Book Review: The Knitter's Book of Wool by Clara Parkes

I have always loved yarn in all its varied forms, but a recent step into spinning has made me think more deeply about the raw material that becomes that object of desire. To learn to spin is to know fiber, and this book is a wonderful reference on that marvelous fiber – wool. The first two chapters introduce the main character and describe its transformation into yarn; however, as a new spinner, I am most excited about chapter three. Chapter three provides fiber profiles of 37 different sheep breeds along with essential stats such as fineness, staple length, and crimp, as well as full-color pictures of washed and unspun locks. What a great resource! As someone who has recently been buying fiber more often than yarn, this is information I greatly appreciate. Adding to the overall usefulness quotient, there is a chapter dedicated to wool blends, articles on washing wool and moth control, and truly too much else to list. And, if all of that information isn’t enough, there is a chapter of patterns for hats, socks, shawls, and more. There are some good basic patterns, as well as some that stand out to me, such as the Lillia Hyrna Shawl and the Clouds Tibetan Beaded Stole [designed by new Portlandite and Twisted employee, Sivia Harding]. I believe I will be referencing this book often as my love of knitting transitions into a full-blown spinning obsession. 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 florencecashmereyarn.com