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No Sheep for You: Knit Happy With Cotton, Silk, Linen, Hemp, Bamboo, and Other Delights
Yarns made from plant fibers, modern synthetics, and silk take the spotlight in this collection of 21 classic knitting patterns for socks, scarves, hats, bags, vests, sweaters, and even a luxurious bathrobe. Some knitters are discouraged by the thought of baggy hemp sweaters and droopy cotton socks when they consider vegetable fibers, but this authoritative, fun, and light-hearted guide promises that, while wool has no equal when it comes to elasticity and warmth, the right tricks and techniques produce non-wool fashions that fit well, wear well, and hang beautifully. Knitters are taught to knit swatches to study the behavior of a yarn, to choose an appropriate pattern, and to master techniques for reinforcing stitches and inserting knit-ins of springier yarn to keep cotton, silk, and other fibers from sagging. Key information about durability, weight, pilling, and special handling is provided for acrylic, bamboo, cotton, hemp, Ingeo, linen, lycra, nylon, polyester, rayon, silk, soy, Tencel, and viscose yarns, and a chapter of helpful tips advises on needles to use (and avoid), how to start new balls and weave in ends, how to work intarsia and Fair Isle patterns, smart ways to control the cost of materials, and the right methods for washing, drying, and blocking the finished pieces.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 16, 2007
Even someone who believes, as I do, that wool is the ideal knitting fiber, can benefit from this book.
Non-wool knits have a venerable history. After all, the oldest known examples of knitting (400-500 B.C.E.) were cotton sandal socks. No Sheep For You offers some interesting historical tidbits, but also reports on the latest developments in the processing of traditional fibers like cotton and hemp, and even introduces new non-wool fibers made from bamboo, hemp, seaweed, and soy. There is some yarn snobbery here: the author is prejudiced against acrylic and polyester yarns, despite the fact that these yarns have also changed and improved in recent years due to new processing techniques.
The book is printed on non-glossy paper, making it easy to read and the photographs of the garments is excellent. We get several views of each garment, usually front, back, and a detail shot. The text is interspersed with sidebars of helpful hints or useful information.
Only one pattern is from the author; the others are a mix of knitting notables and less well-known women, and the patterns are of mixed quality. Some, such as the intricately cabled "Morrigan" by Jenna Wilson or the mosaic stitch "Intoxicating" by Kristi Porter are stunning, innovative, and technically exciting. Others, like the "Berthe Collar", miss the mark. (The gimmick here is that the collar is knitted with a single skein of yarn, but I really think looping the unknitted yarn around your neck might be more flattering.) Some garments showcase a non-wool fiber for the book (knits are a nice, non-wrinkly way to wear linen), but don't seem to be well thought-out for real life. The "Bespoke" jacket has a lot going for it, but the lack of a button band combined with the inflexible linen means the front of the jacket will soon lose its clean line. And if it makes the petite model look unflatteringly broad and hip-heavy from behind, what will it look like on normal people?
My biggest difficulty with this book, however, is its style and tone, which suffer from cuteness and the desire to be "hip". Yeah, I know it is good for the craft to appeal to new generations, but there is something a little strident and defensive about youth knitting culture: "We knit, but we have tattoos and piercings. Our boyfriends ride skateboards. Look, I'm knitting naked on the cover! We knit, but we're cool." Some people love this kind of thing, but it is a turn-off for me. I have no illusions about knitting ever making me cool. Miss Marple and Madam DeFarge are the only cool knitters; everyone else is kidding themselves.
Non-wool knits have a venerable history. After all, the oldest known examples of knitting (400-500 B.C.E.) were cotton sandal socks. No Sheep For You offers some interesting historical tidbits, but also reports on the latest developments in the processing of traditional fibers like cotton and hemp, and even introduces new non-wool fibers made from bamboo, hemp, seaweed, and soy. There is some yarn snobbery here: the author is prejudiced against acrylic and polyester yarns, despite the fact that these yarns have also changed and improved in recent years due to new processing techniques.
The book is printed on non-glossy paper, making it easy to read and the photographs of the garments is excellent. We get several views of each garment, usually front, back, and a detail shot. The text is interspersed with sidebars of helpful hints or useful information.
