As President of Signature Needle Arts yarn makes our needle business possible. This book is fantastic--whether you have just started to knit or are the most experienced. All the information about fiber and yarn manufacturing you have ever heard (and a lot you probably don't know) is in one place. It explains so much about what a knitter experiences from one yarn type to another. Understanding of the basic raw material of all knitting projects will prove invaluable and save time, expense and the heart-break of choosing the wrong yarn. Knitter's Review is a great website, but this book should be on every knitter's shelf as a reference.

This book is a good book on yarns...however not for beginners...unless very very interested in yarns. The yarns specified for the projects are quite expensive and hard to get....

I found this book after reading about the loss of one of the shawls from this book. Excellent guide to yarns and the patterns just add more to the knowledge of using the yarns. Also the patterns are great too. The pictures are clear but they are presented in an old fashioned way reminding me of an old Hungarian book's pictures. I prefer glossy.

Wow. I'm only sorry I put off getting this earlier... I have so many knittig book duds - preordered, going by past history, etc etc, that I had resolved to wait and see what reviewers said before ordering more knitting books. I should have known better, as Clara's site is excellent. This book is even better than I thought it would be. Information about yarns, their makeup, what the different fibers and plies are best suited to, even patterns - it is amazing.

Thanks for an excellent book from a long time website admirer :)

Wonderful book. Great pictures. This book is very helpful and explains allot of important information on yarn. This book is a must have for all knitters and crocheters.

The more you know about yarn, the more yarn you need. I thought I knew a lot, but this book really clears it up for me. I don't know that I need to own this one, but it's surely a worthwhile read.

The book has a fabulous lot of information about yarn and how to use it. I would recommend it for any serious knitter, especially if the knitter is interested in spinning. The included patterns are also charming and tempting, especially the snail-motif mittens. Enjoy!

I enjoyed reading this book. While I may never get to use all those wonderful fibers, it has caused me to branch out more. Right now I am waiting for some yarn to arrive that is 70% merino and 30% silk--I can hardly wait!

The source of many fibers is discussed, as well as how they act, and what their good and weak points are.

If you are at all interested in yarn, you'll like this book. And don't forget to check out her website KnittersReview.

This is an essential reference that should be on the bookshelf of any serious knitter, crocheter, or yarn lover. I have been knitting for 35 years, and this is the first book I have come across that explains why certain yarn types work well with a particular stitch pattern and/or garment construction and why other yarn types wouldn't. Ms. Parkes' book is well researched, information-packed and thorough, and is worth buying just for the Maine Morning Mitts pattern, which will set off your Noro Kureyon, La Lana or Malabrigo in fine style!

Best book on Yarn yet!! If you are a knitter or a weaver you will love this book!! I give this book a 10!!!! I'm just having fun!! Currently I cannot knit so I am catching up on my reading and this book just keeps my heart going and the urge to pick up my needles is very hard!!I just cannot wait to knit again and enjoy all of the tips on yarn.

every knitter and fiber enthusialst should have this book. It is so educational on fibers and also has some great patterns. Well worth the price! Ms Parkes not only gives you information on fibers, but plies, uses, and little tips on how to use the fibers. Helpful for spinners as well! LOVE

This book is so full of educational information on yarns, manufacturing, etc. It's a great tool to use when choosing a project and what yarn is best to use for that project. The author did a fantastic job!

Let's be honest. There comes a time in all knitters' lives when they realize they simply have enough knitting books. They have all the sweater, hat, purse, scarf, shawl, sock, whatever patterns they will ever need, and they don't want to hear about another little yarn store or another group of knitters who did some inspiring thing. But now, there's a book that even a booked-out knitter will want to buy. I ended up reading the thing from cover to cover.

Learn about the foundation of all textile arts: the yarn itself. Did you know that rayon and Tencel start their lives as plant material, which is why you can make yarn out of milk without making string cheese? Do you know why it's sometimes called "virgin wool"? Do you know why knitters should be grateful to mulberry leaves? Do you know the difference between worsted weight yarn and worsted spun?

But my favorite thing about the book is that after it talks about the particular properties of a yarn, it offers a pattern or two that exploits that property -- and what fabulous patterns, too! I recommend this for beginning and advanced knitters alike. A real gem.

I have many books on knitting and crocheting, but this is my favorite. The reason I love this book is that it covers the subject of yarn so well, I learned virtually everthing I needed to know about yarn, and it introduced me to yarn products I have never heard of. I can't begin to tell your about all the benefits of this book.

One thing I think you should know is that there are many patterns in this book, they are a springboard for the information about yarn, the patterns are very lovely and I have knitted one and love it. Now when I go into a yarn store or shop on the internet I know what specific fibers or blends I am intersted in.

THIS BOOK DESERVES 10 STARS !!!
All the mystery of which yarn would best suit a project, by explaining everything you wished to know about a particular type of yarn are all clear in this detailed book on yarns.

