Definitely recommended!
I'm a knitter who is getting interested in the nature of the fiber I'm working with. Consequently I'm increasingly interested in knowing more about the qualities of the wool that different breeds of sheep yield. I'm also beginning to be interested in handspinning. I bought this book because it looked like helping me in all three areas.
In Sheep's Clothing is a marvel. The first section covers the nature of sheep's wool, and some of the terminology to describe it. The book has one of the best explanations I personally have found of major systems for rating the fineness of the fibers. It also discusses the relationship of the wool's fineness to the length of the locks of wool, and how that relationship affects the feel and appearance of the yarn, and how it takes color. I found this very helpful. Also helpful are the diagrams of the structure of the "hairs" and how that structure matters both to spinning the fiber, and to how the spun yarn performs. This introductory section was very helpful: detailed enough to inform, but not excessively technical.
Next there is an extensive section on individual breeds. These are categorized by the fineness of the wool, with both comparative charts of the breeds in each section, then a page or so devoted to each breed. I especially like the fact that each breed entry offers a photo of the staple, which I find very helpful in getting a sense of the feel of each one. Obviously pictures aren't a substitute for the actual tactile experience, but the photos help me quite a lot, and I expect that when some day I get an opportunity to handle some of the unspun fibers, the education I'm getting from this book will go a long way to helping me make the most of that opportunity.
spinning wool
Great book for old and new spinners. A lot great information about different breeds of sheep and the wool they produce.
Wonderful information about sheep's wool!
This book is a must for the spinner who wants to spin natural wool straight from the sheep. It not only describes each variety of sheep, but has tables that make it very easy to compare the various breeds for their different characteristics. It is an invaluable reference.
Check for more reviews on Amazon.com
Similar Products:
|
