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

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

• 
  Stephany Wilkes

  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

  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

  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

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

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

  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

  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.
• 
  Barbara

  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.
• 
  Jackie

  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

  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.
• 
  Heather

  An excellent source for anyone who wants to learn more.
• 
  Laura

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

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

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

  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.
• 
  Shannon

  The Book of Wool takes a reader on a very thorough journey from how the hairs grow from a sheep's skin right down to final dyed and blended woolen commercial yarns. It was an interesting read and explained some of the many fascinating properties of wool and its use in textiles both historically and present-day. There are organized descriptions of dozens of breeds and their history with accompanying photos of processed and unprocessed wool and some pretty patterns at the back. I was pleasantly surprised to find Canadian spinner Fleece Artist (
  www.fleeceartist.com) referenced - her wool is recommended for at least one of the patterns.
  
  Although it might be too much information for a novice knitter, this is definitely a great resource for knitters looking to expand their understanding (and potentially skills) and an excellent one for those venturing in to dyeing their own wool.
• 
  Elise

  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

  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.
• 
  Ashley

  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.
• 
  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

  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

  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.
• 
  Sherri

  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.
• 
  Leslie

  This book had so much fun information about sheep breeds and their wool's characteristics. I didn't read every word of that section, but it was still fascinating to discover. I had no idea there was so much variety! I liked the pattern section too, a nice variety of skill levels with suggestions to try the same pattern in different wools. Will do!
• 
  Charlotte

  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.
• 
  MaryJane

  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.