The  Spinning Companion by Bobbie Irwin                                                                 ISBN 1-883010-79-9, Spiral-bound, 33pgs, $21.95(US), Interweave Press, Interweave Press, 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland, CO 80537-5655 USA, www.interweave.com, 1-800-272-2193 (USA), 970-669-7672 (International)

Interweave’s “Companion” series publications are a standard in the bead and fiber world.  The Spinner’s Companion is the perfect book for hand spinning with a spindle or a spinning wheel.  Beginner and advanced spinners will find this handy little spiral bound book a regular companion both at home and when traveling.

Right at your fingertips are the answers to your questions and how to solve your problems.  You will find step-by-step instructions for spinning with a spindle and a spinning wheel, so even beginners can learn.  Every facet of spinning is within these pages.

You will learn about fibers such as wool, silk, and cotton plus other seed fibers, fibers from plant stems, leaf fibers and man-made fibers.  Learn how-to spin those fibers plus angora, cashmere, dog and cat hair, camel down, flax, alpaca and llama.  After you learn to spin, plying is next, combining more than one fiber together to create great textures and fancy fibers.

Find out about insects, mildew and bacteria that can damage your fibers.  Learn how to identify the culprits, prevent damage and store fibers properly.  A chart is provided for quick identification of individual fiber types, their susceptibility and storage procedures.

The Spinner’s Companion is the perfect quick reference and ideal tool for spinners.