A Fine Fleece: Knitting with Handspun Yarns by Lisa Lloyd, published by Potter Craft (April 8, 2008)

I love knitting and have been knitting for many many years. My first experience of knitting was of finger knitting - or chain stitch, I graduated from that to a cotton reel with 4 nails in the top and another nail to help lever the wool over the nail. Next were a couple of broken knitting needles and playing making a “scarf”.

I guess I experimented with knitting quite a bit over the years, making small things here and there. When I started knitting seriously was probably as young mother, knitting darling little jackets and booties for my babies, I don’t remember any books being available on knitting like the one I am about to discuss. Most were just a photo and instructions in a small paperback.

Back on track to telling you about this book - A fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd . Lisa begins with saying “Knitting with the yarn that been spun by hand is an exquisite experience. Every knitter knows how handknit sweaters differ from store bought ones knit by machine” I will add another of my own “Nothing beats a garment you have knit yourself from wool you have spun yourself.”

Lisa goes on to speak of the pleasure and adventure of collecting and spinning the wool and considers that is only the beginning of the garment that will be finally knitted and proudly worn. She says Remember that knitting is a journey filled with stories and lessons learned along the way. Enjoying the process and being thankful for the opportunity to work with wonderful fibers will enhance your journey. A lifetime told with sweaters is a lifetime of joy, for you and anyone who shares your stories by wearing your sweaters. I will also add that someone you love will hopefully eventually wear this garment and appreciate the love and caring that went into its making.

After the first chapter - with the design concepts and wool appreciation section, chapter two goes into the world of hand spinning using the hand spindle as well as a spinning wheel - I personally find spinning to be an adventure in its own right. This chapter discusses the interesting breeds of sheep and the wool they produce as well and what she calls the exotic fibers ie mohair , llama , alpaca etc

To say the first chapters are interesting is an understatement, the rest of the book are patterns well illustrated from intermediate and beginner patterns to the most beautiful cables and lace. Instructions come with beautiful photos and drawn layouts including sizing charts and with each of the patterns. The instructions are really very good and make knitting from this book a pleasurable experience. Very inspiring.

I highly recommend this book as both a good read and one you will use time and again to all knitters from beginner to absolutely accomplished.

More: book website : author website

About the reviewer: Janette loves all crafts and has experimented with everything from pottery to folk art, she particularly loves yarn crafts like spinning and felting but always comes back to her first love of knitting. She spends her retirement playing with yarn and making things for her grandchildren.

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