"All knitterly creation stems from one simple element: yarn. It is the baker's flour, the jeweler's gold, the gardener's soil....We love it, we covet it, we are knocked senseless by it, yet sometimes we are baffled, thwarted and betrayed by it." That's what Clara Parkes says in the introduction of her book, "The Knitter's Book of Yarn". Her purpose in writing the book is to help eager knitters (and crocheters) avoid yarn-related errors, such as "the socks that grew twice as long in the first wash, or...the scarf that feels like sandpaper against your delicate neck." She explains the composition, characteristics, care of, and best uses for a number of different yarns.
It's helpful to have all the facts about wool, mohair, angora, silk, hemp, cotton, and so on, but Parkes doesn't stop there. She also discusses merits and drawbacks of various rayon-like yarns, that are made from wood pulp, bamboo, corn, soy, or seaweed(!). And don't worry, she doesn't forget the colorful and inexpensive nylon, polyester, and acrylic that many of us start out with. Some interesting patterns are included, too. Take a look!
No comments:
Post a Comment