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25th out of 52 books
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The Knitter's Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber
by
Clara Parkes (Goodreads Author)
In this complete guide to wool - the most popular yarn around - passionate wool expert Clara Parkes translates the vast world of sheep and their wool into the language and context of knitting.
What is wool? Clara starts with the fundamentals: what wool is made of, how it gets off the sheep, and how it is transformed from a jumbled mass of dirty fluff into a gorgeous yarn th...more
What is wool? Clara starts with the fundamentals: what wool is made of, how it gets off the sheep, and how it is transformed from a jumbled mass of dirty fluff into a gorgeous yarn th...more
Hardcover, 208 pages
Published
February 2nd 2011
by Potter Craft
(first published October 13th 2009)
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Full disclosure: I am a Wool Person. One of the things I love most about living where I do is a local climate that enables me to don a wool sweater almost every evening (without air conditioning). With that out of the way...
Well, I thought I was a Wool Person, until this Clara Parkes came along. Her deep and abiding passion for her subject surpasses not only mine, but that of most knitters I know, and it comes through in her book. The tone of the book, though, is not one of ardor b...more
Well, I thought I was a Wool Person, until this Clara Parkes came along. Her deep and abiding passion for her subject surpasses not only mine, but that of most knitters I know, and it comes through in her book. The tone of the book, though, is not one of ardor b...more
I received a sound education in the first 20 or so pages alone, and the information I gleaned was so compelling I just kept on reading. There is enough information to make you a whiz at wool but not so much that you feel like it's finals week. Clara's comfortable, easy writing style make this a wonderful read for interested fiber folk. As with The Knitter's Book of Yarn, this book had me underlining bits of information that I believe strongly will make me a better knitter, spinner and teacher.
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The Book of Wool isactually pretty darn nifty. The book is much more oriented towards the different types of wool producing creatures and the finer points of each. There's quite a difference between merino and shetland, for example, and knowing the characteristics and the types of projects it's best suited for (next to the skin as opposed to outerwear, or even rugs,) is important when planning projects. As an added bonus, the book also features a number of patterns I would actually make. Huzzah!
This is a great starting point for Knitters and handspinners looking to understand more about wool and how we use it. I think this is a rather general reference (specificlly in the chapters about sheep breeds); but entirely relevant. Though not the most comprehensive, I came away with so much more knowledge than I came to the table with. Ever wonder why we blend wool with silk? Read this. However- be warned. This will only whet your appetite for more info on sheep breeds and their wool. Or maybe...more
As a knitter, I found this book extremely interesting. It explains, in depth, the nature and origin of all sorts of wool and the sheep that produce the wool. I know this would be invaluable to a spinner. I really enjoyed the information about wool blends and how they are best used. The second half of the book is patterns written to best demonstrate the properties of the yarns discussed in the first half. I am most intrigued by the lovely lace shawl patterns, as well as some lovely sweaters and s...more
I actually read this book cover to cover. Learned quite a bit. There are a few patterns I plan to try and the photography was wonderful. I'm looking forward to reading her The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn.
Really loved this book, got me excited to experience and work with more types of wool. Excellent information on the entire process of shearing to spinning, and a thorough guide to most of the world's wool producing sheep and the specific qualities of their individual wool. Lots of pictures, tho I was left wanting for a little more. I reserved her other book, 'The Knitter's Book of Yarn', after reading this, and I hope that it's as enjoyable and inspirational.
This was a perfect Christmas gift for me. This book just makes me want to buy a sample of yarn made from every one of the sheep mentioned and knit with them. I might have to go out and buy Knitters Book of Yarn and the Knitters book of Socks as well.
As an added bonus, there are beautful patterns at the end of the book.
As an added bonus, there are beautful patterns at the end of the book.
This is a very nice book. It goes further in depth into breeds of sheep than I am interested in at this time, but I'm happy to know this resource is available should I need it. There are some beautiful patterns in here. The Comfy Cardigan caught my eye, as did Cat Bordhi's socks and the use of Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn.
A comprehensive look at wool. While it includes several nice patterns, the true strength of the book is its description of different types of wool. This will make for an excellent reference manual but the spattering of anecdotes made it enjoyable to read straight through, as well.
The reason I've rated this so low is that there wasn't much in there that I couldn't find just by looking up the various sheep breeds online. Yes, this gets it all into one place, but that's not enough to make me buy it. I'm glad I read it before going out and getting it.
I bought this book because I fell in love with the "Falling Waters" shawl. I turned it into a blanket and enjoy stitching it so much that I refuse to finish it. Even though I can't knit with wool I will use many of these patterns. Excellent!
Lots of detailed information on wool and different breeds of sheep and the effect any of this would have on your knitting. Gorgeous illustrations and photography. I haven't tried any of the patterns yet, but I'm sure I will soon.
A good comprehensive volume about different types of sheep and the differences in wool and the best use of specific yarns. I checked this out of the library, but am considering purchasing it for my collection.
Finally finished this. It had some good information, but maybe I've wool geeked too much since I spin that not much was really revealed for me. I found the Knitter's Book of Yarn to be more enlightening. Still, a good book and I enjoy the sections on the various breeds and the cute illustrations for them.
A beautiful book to look at. Nice patterns, especially a Tibetan beaded shawl in a gorgeous shade of orange. Use the book to open yourself up to different kinds of wool.
Very informative guide (geared to knitters and spinners) describing kinds of wool produced by different breeds of sheep.
Liked the information about wool...but....half the book is patterns??!!? A couple were nice, but I was disappointed.
Interesting stuff about sheep and wool that I never knew, plus some nice patterns in the back.
More than you thought you could ever possibly absorb about the many types of wool. Explains why you can go out in rainy snow in your wool coat without worrying about ruining it.
Love, love this book. The Book of Yarn was good as well, but Clara has outdone herself with this one. I will need to scrape away some money and buy this one. Love it!
For the fiber nerd in me. This book is also beautifully put together. It even has anatomically correct illustrated sheep endpapers!
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Melissa
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There are a couple of really simple patterns in here I really like.
Great handbook for anyone interested in wool
Best knitting book 2009!
Another fantastic reference book from Clara. This one delves into the differences between various types of wool, including details of a number of different breeds of sheep. It's neat to be able to read about the different breeds from which I already have yarn, and to have a guide to buying future kinds of yarn. Again, there are great patterns in the second half of the book that allow you to put your newfound wool knowledge to work.
Good info! Nice pictures! Useable patterns!
This book was incredible. She did such an amazing job of discussing wool and I even learned a few new things. Her sheep breed section is fabulous and the patterns are wonderful.
An excellent resource on wool, which as a spinner and knitter, I keep returning to. Good patterns also.
half of book talks about sheep
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CLARA PARKES left her career in the booming high-tech industry to pursue her love of knitting. She lives on the coast of Maine in a farmhouse full of yarn. She is the publisher of KnittersReview.com and a contributor to Interweave Knits."
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