All types of yarns are covered including animal, plant fibers, and synthetics, and blends of each. And the patterns are a wonderful bonus.

I LOVE THIS BOOK; this is money well spent if you are in the dark about what yarn would work for, and accomplish the results you desire, in any given project.

I've been knitting for years, and have learned a lot about yarn and its properties simply by screwing things horribly up. This book is wonderful. It explains _why_ yarn acts the way it does, and suggests good yarn types for various projects. I learned a lot about characteristics of different fibers that affect their usability in different projects (including suggestinons on how to avoid typical problems), and I loved seeing the projects at the end that demonstrated to behavior and use of different numbers of plies.

This book should have been available about 50 years ago when I first started knitting. It would havae saved a lot of headaches. In addition to the wonderful informatio on yarns, there are any number of patterns that look like they need to be made in the near future. Highly recommend to anyone who knits whether new or experienced.

This is a wonderful resource for learning new stitches and techniques! Intimidated by a sweater pattern? Learn the techniques on a practice piece first and get rid of intimidation! I'd recommend this book to new and intermediate knitters.

I waited a while before actually buying this book because I have too many knitting books as it is. The title of this book made me think that it would be a dry read, and basically unnecessary for my already bloated knitting library. Boy, was I wrong!! This is probably one of my favorite "knitting" books to date. The information is comprehensive, but entertaining. Clara Parkes walks you through each type of fiber in a totally educational yet spirited way. The patterns included are actually things I would consider knitting. A definite must-have for any serious fiber hobbyist!!

this book is FULL of useful info. I'm learning all I can about yarn so I can use the info when I open my own speaciality yarn store one day.

i bought this book without having ever heard of it. i barely flipped through it and since i had to go to the airport and wait, i figured i'd have time. by the time my friend got to the car, i was so excited about it and showing her poor non-knitting soul the great patterns and fantastic pictures in it!

i'm currently knitting a baby sweater from one of the patterns. and with such an in depth section on substituting (which i always do anyway but at least this book encourages it!), it's good for those who are nervous to substitute. it's my first baby sweater and is coming along fantastically!

my only SLIGHT disappointment was the lack of focus on synthetic yarn. i live in indianapolis, which is a decent sized city but it isn't a city that really has a great selection of yarn shops or other non Big Box types of stores (don't get me started on public transportation!!!) plus, as a recent college graduate, i don't really have the money to spend on expensive yarn and would have loved a better explanation on synthetics/blends and how to substitute them. i will just have to keep using my blind method!

This is a precious book! It's so great to finally know the differences in yarn, how they 'knit up' and something I never learned but always wanted to, how the garment will drape and wear. The patterns are not too fussy, yet elegant, just what I like. The models are so pleasant also, none of those crazy far out kind that some books have that make you sorry you have to live with them once the book is in your house. Well done Clara and thank you! (I love my Maine Morning Mitts!)

The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn is a beautifully designed exploration of yarns. Ms. Parkes conveys more information than you thought you'd possibly care about, helps the reader understand why some yarns are appropriate for some projects rather than others, while introducing 40 patterns. Even if you don't think you care about the fibers, you'll enjoy at least some of the patterns (Right now there are 21 knitters at [...] planning to make "Norwegian Snail Mitts." Tell your local yarn store to carry it, too.

A must have book for every knitter-addict (like me).This is an excellent resource book that tells you about every type of yarn and which yarns are appropriate different knitting projects. Plus, there's a ton of fabulous patterns included. My only regret is that I didn't purchase this book sooner.

This is a knitting book worthy of gushing over. It is packed full of information on fiber types (wool, alpaca, cotton, silk, etc.), the difference that ply (the number of strands) can make in a final product, and really great patterns. Clara's writing is clear, engaging, and warm. She's taken her well respected yarn knowledge to another level. The size of the book, the pattern recipes, and the pictures are all top quality. She has errata listed on her website, knittersreview,com. I've knit several patterns from this book already, and plan to knit more. I've also given the book to knitting friends. Everyone has loved it.

This is not just a comprehensive yarn resource book, but also a work of art and a product of great love. Clara has done an exceptional work in showing the reader the nuances of different types of yarn and how best to use them. Her patterns are just lovely and inspiring. This book is a true masterpiece!!!!

Purchased it for a friend and she was very excited. All the rave on the knitters blogs.

I think this is one of the most informative and easy to understand books I've read in a long time. Clara explains the qualities of diverse types of yarns and fibers concisely and clearly. I read it from cover to cover, I'll never have issues deciding what yarns to use for which projects, AND I think it will help me become a better spinner.

This book is the best source of information on just about every aspect of knitting from start to finish that I have ever seen. I am buying copies for all my knitting friends -- it's THAT GOOD!!!

