Book Review: The Knitter's Book of Wool by Clara Parkes
I have always loved yarn in all its various forms, but a recent foray into spinning has made me think more deeply about the raw material that transforms into that object of desire. Learning to spin means understanding fiber, and this book is a wonderful reference on that wonderful fiber: wool.
The first two chapters introduce the main character and describe its transformation into yarn; however, as a new spinner, I am very excited about chapter three. The third chapter provides fiber profiles of 37 different sheep breeds along with essential statistics such as fineness, staple length, and crimp, as well as color images of washed and unspun locks. What a great resource! As someone who has recently purchased fiber more often than yarn, this is information I greatly appreciate. In addition to the overall utility quotient, there is a chapter dedicated to wool blends, articles on washing wool and moth control, and really too much else to list.
And, if all this information weren't enough, there's a chapter of patterns for hats, socks, shawls, and more. There are some good basic patterns, as well as some that stand out for me, like the Lillia Hyrna shawl and the Tibetan beaded Clouds stole [designed by new Portlandite and Twisted employee, Sivia Harding].
I believe I will be referring to this book often as my love for knitting turns into an obsession for spinning.
Buy the book on amazon (in English): The Knitter’s Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber
