Not all yarns are alike and it happens far too often that we use the wrong type of yarn for the wrong project - sometimes with disasterous results. In these pages, Clara Parkes provides in-depth insight into a vast selection of yarns, giving you the inside stories behind the most common fibre types, preparations, spins and ply combinations used by large-scale manufacturers and importers, medium-sized companies, boutique dye shops, community spinneries and old-fashioned sheep farms. And, because we learn best by doing, Parkes went to some of the most creative and inquisitive design minds of the knitting world to provide a wide assortment of patterns created to highlight the qualities (and minimize the drawbacks) of specific types of yarns.The Knitters Book of Yarn will teach you everything you need to know about yarn: How its made, who makes it, how it gets to you, and what it wants to become. The next time you pick up a skein, you wont have to wonder what to do with it, youll know intuitively.
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"Un. Real. There is no other way to describe...well, that's a lie because I'll come up with more. But my first impression of "The Knitter's Book of Yarn"? Un. Real. I open the hardcover to reveal a fiber family tree. Smitten. Smitten on the spot. This book is, without a doubt, everything you ever wanted to know not just about fiber but were afraid to ask....This is absolutely a MUST HAVE book, and I don't say that often."
--MelissaKnits, blog
--MelissaKnits, blog
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53 of 54 people found the following review helpful
By TravelBug
Format:Hardcover
When I bought this I was hoping for a comprehensive guide to choosing and substituting yarn, and understanding the effects different yarns would have on different finished projects. Unfortunately, that's not quite what I got. Although the book's much thicker than I expected (and printed on lovely quality paper, incidentally), a huge chunk of it is taken up with patterns. These are quite heavily slanted towards accessories: think plenty of shawls, gloves, hats and socks, with couple of bags and a handful of women's tops thrown in for good measure. The patterns themselves are nice enough but not exceptional, and schematics are not provided for several of the garments.
As for the actual information on different yarns, it's not as thorough as it could be. The author runs through the origins and characteristics of the various fibres available but often doesn't go into as much depth as I'd have liked: there's only half a page on linen, for example, and less than 150 words on bamboo. Much of the information which she does provide is genuinely useful, but there's simply not enough of it in the areas which would have been of the most use.
As for the actual information on different yarns, it's not as thorough as it could be. The author runs through the origins and characteristics of the various fibres available but often doesn't go into as much depth as I'd have liked: there's only half a page on linen, for example, and less than 150 words on bamboo. Much of the information which she does provide is genuinely useful, but there's simply not enough of it in the areas which would have been of the most use.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Every serious knitter should own this book. Comprehensive information on fibres and how they behave, yarns, how they are made and how that affects their properties, patterns to suit different yarns, advice on substituting yarns, and more. Very very good.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
103 of 106 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything you ever wanted to know about yarn, by the most wonderful Queen Bee
22 Oct 2007
By R. MISKIN
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
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!
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!
57 of 58 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is YARN 101
29 Oct 2007
By Armchair Interviews
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
43 of 43 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
All You Ever Wanted to Know about Yarn...a more!
25 Oct 2007
By Melissa Weaver Dunning
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
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