Both a celebration of knitting and a source- book for practical information, this book is a collection of useful advice and emotional sup- port for the knitter. Pearl-McPhee examines essential truisms of knitting, side by side with tongue- in-cheek warnings, realities, and fantasies about the act of knitting and the people who do it. In chapters on everything from yarn needles, gauge, and knitting bag essentials to hats, socks, shawls, and sweaters, Pearl-McPhee unravels the mysteries of what it is that makes knitting click, from the inside out. She dares to question long- standing rules and uncover the true essence of what makes a hat a hat, a sock a sock, and so on. Insights into why certain techniques work encourage knitters to take control and knit in the way that works best for them. As she says, "There are no knitting police." The result is an illuminating, liberating (and hilarious!) look at knitting that will comfort the experienced knitter, surprise the mainstream one, and entice the beginner.
The Yarn Harlot will be making her debut UK appearance at I Knit Day 2008, London, Saturday 6th September, signing copies of her books and giving an excluisve talk.
(Storey, 224 pages, PB)
