At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much (2005)

A fun book about the obsessions we can develop for yarn, yarn shops, the latest gadgets and all things knitting. Good for times when you only have time for 5 minutes to read or when you just need a pick me up. ( )

The following is my personal opinion; you don't have to share it.

I enjoy the Yarn Harlot's stories very much. . . in context. This book has a new tidbit on nearly every page, so I found there to be little flow or cohesiveness that made her other books so pleasurable to read. Additionally, much of the content seemed to be recycled from previous books. I am not a big fan of "quotes," so I didn't feel that those added much to the recycled anecdotes and thoughts.

I also question the use of the subtitle "Meditations for WOMEN who knit too much" (emphasis mine). We're all pretty aware that the knitting world is densely populated with women, but nothing about the content of this book struck me as particularly specific to women. I don't see a reason for the exclusion. Some of the stories do involve her husband and her motherhood experiences, but in my opinion, those seemed translatable to a female partner, or to fatherhood. (Obviously not all readers will be interested in opposite-sex relationships, or in parenthood--I'm merely venturing a guess as to why that subtitle was chosen.)

The book isn't all bad. Its physical size makes it easy to carry in a purse, knitting bag, or even a large pocket, and its format makes it easy to read a few pages and easily put it down again. It might be a fun little stocking stuffer for someone who doesn't own the Yarn Harlot's previous works, or who can't bear to put down the needles for long reads. Personally, though, I would recommend her other books over this one. ( )

Its great to find a way to laugh at something you hold near and dear. This book is the equivalent of my husband's Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Series. I've placed it in my knitting basket beside my chair and pull it out for a wee bit of humour when the stitches get mussed and the prospect of a massive "frog" leaves me ready to swear off knitting forever... or at least until tomorrow.

If you find yourself bristling when someone tries to "make you smile" then this isn't the book for you. If you're the sort who stands in awe at the fact that "you're a grown up!?!" then you'll likely love this book! ( )

Stephanie's first book and probably still her best. She's got the "knitting humor" market locked down for a reason. ( )

Despite the subtitle, this book is equally suited to men who knit too much! ( )