Follow the Yarn: The Knitting Wit & Wisdom of Ann Sokolowski

by Reba Linker

Sometimes you don’t know what your story is until you start to tell it. When my teacher, Ann Sokolowski, passed away suddenly nine months into my beginner knitting class, followed by my dad and then my mother, one after the other, the book I was planning to write - a lighthearted collection of Ann’s knitting tips and techniques - turned into something much deeper. As I followed the yarn where it led me, I discovered the ways in which my life was intertwined with Ann’s, and, in the process, I began to uncover my own true story.

"Tattoo this on your eyelids! This book is really really good. It’s got everything going for it; funny stories, heart warming anecdotes, awesome information about how to take care of your knits, and a mass of other little facts and details that range from interesting to ‘ohmergawd how did I not know this???” It gets an A+ from me!" Theo DeAndrea, Daydreamknits.

Read it for the knitting tips, and to be intrigued by a remarkable woman. Marvel at the power of universal life lessons clothed in the most unassuming of guises: a knitting book. Read it to gain the tools and the courage to discover your own story.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

194 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Reba Linker is a bestselling author and a transformational life coach, ready to lead you on the path of self-love to a happier, more fulfilled way of life. She is passionate about sharing her message through her writing, coaching and courses.

Linker's philosophy is that life is what we make of the materials we are given. We have the answers we need within us. Our growth is a process of uncovering and trusting the wisdom that exists within.

Her latest book, The Little Book of Manifesting Big, is now available in print. Her books, Follow the Yarn, and Imagine self-Love, are both Kindle bestsellers. Imagine Self-Love was included in Aspire Magazine's Summer Reading Top Ten List of 2015 - http://www.aspiremag.net/top-10-inspi.... You can read more about Imagine Self-Love in this in-depth interview in Transformation Goddess: http://transformationgoddess.com/imag...

If you are tired of trying to overcome those inner critics and blocks on your own, then join the self-love revolution! Join Reba's free FB group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/leade...

Prior to coaching and writing, Reba's career was in dance and arts management, culminating in founding a large NYC dance studio.

Linker shares her message of healing with children in her books, The Compost Heroes and the Compost Heroes Coloring Book, about which Pete Seeger wrote: "If there is still a world in 2011 it will be billions of little things that will save us. Thanks, Ms. Linker!"

Reba Linker lives with her family in New York City.

Visit www.RebaLinker.com to learn more

Reviews

[Carol Stephan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many books about knitting but this one is certainly different and I enjoyed the novelty of it. It is a bit about knitting, a bit of a memoir, a tribute to the woman who taught the author to knit. There are photographs of projects, of her mentor, and some cute drawings throughout. I've only tried knitting a couple of times and I'm not very good at it--I prefer to crochet. But there is enough general information about yarn that apply to both.

I liked best the influence of a superior teacher. I am mostly self-taught but did take both a crochet and a knitting class. I really liked my crochet instructor, numerous problems with the knitting instructor--so maybe not a surprise that I prefer crochet.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Kathy Koch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice premise but lacking in depth

I had high hopes, but was disappointed. Seemed amateurish. More needed to tell the story and develop a richer experience.

[Giddy Girlie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reba Linker decides to take a knitting class with some friends as a way to unwind and while taking the course she becomes enamored with the instructor. While she readily admits that she had little interaction with the instructor during the course, she is spellbound by her and decides that she wants to write her life's story. A bit odd, but okay. The story kind of meanders along and starts to intersperse with the author's own personal issues about loss in her life. All of these are compounded when the instructor, Ms. Sokolowski, passes away.

The story is told in between knitting instructions which were not really clear or concise. I am a novice knitter so I cannot speak to the patterns or the truth to some of the more advanced recommendations, but most of the "beginner" notes were too jumbled for me to follow. So if you're looking to this book as a way to learn to knit, I recommend against it.

While I appreciate the effort given here, this book is really poorly written and edited. As other reviewers have noted, it reads like a high school essay that was rushed for a deadline. I also borrowed this book for free from Amazon Unlimited and would NOT recommend a paid purchase for the book in its current state.

[Karen Moriarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. The best tribute to “Follow The Yarn” is the 8,404 downloads by Kindle customers during its three-day free eBook promotion last week. A very impressive response!
It struck me early on that “Follow the yarn” signaled two meanings: the literal one of yarn and knitting and the more subtle one of following the story/stories. Aptly titled, this book contains anecdotes and words of wisdom from the author Reba Linker. It is also a lovely tribute to Reba's knitting instructor and mentor Ann Sokolowski, now deceased, as it captures the power of their relationship and both the practical aspects and the spiritual impact of Ann on her student/friend Reba.
I read this book in two days, and I'm very happy for the experience. I found myself thinking about it for days. Highly recommended.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow the Yarn: The Knitting Wit & Wisdom of Ann Sokolowski
Lots of information a knitting club shares about how to knit, why you wash the items, and even how to wrap the yarn from the skein.
Love charity work and pictures of donations-so similiar to my charities over the years.
Book is compiled from others of the life of Ann, she did everything from teach, was a dean and many other things that she never told anyone about.
Knit sampler is such a perfect thing to start with and pictures are shown and instructions on how to make the squares are included.
Great idea-heat test on an unknown yarn. Love basic patterns at the end with instructions on how to do them and variations.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

[Mary]

Good basic knitting info

The author strikes me as a moderately whiny and very insecure person. Unfortunately, I didn't gain much of her personal story(as I was lead to believe) or her mentor Ann. What I did gain were several useful tips for working with yarn, and a desire to actually learn how to knit. I am an avid crocheter.

Since the book was a free Kindle download, I'm not overly disappointed with the content.

[Joy Wilson]

Great for knitters not for me

I randomly picked this book from the Kindle lending library and although it would be marvelous for a true knitter, it was tough for me. I cross stitch and really appreciate the craftsmanship in knitting, I didn't follow any of the tips in the execution of the knitting. For those who are knitters, this small book could be invaluable. Sorry I didn't enjoy it more, but those who knit will really enjoy it.

[Briony · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got to 50% and gave up. I'm thrilled the author was inspired by her knitting "Yoda" but some of the info is just bizarre! If you're allergic to wool use and wear super wash wool? What?! And don't knit garments out of cotton? Weird. Also I firmly believe there is no "wrong" way to knit as long as you are happy with the result.

[Bronwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only did I find this book unexpectedly charming and unusual, it also had me wanting to pick up my knitting needles again. If I tell you that the last garment I knitted was for a six-year old son that was completed in time for the brother that was seven years younger to fit in it, you'll understand why Reba Linker's achievement with this reader is little short of remarkable...

[Kaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and think that it interesting. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an odd combination of knitting tips, stitch patterns, biography, autobiography, and writing memoir.