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

The characteristics of fleece — its structure, grease content, and fiber diameter — vary widely depending on the breed of sheep the fleece comes from. In this comprehensive guide, Beth Smith profiles 21 types of fleece, from bouncy and pliant to lacy and lightweight. A sheep-by-sheep reference describes the best way to wash and spin each fleece into rich, soft yarn. You’ll soon be confidently choosing the right fleece, spinning it to perfection, and enjoying the perfect yarn for your next fiber creation. As spinners, knitters, and weavers know, the characteristics of fleece -- its structure, grease content, and fiber diameter -- vary widely depending on the breed of sheep the fleece comes from. These factors are crucial when you're deciding how to spin your fleece and use your finished yarn. In this comprehensive reference, Beth Smith presents a thorough overview of 21 sheep breeds, including each breed's characteristics and history, a photo of the animal and its locks, the best methods for washing its fleece, and specific techniques for preparing, spinning, and finishing the fleece. You'll discover how to select the fleece that is best for your project and how to spin exactly the yarn you need This sheep-by-sheep guide provides fleece profiles of 19 breeds and describes the different spinning methods that produce yarns suitable for a wide range of projects -- from lacy shawls to sturdy outerwear. You'll explore the basic characteristics of fleece -- crimp structure, lock shape, and relative fineness or instructions on proper cleaning and processing techniques for different types of fleece and tips for successful spinning