Listen to the Wool: A Why-to Guide for Joyful Spinning

Waltin (Knit (Spin) Sweden!) delivers an informative guide to spinning wool from start to finish. First, she discusses wool characteristics of various sheep breeds, pointing out that the Gute sheep’s soft undercoat and strong overcoat make its fleece an excellent choice for beginners. Elsewhere, she evaluates the pros and cons of washing out the lanolin (wool’s natural grease): while lanolin can keep the wool soft, some people are allergic to it. Step-by-step photos explain how to tease clusters of fibers with mini combs to make the wool “airy and open” and how to willow the wool to remove stubborn vegetable matter. Waltin offers practical advice to address common wool preparation problems, advising readers that if too much wool is placed on handheld carders (tools with wire teeth used to disentangle and blend fibers together), it can lead to uneven rolls. For spinning, Waltin emphasizes the twist model, where twisting the fibers ensures an even, stable yarn. She notes that while she often uses a spinning wheel, she feels a closer connection to the craft when using spindles. Some sections, including a chapter devoted to spinning meditation, feel superfluous. Still, this will be a welcome addition to any serious spinner’s library. (Nov.)