Knitter's Review
February 9, 2016
a skein of Baskerville

Meet Baskerville, an intriguing blend of two distinct British sheep breeds topped with a dusting of luminous silk. As excited as I am by the base, I'm even more interested in the fact that it's been dyed with indigo.

If you've ever worked with indigo, you'll know that it requires some audience participation. The dye process isn't fully complete until you knit your stitches, your hands physically rubbing any remaining dye molecules into each fiber. A bit of blue rubs off, and the process is called "crocking."

It's not for everyone. But if your fingers are looking for an adventure in crimp and texture (and color), you will want to nab a skein of Baskerville before it's gone.

JOIN ME IN KNITLANDIA
On February 16, my book Knitlandia makes its debut. I'm full of butterflies.

Part travel narrative and part cultural history, the book celebrates the people, places, landmarks, and legends of our knitting world—from a remote sheep farm in Iceland to the crowded fairgrounds of the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.

I wrote the book for us, but I also wrote it for non-knitters, to help them better understand (and respect) why we do the things we do.

I'm having a launch party on Tuesday the 16th at my brother's chocolate workshop in Somerville, Massachusetts. From there, I take the book to:
- Strand Books in New York (2/17)
- Loop Yarn in Philadelphia (2/18)
- Churchmouse Yarns and Teas in Bainbridge Island, Washington (2/19)
- Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon (2/20), and
- A Verb for Keeping Warm booth at Stitches West in Santa Clara, California (2/21).

All the tour details are here. It would mean the world to me if you'd join me. I have adorable (and tasty) prizes to give away.

COMING UP
Speaking of travels, the 2016 calendar of events is already shaping up to be our biggest yet. Find out what's happening near you, pick your retreats and getaways, or perhaps cruise to a faraway destination. They're all here.

SINGING SHEEP
I think we can all agree that the best part of this year's Super Bowl wasn't the game or the much-touted halftime show. Nope, it was this Honda commercial featuring a very special flock of sheep. (Who said sheep can't harmonize?)

As always, I thank you for your readership and your support. Take care, and I'll write again soon!

Clara Parkes

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On the Cover

Baskerville in the sun

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