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Sweater Quest
Sweater Quest: My Year of Knitting Dangerously | Adrienne Martini
6 posts | 9 read | 9 to read
"I knit so I don’t kill people" —bumper sticker spotted at Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival For Adrienne Martini, and countless others, knitting is the linchpin of sanity. As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters—her own Mary Tudor, whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experienced knitters. Created by reclusive designer Alice Starmore, the Mary Tudor can be found only in a rare, out-of-print book of Fair Isle–style patterns, Tudor Roses, and requires a discontinued, irreplaceable yarn. The sweater, Martini explains, "is a knitter’s Mount Everest, our curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you." And so she took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband—without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle. A wooly Julie and Julia, this epic yarn celebrates the profound joys of creating—and aspiring to—remarkable achievements.
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jdenslow
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Pickpick

I can't speak to what non-knitters might think of this book, but I adored it. Martini writes about her year-long quest to knit an intricate sweater from a pattern designed by a crabby and litigious artist. Along the way, we learn about how the internet helped revive the community of knitters and what knitters get out of knitting besides hats and socks.

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bookishbitch
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Pickpick

I actually finished this last week. Loved it. I wasn't sure how writing about knitting a sweater could fill a whole book when I started. The author does a great job of writing about the act of knitting seen several different ways. Plus there is the history of the sweater designer herself, among other bits of knitting related history. Written with good humor. It has made me consider tackling a sweater myself someday.

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bookishbitch
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"Instead of viewing [handicrafts] as a vehicle for creative self expression, many feminists saw these home based and often family-focused activities as a manifestation of domestic obligations." ~ Being a feminist myself I had long wondered why feminists would take issue with knitting. Interesting!

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bookishbitch
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This time of year I tend to get a little obsessed with knitting. This year is proving to be the same, if not worse now that I have learned a new technique. I started this last night. Loving it so far. It's quite funny.

CarolynOliver Oooh! What's the new technique? 8y
bookishbitch @CarolynOliver I have finally forayed into Fair Isle 2 color knitting. It was scary at first but I am now addicted. 8y
6 likes1 stack add2 comments
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bookishkai
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Pickpick

My #Recommendsday pick today. Every knitter has that one project, their Holy Grail of knitting, the seemingly impossible project they want to complete. The author chronicles her year of knitting her Project, an Alice Starmore colorwork sweater, amid discussions of the politics of knitting communities, hunting for yarn, and knitting as therapy.

[DELETED] 1409720085 I do not care very much about knitting but your description makes me think maybe I should. 8y
bookishkai @emilydecato hahaha, knitting isn't for everyone :) but it's a very vibrant community. The biggest knitting site, ravelry, actually reminds me a lot of Litsy, except for patterns and projects instead of books. 8y
Mayread Frogging teaches you a lot about yourself. 😕 8y
See All 6 Comments
b.olsenboblitt I think the best thing I ever learned was to knit and read at the same time! I hadn't heard of this book, but I'm definitely adding it to my list 🙂 8y
Nuwanda I loved this one and I'm not even really a knitter! 8y
Sue I had a shirt that said 'I knit so I don't kill people' and wore it out. Perhaps it's time for another - fair warning right? Added to stack! 8y
54 likes7 stack adds6 comments
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List_addict
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I'm never going to get through this book because I have to google every designer, pattern, design and colourway that gets mentioned. It also makes me want to knit. I wish I liked audio.