The Knitter's Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber

by Clara Parkes

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 that so tempts us at our local yarn stores.

Who makes it? Parkes conducts an inspiring tour of sheep breeds from around the world - introducing us to the animals who give us their wool - and explains how to best knit with yarns made from their fibers.

Which yarn do I use? If only there were a way to read a skein to know how it would behave and what it wanted to become. Now there is! Parkes demystifies the generic (non-breed-specific) wool yarn you'll find at your local yarn shop, showing you how to best determine what every yarn longs to be.

What do I knit? Parkes went to some of the most creative and inquisitive design minds of the kniting world to provide more than 20 patterns that highlight the qualities of specific types of wool.

The Knitter's Book of Wool teaches you everything you need to know about wool - and its journey from pasture to pullover. The next time you pick up a skein, you won't have to wonder what to create with it. You'll just know.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts, Art, Crochet, History

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2009

About the author

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."

Reviews

[Stephany Wilkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 but one of curiosity, almost librarian-like research, and reverential awe, which Parkes also imbues in the reader. You simply cannot read the facts Parkes provides and not feel utterly amazed by wool (and a little guilty for how much of it you've taken for granted).

I spent most of my time on the first three sections of the book, focused on the structure of wool, the breeds of sheep that produce it, and their attributes. Rest assured that an almost equal portion of it is devoted to wool being combined with other fibers as well as patterns that were created for the types of wool described in the book. The addition of these patterns is not only a complement but a practical illustration of the wool attributes Parkes describes earlier in the book - brilliant!

Finally, by introducing knitters to types of wool we may not have considered previously, Parkes also introduces us to lovely little farms we may not have found before. This book had its intended effect: because of it, I went to a local fiber festival, had a much greater understanding of and thus appreciation for what I was seeing in wool terms, and am now aware of several very small local farms that produce absolutely incredible wool.

[Nostalgia Reader]

Great breakdown of how wool "works" in yarn, as well as a basic, but extensive, rundown of various sheep breed stats (staple length, softness, feltability, etc.), and a section discussing how wool blends with other fibers and how these blends act (drape, luster, halo, etc.) As someone who has been wanting to pay more attention to and learn the differences between breeds, this is a great starting point. I can also see it being helpful for knitters who are branching out into spinning.

As with the other two books in this "series," I was very disappointed by the pattern photography. Although I didn't really find anything amazing that I wanted to make, I do still enjoy looking at the pretty pictures of them, and when they lack any definitive focal point and make it difficult to see the stitches, I'm disappointed. (Like this pic of the Cabin Socks... what exactly is this supposed to be showing? It's not exactly a beauty shot, you don't get a definitive look at the stitches, and it highlights the heel diagonal, the most stretched out part of the foot.) Fortunately, the written patterns are well done.

I was also disappointed of the lack of sheep pictures in the info section, although I did like that each breed highlighted had a picture of a washed lock.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Meredith Henning · Rating 4 out of 5]

...still awaiting this one, I'm #55 on my hold request list...

[Marieke · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book. i think it's becoming one of my favorite reference books.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book, well but I am just a BIT obsessed with knitting and these amazing yarns that come from sheep - this book breaks things down and it is quite enjoyable!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent place to start when learning about wool. Well described technical information about many different breeds. I feel like I need to take my copy along with me to the next county fair so I can read about some of the breeds as they stand before me. In the past, I have preferred unblended yarns, but her explanation of the benefits of blending various fibers together, along with the photos of the projects in various types of yarn, have led me to rethink my snobbish ways. I got this at the library, but before I finished the first chapter, I was on Amazon ordering a copy for myself. I'll be back in it's pages when I pick yarn for projects.

[Venus · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a knitter who is trying to get better at matching the right yarns to the right projects, this is a good starting point. About half of the book is dedicated to patterns, which is typically hit or miss. I also think it’s a lot or real estate to give to patterns and I wouldn’t include this book in my personal library because of it. That said, chapters 1-4 were interesting and informative. I especially liked the Meet The Breeds chapter — 35+ breeds!

