Though there is enough solid information for this book to be a textbook, No Sheep for You is fun! From the book title to the side bar on “geeky things” (aka swatches) to some of the names of the patterns, the material is presented in a lighthearted way. And although Amy herself is not able to knit with wool, she is very inclusive in her introduction, providing a welcome for wool and non-wool knitters alike. Amy dives right into some pretty heavy stuff--fiber families. She includes the known, such as seed (cotton), protein (silk) and synthetics as well as the lesser known, such as soy and seaweed. A short primer on the background of each fiber is included, along with notes on the special characteristics of each type of fiber. There are also chapters dealing with the nitty-gritty of using the fibers and swatching. Numerous sidebars are sprinkled throughout the book addressing such topics as “Are You Really Allergic to Wool” and “Why Does Yarn Shrink”.
The twenty projects included in the book range from small to large. Most include a special characteristic which might be colorwork, beads or an intricate pattern. Only one or two of the patterns are truly for beginners.
The book concludes with the usual list of abbreviations and glossary of knitting terms, a bibliography which also includes websites, a list of suppliers and a list of the contributors.
No Sheep For You
by Amy R. Singer
Interweave Press (copyright 2007)
Reviewed by Candy Knerr
FOCUS: Women’s tops and accessories, 3 men’s patterns
# OF PROJECTS: 23
FINISHED MEASUREMENT (bust): Women’s 31-1/2” to 56”, Men’s 33-1/2” to 58-1/2”
FIBER CONTENT: Mostly cotton and cotton blends, also silk, linen, hemp and soy
YARN WEIGHTS GIVEN: yes
SKILL LEVELS INCLUDED: Intermediate to Expert (a few for advanced beginner)
SKILL LEVEL MARKED: no