This is the most amazing book related to fiber and knitting I have ever seen. At first I thought that the information gained from this book was more than one could ask, and then I saw the patterns. Tired of making a sweater only to find the drape not right? This book will save you time, money, and precious stash. Should be a first book for anyone wanting to knit or do anything fiber related.

A must have reference for every knitter, or fiber artist out there.

I bought this book sight-unseen purely on the basis that I have so much respect for Clara's knowledge of yarn, and she is the perfect author for a book of this type.

Section 1 of the book looks at Fibre Foundations, focusing on the specific properties of various types of fibre, including the many types of synthetic and natural fibres, including some less well-known varieties. This provides a wonderful background for any knitter in to where their yarn comes from and what makes a quality fibre. As an Australian, the brief section on possum fur jumped out as factually incorrect for instance, but generally the information is fantastic and very useful for knitters or anyone who works with yarn.

Ever wondered how the fibres are transformed in to yarn? That's where section 2 comes in, looking at how yarn is processed and dyed. Section 3 then moves on to the topic of how yarn fibre is plied together to give different qualities to the final result (and explains for instance why single ply yarns have a tendency to bias or pill).

This book would be a valuable resource based only on the yarn information in the first sections, but the patterns that are also included are a wonderful bonus. Patterns are included from several different designers, with the brief to design a pattern that best highlights the qualities of a particular type of yarn. This is done very successfully, and patterns range from hats, mittens, and scarves to bags, cardigans and vests. The designs are all very wearable, but with a great diversity brought about by the different yarn types and designer approaches.

For anyone who is interested in learning more about yarns and why they behave as they do, or how to choose the right type of yarn for a particular project (particularly if you tend to substitute yarns), this book is unbeatable.

If you like to know how and why things are, then this book is for you. The Book of Yarn (which I have dubbed "THE yarn book") has it all: history, science, definitions, pros and cons, and fun trivia. THE yarn book starts with a fun overview of yarn sources--everything from alpaca and oppossum to seaweed and coal! The second section is a brief overview of moving the yarn from the source to your hands (including mills, spinning, dying, and yarn festivals).

The next section discusses yarns by their ply/type (e.g, single ply, two ply, boucle, chenille) and has several pattern examples for each ply/type. Most knitting books tend to be filled with 50% hideous patterns, 45% interesting but NOT ME patterns, and maybe 5% "I would actually knit this!" patterns. However, THE yarn book surprised me by having many patterns I would actually knit, including some cute mittens, hats and shawls.

The last section of the book is probably the most practical. It includes useful tips for cleaning your yarn creations, calculating how much yarn you have, and a glossary.

My only critiques? The glossary and index could both be greatly expanded--I don't have much background in sewing or fashion or textiles, so I've been going nuts trying to figure out what "Drape" is!

this is a great reference book and i would recommend it for a beginner knitter who is learning about the fibers they are part of the craft!!!
It is also a good book for a long time knitter to have too, cause you can never have enough books!
clara did a great job

This book far, far surpassed my expectations. I've long been a fan of the author's Knitters Review website, and I pre-ordered this book merely because of that. When it arrived, I expected a slightly dry, dull, but factual book on fibers. Instead, it turns out to be not only packed full of more fiber information that I could have imagined, but that information is well written and enjoyable to read. Suddenly the light bulb has gone on, and I understand the connection between fiber content, spin and ply and my finished product. Instead of merely "going for the gauge" and expecting a sweater to work out, I can now make a far better decision about what yarn will work with what pattern and, more importantly, what yarn will not work and why. Honestly, this may be the only reference book that qualifies as a bona fide page-turner! And the happiest surprise - there are a bunch of fabulous patterns included.

This book, more than any other I own, has made me a better, more competent, confident knitter. I highly recommend it as a must-have for every knitter's bookshelf.

Not only does she tell you everything you want to know about yarn, in a pleasant and approachable style, but she has super good-looking patterns, lots of them, specifically designed to make the most of various yarns' characteristics. Anyone who knits will love this book. Just buy it!

An invaluable book. Many competent knitters are ignorant of the nature of their material. The result is an end product that is often different from their expectations, and therefore a disappointment. This is why The Knitter's Book of Yarn is indispensable reading for all knitters. In this beautifully produced volume complex facts are explained with admirable clarity and questions we fail or fear to ask are expertly answered with verve and humor. Clara Parkes makes learning about yarn fun.

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.

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.

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 ordered mine from Amazon but couldn't wait for the slow shipping so I went to chain bookstore and drooled. Clara Parkes from the Knitter's Review has produced a masterpiece for fiber fanatics and knitters (aren't we one and the same?). The pictures are clear and the patterns are well written. But that's not all. For those who want to know more about yarn and the reasons why it feels a certain way (and who doesn't), this is for you.

Clara Parkes should be awarded a doctorate in Fiberology.