The Yarn Whisperer

My Unexpected Life in Knitting

By: Clara Parkes

Narrated by: Clara Parkes

Stockinette, ribbing, cables, even the humble yarn over can instantly evoke places, times, people, conversations, all those poignant moments that we've tucked away in our memory banks. Over time, those stitches form a map of our lives. (From the preface)

In The Yarn Whisperer: Reflections on a Life in Knitting, renowned knitter and author Clara Parkes ponders the roles knitting plays in her life via 22 captivating, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny essays. Recounting tales of childhood and adulthood, family, friends, adventure, privacy, disappointment, love, and celebration, she hits upon the universal truths that drive knitters to create and explores the ways in which knitting can be looked at as a metaphor for so many other things. Put simply, "No matter how perfect any one sweater may be, it's only human to crave another. And another, and another."

Praise for The Yarn Whisperer:

“I see a lot of yarn books in this gig, and Whisperer is not only the best I’ve seen this year, it’s one of my all-time faves. Seriously, it’s that good.” (The Oregonian)

“I don’t want to stop reading. Each chapter is a little jewel.” (KnitCircus.com)

“Parkes has a poet’s appreciation for the interconnectivity of seemingly disparate aspects of life.... I have a sense of affinity with the metaphors she chooses, which are drawn from music, gardening, baking, and of course, knitting. Her language dances and gallops, chuckles and sings.” (Kangath Knits blog)

“The Yarn Whisperer weaves together knitting anecdotes and life experiences of the author in a way that I think we can all relate to.” (Kelbourne Woolens blog)

“It’s a fun book for curling up on a cool day with a cup of tea, knitting nearby, of course.” (CraftGossip.com)

“It is seriously the best book about knitting experiences ever. I absolutely LOVED it!” ­(Sweetly Made)

“If you haven’t read The Yarn Whisperer yet, you should. It’s sweet, funny and full of moments you’ll recognize or aspire to. I recommend you get a copy.” (Moth Heaven)

“In this charming series of linked essays, Parkes metaphorically puts the fast whorl on her wheel and spins something entirely new, showing that she’s not just a good writer but a great one. Funny, sweet, and trenchant and offered in twenty-two digestible bits, this book is not only the quintessential sampler afghan of knit lit, it is also the ‘It’ gift of the season. Buy a stack to stuff inside the handmade stockings of your knitting-circle friends.” (Vogue Knitting)

“The creator of Knitter’s Review has created a collection of stories of her life of knitting, yarn, baking and overall appreciation for all things beautiful, and has woven them together like afghan squares with charm, grace and hilarity.” (Petite Purls)

“Her writing is incredibly clever...this book will be dear to your heart.” (Knit the Hell Out)

©2016 Clara Parkes (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Clara Parkes: The Yarn Seer." (Interweave Knits magazine)

"If you are a knitter, or even if you are not, read this book for the sheer joy of her writing, for the way she strings ideas together and brings you into her world.... I would compare her to Mark Twain because of her dry humor. Honestly, she's that good." (New Jersey Courier News' In Stitches blog)

"Read this book to be reminded of how special it is to be a part of this warm and fuzzy community." (About.com)

This book is fantastic!

Beautifully written and read-
It's a wonderful story that I'm sure I will listen to again soon!

Never Underestimate a Knitter

Clara is a beautiful writer and this book is even better by her own narration and inflections.

Charming and poignant

Well done!! Very entertaining, thoughtful and well written. Perfect for anyone who knits, no matter at what level. However, that said, this could be enjoyed just as much by someone who doesn’t knit. Clara’s performance was throughly enjoyable and I cannot imagine anyone else reading it. I’ve recommended it to a friend who I know will adore it like I did.

this ended up being a very pleasant surprise.

I'm a knitter. Yet it took me slogging through nearly the first hour to enjoy this book -and then I loved it! This is going to be one I re-listened to often I think. Give it a try, you won't regret it.

I could listen to Clara forever

loved this book. Clara makes such appropriate connections between life and knitting. Knitting universal metaphor.

I love knitting & my stash...

I loved hearing about her different challenges, & tips. I had my sister-in-law teach me long tail caston.

Absolutely Fantastic!

This was so wonderful, I finished it in one evening. Stories I could relate to!

Excellent! About so much more than knitting

wonderfully woven story about knitting, life, and love. this book is a treasure. off to her next onw

Wonderful from start to finish

Clara Parke's writing is fluid, imaginative, evocative, and happens to be about knitting. She manages to draw parallels between the yarn craft and a nostalgic view of mundane life that even non-stitchers can appreciate. From time in France as a school girl, to restoring an old farmhouse in Maine, the rhythm of the stories hits just the right notes. This is a book that can be savored for its prose over and over.

The author narrates her own book wonderfully, giving it the intimate feel of a chat between friends. I'm very glad to have this in my audiobook library.

Wonderfully crafted short stories

This is a great listen! Funny, riveting, and we'll told. I didn't want it to end.