Only one pattern is from the author; the others are a mix of knitting notables and less well-known women, and the patterns are of mixed quality. Some, such as the intricately cabled "Morrigan" by Jenna Wilson or the mosaic stitch "Intoxicating" by Kristi Porter are stunning, innovative, and technically exciting. Others, like the "Berthe Collar", miss the mark. (The gimmick here is that the collar is knitted with a single skein of yarn, but I really think looping the unknitted yarn around your neck might be more flattering.) Some garments showcase a non-wool fiber for the book (knits are a nice, non-wrinkly way to wear linen), but don't seem to be well thought-out for real life. The "Bespoke" jacket has a lot going for it, but the lack of a button band combined with the inflexible linen means the front of the jacket will soon lose its clean line. And if it makes the petite model look unflatteringly broad and hip-heavy from behind, what will it look like on normal people?
My biggest difficulty with this book, however, is its style and tone, which suffer from cuteness and the desire to be "hip". Yeah, I know it is good for the craft to appeal to new generations, but there is something a little strident and defensive about youth knitting culture: "We knit, but we have tattoos and piercings. Our boyfriends ride skateboards. Look, I'm knitting naked on the cover! We knit, but we're cool." Some people love this kind of thing, but it is a turn-off for me. I have no illusions about knitting ever making me cool. Miss Marple and Madam DeFarge are the only cool knitters; everyone else is kidding themselves.
January 4, 2008
A nice resource for anyone interesting in knitting with non-wool fibers. The first 20 pages or so have interesting background information on how different fibers grow and are made into yarn. The author talks a little bit about use and care of different fibers. It's not an exhaustive list and I'm not sure the information is worth the purchase of an entire book. For more comprehensive lists of available non-wool yarns, I'd recommend these websites: http://veganyarn.blogspot.com/, which lists different yarns by fiber and cross references them with weight categories, and http://nutmeg.gen.nz/fakesheep/vegan-....
I'm a brand new knitter, so most of the patterns in the book were well beyond me, and I can't comment on them. If you read this book just for the yarn information, and not for the knitting patterns, be sure to page all the way through, though, as there were some interesting and informative sidebars embedded in the pattern section.
Finally, anyone looking for a book that embraces—or even hints at the existence of—a vegan ethic will not find it here. The author wrote this book because she is allergic to wool and she doesn't mention any other reasons why someone might want to avoid it. I didn't expect a discourse on the treatment of sheep in the wool industry, but would have appreciated just a little mention of the fact that many knitters choose not to use wool for ethical reasons.
I'm a brand new knitter, so most of the patterns in the book were well beyond me, and I can't comment on them. If you read this book just for the yarn information, and not for the knitting patterns, be sure to page all the way through, though, as there were some interesting and informative sidebars embedded in the pattern section.
Finally, anyone looking for a book that embraces—or even hints at the existence of—a vegan ethic will not find it here. The author wrote this book because she is allergic to wool and she doesn't mention any other reasons why someone might want to avoid it. I didn't expect a discourse on the treatment of sheep in the wool industry, but would have appreciated just a little mention of the fact that many knitters choose not to use wool for ethical reasons.
November 24, 2017
This is an excellent, informative book. My main beef with this book is actually not this book's fault, really, and that is that there are not more books like this, with a greater variety of patterns and more advice on how to think through your own substitutions in patterns that call for animal fibers, and how those substitutions will impact the finished item.
December 31, 2019
Love this book.
October 20, 2011
BOTTOM LINE: Wonderful resource for those knitters who are allergic to wool, or simply enjoy other yarns, filled with great comparison charts, lots of info about textures and fabrics that result from using various yarns, all in a chatty but not cutesy manner. Many good patterns, in a wide range of patterns as well, making this an excellent book to keep in your knitting library.
Large paperback format has only one physical drawback: it's not spiral-bound, my prefered style for crafting books as it facilitates ese of use. And while the patterns are mostly quite nice, well-explained and a wide arange of sizes nicely photographed and charted, there weren't any that really appealed to me to make up for myself, so I can't in all honesty give five stars. But if the patterns appeal to you then this is an excellent book, and even if they don't, it's a worthy keeper for your library due to the extensive information offered along with the patterns.
