All About Wool: A Fabric Dictionary & Swatchbook (Fabric Reference Series, Volume III)

All About Wool is a fascinating guide to the world of wool fabrics, from the domestication of sheep to the evolution of the wool industry. The author uses clear, uncomplicated language and simple drawings to explain the different types of wool and how it gets from the back of a sheep to the coat on your back.

A comprehensive introduction covers characteristics of the fiber, history of wool, breeds of sheep, types of wool, the main sources of wool, the wool textile industry, new technology and wool quality, followed by detailed descriptions of 35 wool fabrics.

Each description is illustrated with a real cloth sample, right there on the same page, which clarifies in the simplest way what a boiled wool, crepe, gabardine, melton or whipcord actually looks and feels like. On the facing page, a comprehensive checklist covers everything from style, fit and garment suggestions to wearability, care and price.

All About Wool is packed with information about the different yarns, weaves and finishing techniques used to make wool fabrics. Terms such as virgin wool, lamb's wool, merino wool and worsted wool are clearly explained. A special section describes similar fibers from other animals, such as camels and goats.

If you work with wool, you'll love this book!

Fabric Reference Series, Volume III
Written and illustrated by Julie Parker
Published in 1996. Fourth printing 2006.
11" wide x 8.5" tall, 144 pages, 76 b&w illustrations.
One-piece soft cover with hidden plastic-comb binding.
Includes package of 30 wool fabric swatches plus 5 swatches of specialty hair fibers.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9637612-2-4
ISBN-10: 0-9637612-2-6
LCCN: 9692209

List price: $65.00 Our price: $58.50.