I wish yarn producers would list breed specifics on commercially sold fiber with more regularity — this would help to educate knitters on the various types of fiber and its characteristics.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction into the world of wool I actually own a yarn shop and deal with wool every day. There is some repetition, but that's OK - there is so much information that it would be hard to take it all in otherwise. About half the book is patterns that show how different types of wool will shine in different applications. The patterns are varied and beautiful, and I would think everyone will find something that will inspire them. Recommended reading for anyone interested in wool who wants to go beyond generic wool yarns.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting overview of wool and sheep, with about half the book devoted to patterns. Really appreciate having some vague notion of the different breeds and qualities of the fibers - something that is becoming more common the further I fall down the knitting rabbit hole. Especially like the resources at the end.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very disappointed to see that the majority of the book lists patterns. I am more interested in the information she lists in chapters 1-3: 1. What is wool?, 2. From pasture to Pullover, turning wool into yarn., 3. Meet the breeds.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great starter resource: an introduction to the properties of wool, how it's processed, and the groups of sheep breeds. I was hoping for more in-depth accounts of each breed, but I think I'll have to turn to Deborah Robson for that.

[Jordan Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

In-depth review of fibre and sheep as well as a brief overview of the process of making yarn which was very helpful in understanding the difference between woolen-spun and worsted-spun. I give this a four as it was a little repetitive and I only really liked one of the knitting patterns.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent source for anyone who wants to learn more.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great reference to understand the knitty gritty of wool - where it comes from the differences that you find and how to understand it.

[Sandy]

Just what I wanted to know about wool in a light and interesting writing style.

[Judi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into reading it, so browsed the entire book.

[Eliot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good foundational work but it suffers from the expansion of similar works in recent years. Absolutely worth the read though.

[Stacy Koster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource

[Deliadear · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are engaged in textile arts such as knitting, spinning, weaving, felting, rug hooking, etc etc, this is an amazing reference book for your personal library. it is useful both in reading it front to back (or at least to the beginning of the patterns) but also as a reference book, checking the index for particular blends of wool with other plant-based fibres, a large number of sheep breeds, and other wool producing animals. The explanations of the various measurements and characteristics of wool spun into textiles are beautifully explained with very helpful visuals. I like that I have this as a physical book that I will refer to again and again, but an ebook would also work if you have a method to read it in colour. The imagery is extremely helpful in parallel with the text. This is my favorite of the Clara Parkes books that I've read and I'm so happy that I finally found a used copy.

[SplkdancerReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough look at wool specifically..... great for those deeply interested in the details of wool yarn, but for a broader and less in-depth look, try "The Knitter's Book of Yarn" which covers a wider range of yarn - including wool.
Didn't love this book because I wasn't in the mood to read something this detailed. Doesn't mean its a bad book, just had the wrong attitude in reading it, which made it difficult to get through.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 that was just me....

Also the patterns are gorgeous, use the perfect fibers and blends, and compliment the information provided perfectly.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction for knitters to the varieties of sheep and how their wool becomes yarn. Parkes' style is clear and engaging; her personality shines through in her writing. She doesn't just describe the different types of wool, but also explains why knitters should care where their wool came from. Her enthusiasm is contagious and those who want to dig deeper will benefit from her recommended reading list. The knitting patterns are from top-notch designers. Parkes explains why she chose the yarns she did so the reader can make informed substitutions if they wish.

I recommend this book to knitters and spinners who work with wool and want to learn more about their materials.

[Dawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 socks. This is a must have for any hard core knitter.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kristine]

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.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource on what wool is, what it does, and how to work with different types of it. Obviously, it isn't all-encompassing, but it's a great reference book with some cute patterns in it. It makes me want to be more deliberate with what I spin and how I spin. I'll definitely be referring to this book in the future.