Large paperback format has only one physical drawback: it's not spiral-bound, my prefered style for crafting books as it facilitates ese of use. And while the patterns are mostly quite nice, well-explained and a wide arange of sizes nicely photographed and charted, there weren't any that really appealed to me to make up for myself, so I can't in all honesty give five stars. But if the patterns appeal to you then this is an excellent book, and even if they don't, it's a worthy keeper for your library due to the extensive information offered along with the patterns.
March 7, 2009
I'm glad to have this one on my shelf of crafting books, particularly for the introductory section, which provides a wealth of information on non-animal fiber yarns. I'm not particularly crazy about wool, given that I live in a temperate place and find it mildly itchy, so it's a pleasure to find patterns designed with the drape/stretch properties of non-animal fibers in mind.
There are quite a few patterns in here that I'd (a) actually make and (b) actually wear, which isn't the case with a lot of knitting books. I've just finished the Tomato short-sleeved sweater for my girlfriend and found the pattern simple and easy to follow (I've only been knitting for two years), with clear and helpful photographs. I'm looking forward to trying the Eileen tank top (a very plain front with a lacework back) next.
There are quite a few patterns in here that I'd (a) actually make and (b) actually wear, which isn't the case with a lot of knitting books. I've just finished the Tomato short-sleeved sweater for my girlfriend and found the pattern simple and easy to follow (I've only been knitting for two years), with clear and helpful photographs. I'm looking forward to trying the Eileen tank top (a very plain front with a lacework back) next.
February 7, 2019
This is a gem of a book if you can't wear wool. Not only because of the designs, but because of the detailed fiber information that I've seen nowhere else.
If you don't know know the rest of the title, it's "Knit Happy with Cotton, Silk, Linen, Hemp, Bamboo, and Other Delights."
My favorite pattern is the Morrigan cabled pullover. Gorgeous! The Peerie Fleur paisley cardigan, too. The Berthe Collar is a quick and easy, attractive pattern similar to others I've seen on Ravelry.com--like the Storm Cloud Shawlette, speak of the devil! It's also in the next book I was going to review: "My Grandmother's Knitting: Family Stories and Inspired Knits from Top Designers", by Larissa Brown.
The very best thing about this book though? IMHO, the reference info on non-wool fibers.
If you don't know know the rest of the title, it's "Knit Happy with Cotton, Silk, Linen, Hemp, Bamboo, and Other Delights."
My favorite pattern is the Morrigan cabled pullover. Gorgeous! The Peerie Fleur paisley cardigan, too. The Berthe Collar is a quick and easy, attractive pattern similar to others I've seen on Ravelry.com--like the Storm Cloud Shawlette, speak of the devil! It's also in the next book I was going to review: "My Grandmother's Knitting: Family Stories and Inspired Knits from Top Designers", by Larissa Brown.
The very best thing about this book though? IMHO, the reference info on non-wool fibers.
April 27, 2007
A wonderful resource of information on non-wool fibers. Want to know why your sweaters pill? This book will tell you. Ever wonder what "microfiber" is? It's in the book. How about how they turn bamboo into yarn? It's in there. Looking for a fabulous, warm sweater to knit for someone who breaks out in hives if you show them a picture of a sheep? It's in there, too.
Even if you have no problem working with wool, this book is a great resource to have on hand if you want to understand how different fibers behave.
Even if you have no problem working with wool, this book is a great resource to have on hand if you want to understand how different fibers behave.
January 8, 2011
The cover is a little random, but the patterns are not. I enjoyed looking through this book and thought they did a good job of selecting interesting things to knit as well as good models and bright colors. The layout was nice and featured several different pictures of each item so you could get a good view of what you were going to knit. I'd probably recommend this book, but I didn't find anything in it for me.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...
