The Spinner’s Book of Fleece: A Breed-by-Breed Guide to Choosing and Spinning the Perfect Fiber for Every Purpose

It takes a particular kind of obsessive to spin her own yarn. And it takes an even more particular kind of obsessive to write a book about choosing yarn to spin. Luckily, Smith is that kind of obsessive. This is the perfect guide for serious spinners to use before they ever ogle a particular breed of sheep and its wool. The author walks readers through each category of fleece, from fine wools to long wools to multicoated breeds and beyond, including freshly sheared “wool in the grease.” Smith instructs readers on how to judge a skirted fleece, how to clean said fleece, and how to solve fleece problems before proceeding to the appropriate uses for each kind of yarn. In-depth information on sheep breeds, , accompanied by dignified close-ups, is provided. Smith assumes its audience has a background in spinning and knitting/crochet, but she includes information on essential tools every spinner will need. Novices and experts alike will respond warmly to her take on selecting yarn for knitting or crochet projects. (Aug.)