With a foreword by Deborah Robson who co-wrote one of the most comprehensive books available on breed-specific wools, (The Fleece and Fiber Source Book), Beth Smith's SPINNER'S BOOK OF FLEECE: A Breed-by-Breed Guide to Choosing and Spinning the Perfect Fiber for Every Purpose has eminent wool-cred. Beth's nine years of professional spinning experience is none-too shabby, either.

As she explains in her introduction, Beth Smith's SPINNER'S BOOK OF FLEECE is not intended to give specific information on wool from all specific sheep breeds but rather to give the reader information and tools with which they can examine a fleece or even a mystery hank of roving and make an informed determination on what broad category of wool it falls into and make a choice on the best use of that type of fiber. Even further, she gives thorough information on a variety of ways to treat and process that wool depending on what the spinner's final intended use shall be.

Although the tips and procedures can be very technical and precise, even a beginner spinner can benefit from the information provided, although a certain basic knowledge of spinning is assumed. The proper use of combs, carder and diz is valuable as is the discussion of setting up spinning wheel whorls in different ratios and the benefits of those choices. As you read through the broad categories of wool type (fine, down, longwools etc) and the more specific breed information you find gems sprinkled throughout, tips and techniques that otherwise only hard experience can provide.

If you have any interest in spinning your own yarn whether it is just a wish or you are an established hand at the skill I highly recommend adding Beth Smith's SPINNER'S BOOK OF FLEECE to your reference shelf. It's like having a knowledgeable neighbor ready to consult whenever you have a question on the subject.