this book fills a niche sorely lacking in the world of fiber arts. Prior to reading this book, I had never given the blending board much credit as a preparation tool, but since then I have been converted. The sheer versatility demonstrated is staggering both for initial preparation and blending. Almost no stone is left unturned as Debbie discusses various techniques ranging from fiber blending, add-ins, fleece preparation and more. I feel that this book would be an asset on the bookshelf of any fiber artist, whether they be experienced or beginner. It has certainly made me want to grab my blending board and start experimenting, and I have no doubt it will do the same to you! --James Perry aka LongDrawJames

Debbie's book is a delight, because in these pages she shares her deep love of fibre preparation with a humble, accessible, and unassuming tool--a blending board. I love how Debbie demonstrates how a simple DIY blending board can provide just as much blending capability as a more expensive piece of fibre prep equipment.

With a blending board, Debbie shows us an incredible number of ways to play with different colours, textures, and fibres to create everything from rolags to punis to batts, and so much more.

As I read through Debbie's instructions, I got that creative itch to grab my blending board, pull out my spinning fibre stash, and just play. The photographs will spark inspiration and your imagination. You'll soon discover that with blending boards, the possibilities are endless. Whether you love spinning woolen yarns from rolags or smooth worsted yarns from near perfectly aligned top, the blending board can create all these fibre preparations. Debbie shows us that one tool can rule them all!

--Felicia Lo, Founder & Creative Director, SweetGeorgia Yarns

Encompassing both Debbie's artistic creativity and logical, reasoned, technical information, this book fills a niche sorely lacking in the world of fiber arts. Prior to reading this book, I had never given the blending board much credit as a preparation tool, but since then I have been converted. The sheer versatility demonstrated is staggering both for initial preparation and blending. Almost no stone is left unturned as Debbie discusses various techniques ranging from fiber blending, add-ins, fleece preparation and more. I feel that this book would be an asset on the bookshelf of any fiber artist, whether they be experienced or beginner. It has certainly made me want to grab my blending board and start experimenting, and I have no doubt it will do the same to you!

--James Perry aka LongDrawJames