August 29, 2007
Unlike most knitting books, the front matter is the highlight of No Sheep For You. Amy Singer does a great job explaining the properties and manufacturing history of all kinds of non-wool fibers. Finally, I learned the difference between tussah and bombyx silk! --Nerd alert--
The patterns are gorgeous, but they are mostly complex sweaters. There are two pairs of socks and a collar for newbs like myself.
The patterns are gorgeous, but they are mostly complex sweaters. There are two pairs of socks and a collar for newbs like myself.
February 2, 2010
The first two chapters describing the different kinds of non-animal fibers are short intro's into a lot of different new innovative fibers. The descriptions are good, but short and very lacking in how the yarns behave.
The patterns left a lot to be desired and i would not recommend this book for design innovation. The patterns are both outdated and non-original designs that you can find in most books with better diagrams than in this book.
The patterns left a lot to be desired and i would not recommend this book for design innovation. The patterns are both outdated and non-original designs that you can find in most books with better diagrams than in this book.
May 17, 2013
I am not an expert knitter, and I need patterns with explicit instructions. If you find yourself in the same position, this is the book for you. Amy Singer's patterns are easy to follow - not to mention beautiful - and she peppers the book with knitting tips throughout. She also goes into great detail about various fibers and what to expect when you use them. I am the happy owner of this book and have an amazing work of art (my new pullover) to prove it!
April 2, 2009
Wow. This was awesome. I’m still not sure how I justified purchasing the book at this point in time but I did and it is totally worth it. Amy spent a nice chunk of time explaining how the various non-woolly fibres work. The patterns are quite nice too and I want to play with some sea silk one of these days.. I’m excited to add this to my growing library.
March 23, 2008
VERY educational at the front, especially for a wool-lover who really only knows that cotton is saggy and heavy--still true but there's other stuff as well! Plus there are some very cute patterns, especially the first cardigan pattern and the hemp bag. I will have to revisit this book later when I'm done with my wool sweaters!
August 19, 2011
I borrowed this book from the library. Although I can't wait to start some of the patterns, others are generic that I've seen in several other knitting books. The introductory section with the knitting fiber descriptions is somewhat interesting, but I skipped over it for the most part. Overall, a good free book to borrow from your local library but I wouldn't buy it.
December 27, 2013
I really enjoyed the information about the various non-wool fibers, but several of those descriptions left me with unanswered questions. I'm also a newer knitter and found the patterns--all of them--to be far too advanced. A few simple patterns would have been welcome projects on which to experiment with the various fibers.
May 16, 2008
The beginning section of the book has good descriptions and explanations of non-animal based yarns. The rest of the book consists of patterns using these alternate yarns. Not really worth buying but worth reading the beginning section.
October 15, 2009
I just don't think this book is justified. It doesn't make a case for why its yarns need its patterns. Or vice versa. The patterns are largely nothing much. If this book ever gets out of storage I can see it going on a long trip to a new home.
November 29, 2017
Still one of the best books out there for anybody allergic to wool. I first read this book when it came out. Some of the yarns recommended in the book are no longer available, but some of the yarn makers have recommended substitutions.
April 10, 2007
test review
August 22, 2007
Despite the silly cover photo, excellent patterns and information about non-wool yarns and knitting.
December 21, 2007
I wish she'd go into more depth about the fibers and include a few more (Tencel?), but overall a great book with knits that are fun and classic.
February 24, 2008
A good resource for learning more about non-wool fibers. I wasn't too impressed with the patterns, though, and was hoping for more on bamboo.
April 18, 2008
I liked the idea on focusing on Non-Animal fiber but this book has few helpful tips and extremely boring project ideas. It's not even worth checking out at the library.
July 17, 2008
This is a book with lots of info about knitting with non-wool yarns, which I found very interesting. The patterns included are beautiful!
August 6, 2008
Eco-friendly & hip! Cute designs & straight-forward narrative.
January 8, 2009
Attractive patterns, interesting alternatives to wool, however have not felt the necessity to knit anything from the book as of yet
May 30, 2009
Too many projects with silk.
September 25, 2009
I bought this book for the Tuscany Shawl pattern, I don't see many other patterns in the book that I want to make.
April 2, 2016
I had higher hopes for this book pattern-wise but the other information in the book was super informative and helpful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews