Knitting Yarns And Spinning Tales

5 x 7-1/4 224 pgs approx. 25 b&w illustrations

"Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales" brings to life the unique and universal experiences of knitters from a variety of backgrounds.

Stories from contemporary writers and from the WPA's Federal Writer's Project tell of knitting through adversity of all kinds. The poignant, often lyrical tales convey the hope found in handiwork.

DIVSometimes it is a cherished knitted item that starts a story, sometimes the quest for another skein of the perfect yarn, and sometimes the way knitting is worked into a memory. There's a reason a "yarn" might be a tale or a thread, drawing us along - as these knitters do with their stories of the knitter’s art. Raveling or unraveling, knitters such as Lily Chin, Betty Christiansen, Teva Durham, Clara Parkes, Caroline Herzog, and Lela Nargi take us into their confidence, sharing with us the whimsy, the insights, and simple pleasure that the age-old craft of knitting has brought into their lives—and now ours. Each story in this wonderful collectionfocuses on one of the best parts of the knitting tradition - making a gift for someone special, or receiving a gift, or cherishing a gift that has been handed down through the generations./div

Spinning Yarns is a book of short stories about yarn, knitters, fleece, and sheep. The author faces new challenges when she decides to create yarn. Her struggles and triumphs are told with light humor as when her sister attempts to help her achieve her goal by buying sheep. Fresh illustrations by Audrey Renelle Sieg bring the stories to life. The charming drawings depict country life in true beauty. Throughout the book, knitters share more than their knowledge about their craft-they share friendship.

For as long as people have knitted, they have gathered to share their craft--and each other’s company. Knitting bees brought industrious colonists together to socialize. Knitters joined forces during the World Wars to knit warm socks for soldiers. And today the bond between knitters is as strong as ever, with knitting circles springing up in neighborhood coffee shops and community centers, making their way online, and taking up social causes. This book puts the knitting circle, with all its profit and pleasures, within reach of anyone who wants to Knit It Together. A delightful, practical resource for knitters hoping to start or join a circle, or for a knitting circle looking for patterns or inspiration, the book provides how-to tips as well as wonderful stories of knitting circles past and present--and best of all, a collection of patterns designed to be completed in a group. Long-time knitter and author Suzyn Jackson includes a brief history of community knitting groups and a list of charities that accept knitted items.

Tells personal knitting stories from women throughout the United States and includes thoughts on such beneficial aspects as the craft's ability to calm one's thoughts.

Knit a traditional gansey sweater with indigo yarn. Tour a spinning mill. Discover five ways to cast on for socks. Meet your personal knitting hero. The Knitter’s Life List is a richly illustrated compilation of 1,001 experiences and adventures that devout knitters won’t want to miss. You’ll find classic techniques to master, time-honored patterns to try, unusual yarns to work with, museums to see, books to read, and much more. Get inspired and live the knitting life of your dreams!