Unraveling

What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater

By: Peggy Orenstein

Narrated by: Peggy Orenstein

“Orenstein is such a breezy, funny writer, it’s easy to forget she’s an important thinker too.”—People

In this lively, funny memoir, Peggy Orenstein sets out to make a sweater from scratch—shearing, spinning, dyeing wool—and in the process discovers how we find our deepest selves through craft. Orenstein spins a yarn that will appeal to everyone.

The COVID pandemic propelled many people to change their lives in ways large and small. Some adopted puppies. Others stress-baked. Peggy Orenstein, a lifelong knitter, went just a little further. To keep herself engaged and cope with a series of seismic shifts in family life, she set out to make a garment from the ground up: learning to shear sheep, spin and dye yarn, then knitting herself a sweater.

Orenstein hoped the project would help her process not just wool but her grief over the recent death of her mother and the decline of her dad, the impending departure of her college-bound daughter, and other thorny issues of aging as a woman in a culture that by turns ignores and disdains them. What she didn’t expect was a journey into some of the major issues of our time: climate anxiety, racial justice, women’s rights, the impact of technology, sustainability, and, ultimately, the meaning of home.

With her wry voice, sharp intelligence, and exuberant honesty, Orenstein shares her year-long journey as daughter, wife, mother, writer, and maker—and teaches us all something about creativity and connection.

Unraveling is a memoir that explores Peggy Orenstein's journey into the world of knitting as a way to cope with the pandemic and other personal struggles. Through her exploration of the cultural history of wool dying, carding, and spinning, she provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the true meaning of creativity and the importance of pursuing hobbies. This book is a perfect gift for anyone looking for inspiration and insight into the power of DIY projects.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Peggy Orenstein (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Fascinating memoir of the pandemic

I loved it. Listening to the audiobook, I sailed through my chores in a distracted state. The author gives voice to the feelings and anxieties of being cooped up during the pandemic. She ties them up neatly into a metaphor on knitting. I would love to see her sweater.

I will buy a hard copy edition of this book to keep to remember how the pandemic changed our luves.

A lovely rainbow of words, images, emotions and insight.

I loved this book. I loved listening to the author read it – – she has sincerity and a lyrical ability in her tale telling. The chapters are full of texture color and emotional depth beyond my expectations. Beautiful connection between somethings so deceptively simple – – wool to yarn, colors to fabric - - is beautifully knit together with a perceptive, often hilariously fascinating approach to the historical aspects of clothing, color, relationships, family, aging, and women.
Thank you for writing and reading this uplifting jewel to me.

Beautiful

A metaphor for life. I learn something new each time I listen! Thank you Ms Orenstein!

Fabulous listen

As a mother, shepherd, spinner, knitter, weaver, and sewer I so related to this book. It was wonderful to hear of another’s experience and thoughts and feelings about so many topics in common.

Wonderful

Excellent! Read if you can or listen if you can. I enjoyed every minute of the audiobook.

A must read!

Honestly it was so much more than I had anticipated, the author speaks of relevant issues related to their journey with such a passion. I absolutely loved the book and it’s a must read for any crafter, yarn or not.

Enjoyable

I don’t think Unraveling breaks any new ground but is an enjoyable and informative listen. The topics and ideas are varied. More than anything, this book has heart.

Delightful

I love knitting, history and tidbits. This includes all of that. I always love to hear the voice of the author.

The process not the end product!

What a wonderful book about life, in all its messiness, that used shearing, washing, carding, spinning, dyeing and knitting as the backdrop!

Great book and journey

Loved listening to Peggy’s journey from sheep to sweater, life’s ups and heart-breaking downs. So many part resonated with me and will likely revisit this book again in the future.