The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn

This book far, far surpassed my expectations. I've long been a fan of the author's Knitters Review website, and I pre-ordered this book merely because of that. When it arrived, I expected a slightly dry, dull, but factual book on fibers. Instead, it turns out to be not only packed full of more fiber information that I could have imagined, but that information is well written and enjoyable to read. Suddenly the light bulb has gone on, and I understand the connection between fiber content, spin and ply and my finished product. Instead of merely "going for the gauge" and expecting a sweater to work out, I can now make a far better decision about what yarn will work with what pattern and, more importantly, what yarn will not work and why. Honestly, this may be the only reference book that qualifies as a bona fide page-turner! And the happiest surprise - there are a bunch of fabulous patterns included. This book, more than any other I own, has made me a better, more competent, confident knitter. I highly recommend it as a must-have for every knitter's bookshelf.

Ever wondered why your experience of knitting is sometimes one of ambivalence? Clara Parkes suggests that it may be the materials you are using. Curious to understand why yarn had such an impact on her knitting, she quite her high-tech job and applied her experience to providing knitters honest and in-depth reviews of yarn. Her search to understand if there was such a thing as "good" and "bad" yarn led to the birth of KnittersReview.com in September 2000. The Knitter's Book of Yarn: the ultimate guide to choosing, using, and enjoying yarn collects seven years of knowledge that has led Parkes to be considered by some a "yarn whisperer." Her goal is to help knitters avoid "yarn-related errors" and match the right yarn to the right project, "to hold a skein in our hands, look at it, touch it, listen to it, even smell it, and instinctively know what the yarn wants to become." In The Knitter's Book of Yarn, Parkes explores common fiber types, methods of preparation, spins, and ply combinations. The yarns discussed are meant to serve as examples of type and lead to a better understanding of the yarns in your stash or those found at the local yarn shop. The main body of the volume is called "Ply Me a River," where Parkes explores the qualities of classic single ply, two-ply, three-ply and four-ply (and more) yarns. Within each section are patterns designed to showcase the best qualities of this type of yarn. Each pattern is by designers whom Parkes admires for "their instinctive love and understanding of yarn." The end of this main body is used to explore "modern" yarns; cabled yarns and textured yarns. Parkes also includes information on the "care and feeding" of yarn; that is, how to wash and care for your garments once they are knit. Additional tips are provided on the special handling each fiber requires when it is wet and for removing odors (especially important if you are sensitive to the smell of wet silk). Armchair Interviews says: Savvy knitter will reach for The Knitter's Book of Yarn before their next yarn purchase.

When I first saw that Clara Parkes was writing a book about knitting yarn, I didn't think that it would be a book I needed to own. But I was first in line to borrow it when our local library got a copy and I have to say that I was wrong. The Knitter's Book of Yarn is a beautiful book with some terrific patterns and it is the best resource book about yarn that there is. The book is arranged in three main sections. First, she looks at all the different types of fiber in some depth, and you will find some products that you didn't think could be made into yarn, as well as answers to some burning fiber questions you may have had, like what the heck is rayon, anyway? In the second section, she considers the structure of yarn, how it is made and how that affects the use. Finally, Clara addresses the specific qualities of singles, 2, 3, 4 ply yarns, cabled, textured, boucle, brushed and chenille yarns, and includes several patterns for each type of yarn. I'm quite impressed and will be pleased to add this book to my knitting library. I have already knitted 2 pair of Maine Morning Mitts. This book will appeal to knitters, crocheters, spinners and weavers. Bravo, Clara! Well done! Clara Parkes also publishes a weekly e-newsletter called Knitter's Review, which is very informative, well written and entertaining.

If you are familiar with the Knittersreview.com, then you know how great Ms. Clara is (and the depth of her knowledge of yarns) , and have probably preordered your copy already. If you haven't visited KR yet, this is a great introduction to yarn design, and a wonderful reference work, as well as a great set of easy and fun projects. Ms. Parkes just makes it easy to understand the "how and why" of which yarn to use for what. I was lucky enough to score a copy of "The Knitters Book of Yarn" at the NY Sheep and Wool festival this weekend, and managed to make it cover to cover in about 10 hours. Ms. Parkes is one of this countries top experts on all types of knitting yarns, and this is a wealth of yarn construction knowledge with some really useful tips and tricks about selecting the correct yarn for your project. The projects included are also range from the beginners washcloth to some great vests and the "Maine Morning Mitts" are truly excellent. I can't say enough about how well it is written, and how facinating Ms. Clara makes all the details of twist, balance, and fiber selection. If you are a knitter, know a knitter, or want to be a knitter, you can't go wrong here. Fun to read, clearly organized, and quite comprehensive, I know I will be using this as a reference tome for years to come, as well as making a couple of sets of Mitts for Christmas gifts!