Using a travel guide format, she acts as tour guide extraordinaire, describing and critiquing every aspect of this territory she knows so well: its people (young and old, male and female); familiar phrases ("purl this, darn that"); strange beliefs; currency (skein trading); etiquette; holidays (any sale day at the local yarn shop); and customs. She notes important dates in knitting history and celebrates unsung knitting heroes, from the samurai warriors of Japan to the "Terrible Knitters of Dent". And, while the land of knitting is a mostly peaceful place, it does have its controversies, such as the acrylic vs. natural fibers and circular vs. straight needles debates, which Pearl-McPhee visits with relish and glee.
©2007 Stephanie Pearl-McPhee; (P)2007 HighBridge Company
"[Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee] has created another laugh-out-loud masterpiece." (Vogue Knitting)
"Her insights into the workings of a yarn-a-holic's mind are charming." (Detroit Free Press)
"a fun read"
This is an enjoyable and humorous book, but not an earth-shattering one. Stephanie's writing and narration are very approachable and comforting, making this an ideal book to knit along to. However, if you are a knitter, you won't likely be surprised by any of her jokes or conclusions. While I thought she relied a little too heavily and frequently on the humor behind the inevitable frenzy of a knitter at a half-price yarn sale, I was still genuinely able to enjoy the audiobook as a great companion to some great knitting on a rainy day.
"Perfect listening for the knitter"
I never thought I would listen to a knitting book, but an afternoon with the Yarn Harlot and my yarn and sticks was filled with laughter, and I am on my way back to Audible to look for another. I only wish it were longer.
"My Favorite Book"
Most of my book listening is done while knitting. This book slows my knitting only because I am doubled over with laughter. I found the Yarn Harlot's insights into the knitter's psyche to be original and fresh. Her suggestions for knit group etiquette should be typed up for all members of knit groups to memorize. I can' wait for her to record her new book!
"Good company while knitting"
Nothing in this book is surprising, but Stephanie is very good at putting in to words all the things you already know and feel about knitting. She puts knitting in the context of a community and culture. Smart, warm and funny.
"Excellent and witty"
I love hearing Stephanie read her own books. She is a witty, intelligent writer and it is a real treat to hear her read the words with the pauses and inflections she intended when she was writing them.
The book itself is very enjoyable and full of the expected knitterly humour. I have listened to this book several times.
I can't wait for more of Stephanie's books to become available by audiobook.
Nurdy
"If you Knit, you will like this book"
I really enjoyed this book and the more I knit the more I think of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's experiences and relate to them.
"Knitters will enjoy"
This book is great... for knitters. Non knitters won't get it.
It's funny because it is true
no.... but I could have
"Knitters are fortunate to have her as their voice."
Top 10%
I can hear her delight with the magic that is knitting, and that makes me smile.
She puts into words what many knitters feel but cannot express in a way others might understand.
I hope she continues to record her books. I have all her printed books but only two audiobooks.
"Personal narration supports subtle humour..."
Stephanie is a master of the knitting genre... her rich knowledge of art history carries forward into a humourous look at this artform and the people who love it.
Stephanie's writing is best served in her own words... her sense of comedic timing, wordplay and subtle humour is a great "listen"!
"Maybe someone else should of read it"
I had a hard time listening to Stephanie read her own books. Her timing is off and it comes across as stunted.
Did not finish
Eh ... it's not really character driven. But it is a funny look at us crafty folks and our obsession with two sticks and some pretty string.