Knitlandia: A Knitter Sees the World

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 519 ratings

Price: 13.78

Last update: 07-02-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Jennifer A. Riley
5.0 out of 5 stars A Knitting Blogger's Review
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2016
Knitlandia is a beautiful journey that Clara Parkes let's you in on. It brings to mind Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's books, which I adore, and the tone and chapter subjects are very similar (I wonder if they had the same editor).

Each chapter is like an essay that speaks about specific locations/events around the world that are of interest to a knitter (or not). In the chapter on Paris, France, Clara promises to not buy any yarn or even to go into any yarn stores. She succeeds in the first, not the second. The journey is familiar to me, as I have traveled to Myrtle Beach and have learned the joys of marking a road trip with yarn from the destination. I have also begun to venture (as funds allow) to yarn festivals, such as Rhinebeck.

Clara is often a teacher, and most of her chapters are from that perspective, which is heartwarming, not overly critical. I have always hesitated to take classes at festivals, because even though many think my knitting is expert, I have trouble with criticism. This book helped me with that a little, because as a sometime teacher, it shows how similar we are no matter what hat we are wearing.

Knitters really do have a wonderful club that has been cemented with Ravelry.com, craftsy.com, Interweave and VogueKnitting. There is nothing more relaxing than to go to Rhinebeck and be surrounded with people of all religions, heritage, and ages that are all yarn-crafters. The consideration that is generally there, the kindness, the camaraderie is wonderful. Even knitting/crocheting on a bus, a fellow crafter can, and will, acknowledge you with a nod and smile at least, just as if they were standing beside you at a yarn vendor at Rhinebeck and you reach for the same yarn.

The Iceland chapter was hilarious. As someplace I have daydreamed of going to, the chapter started out as an affirmation, to a "I am NEVER going there!", to a daydream again haha. But all in good fun with general information and kindness, so I'm still good with my daydreams of Iceland.

When I was doing video podcasting on youtube.com, I was aware of the birth of the Edinburgh yarn festival and as an American Scot, I hope to return there one day and visit. That chapter is more about the people than the festival, though. Can you imagine having a meal with Stephen West!? Even Clara is awed by who she meets there and that makes her all the more endearing. You never know who you will run into at a festival.

This book is worth the purchase or wait through the local library. It is endearing, funny, relatable and interesting. It has a little bit of something for everyone. If you enjoyed the books by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (all hail the Yarn Harlot!) you will enjoy this book, so check it out, check yourself in and sit back with your favorite beverage when you need to rest your hands from your yarncrafting. You will not be sorry.
SH
5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this book
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Each chapter was a new adventure. I bought it for a friend as a birthday gift by just skimming it and she liked it so much, I decided to buy the book using my new Kindle Fire, so it was my first download. Because I was an active participant in both Sock Summits, knowing Tina and working both times, it was so fun to read about them from a different perspective. And I have been to Madronna. It was so fun to read through the book and wish I could go everywhere myself. Thanks for making it come alive.
Susan
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read for knitters
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2016
This is a quiet and peaceful book that details, through the traveling experiences of a "technical knitting instructor", the impact of social media and, technology and group interactions on knitters in the last decade. As one of those knitters, I was pleased by the chapters that covered events I have attended and thrilled by the promise of those I haven't. I think those who don't knit will find here insights and explanation enough to make the reading worth their time. If nothing else, the humour with which the author shares, without hesitation, her opinions, quirks and embarrassments makes for an amusing read.
Anne Cloward
5.0 out of 5 stars My new best friend
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2021
I love Clara. Her writing is so delightful. She makes her readers want to pack a bag, and hop in the car with her. She is the person you want to spend hours with to enjoy the fiber scene. From the Sock Summit to a rollicking visit to Iceland, what fun adventures she shares with us.
Stefanie
5.0 out of 5 stars It will NOT disappoint!!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2017
Seldom does an author prompt me to laugh-out-loud while reading their book, but Clara Parkes' writing has this effect on me. This has been a delightful read...one that has sent me Googling more times than not a geographical location, a festival, a yarn store...I even calculated the distance from my sister's house to one of the festivals she writes about....future trip planning for sure!!! Filled with short but riveting vignettes of her yarn travels, it is sure to satisfy the reader looking for something different. Highly recommend this book
Susan Smith
3.0 out of 5 stars Good book.
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2018
This was a fun look inside the knitting world. Clara Parkes knows everyone and gets to go everywhere! She deftly described the knitting world and culture of those in it!
Melinda Campbell
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is for more than knitters
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2016
Clara's new book is a joy for all knitters, of course, but non knitters will enjoy it thoroughly. Her writing creates a sense of place that takes you armchair traveling in the very best sense. For knitters, she tells tales of places we have dreamed of going and suddenly find ourselves transported there! My favorite chapter was the one on the Edinburgh Yarn Festival which I read while attending this years EYF. Savor this book and enjoy the journey.
Andie
4.0 out of 5 stars It almost feels like you're traveling!
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2016
I enjoyed this book! Clara Parkes is a lovely writer, and she really offers a vivid sense of place. Her chapters on Iceland and Rhinebeck were especially descriptive.

As a knitter, crocheter, and lover of yarn in general, I really enjoyed learning more about many of the different wool festivals and knitting conferences that I've never attended. It was also especially fun to read about the author's experience at Craftsy. (She takes us behind the scenes - it was really interesting!)

Some reviews have complained that this book reads like a long list of name-dropping...and, well, I suppose it does drop a lot of names of very famous people in the knitting world. It seems as though Parkes is friends with every famous knitting designer walking the earth today. It didn't feel pretentious or grandiose to me, though. I actually just thought it was fun hearing stories about what these folks are like.

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