In-Depth Review of Knitting Yarn

Knitter's Review
October 15, 2009

the Hill Country Hat atop a Shetland Fair Isle bag

Ever wonder what those beautiful names on yarn labels mean—words like Coopworth, Bluefaced Leicester, Perendale, and Rambouillet?

I wrote The Knitter's Book of Wool to tell their story, and it's on the shelves this week. I'd like to share a simple pattern from it with you. The Hill Country Hat uses a mere 120 yards of any bulky-weight yarn. It's a quick knit, a fun pattern repeat, and a great little unisex hat for fall. I'd love for you to try it with different kinds of wool, but you can use any fiber you'd like.

And, here's another pattern exclusive: Jennifer Hagan's Cuff-to-Cuff Pullover shows how you can keep kids warm with wool.

This Weekend in New York
Please join me this weekend for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, New York. I'll be signing freshly minted copies of my book at the Spirit Trail Fiberworks booth on Saturday from 1 to 3pm, and I'll be in Building B on Sunday from 10am to 2pm as well. Please stop by and say hello!

In the Forum: Tail Tales
Many of us leave a long tail of extra yarn when we cast on, the assumption being that we'll use that tail to seam up the project when we're done. But here's the question: How many times have you gotten half-way through the second row of your project, only to discover that you were knitting with the tail instead of your working yarn?

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As always, I thank you for your readership and your support.

Happy knitting, and I'll see you in the Forums!