From Booklist
*Starred Review* Visually as well as informatively inviting, Barry’s story of her New England farm, particularly how she produces yarn for crafters, will absorb readers regardless of their previous interest in or even exposure to the nearly magical world of yarn preparation. Barry describes herself as a shepherdess and textile artisan, and those two sides of herself and her professional life are given outlets on her western Massachusetts “fiber farm” as she raises sheep for their wool and assumes the hat of a crafter, using her own product for knitting and weaving projects. Her luscious book is a year-in-the-life-of presentation. She follows her farm’s processes and procedures from spring to summer to fall to winter, from shearing to awaiting new lambs to making hay to lamb weaning to the final steps in the making of yarn. Sprinkled throughout her spirited and inspirational text are directions for knitting garments and accessories, including patterns by name knitwear designers. Photographic accompaniment to the text is more than simply support. The abundant and eye-catching photos rivet the reader’s attention in their own right. Obviously, this is more than just a how-to, and the book should be see-also-referenced from the library’s farming and agricultural section. --Brad Hooper
Review
"Visually as well as informatively inviting, Barry’s story of her New England farm, particularly how she produces yarn for crafters, will absorb readers regardless of their previous interest in or even exposure to the nearly magical world of yarn preparation."—
Booklist, starred review
“Many people dream of ditching it all and starting a farm in the country, but Barbara Parry actually did it. In 1997 she began building a flock of sheep that has since become the foundation of her thriving Western Massachusetts fiber farm. Here she offers a beautiful, vivid portrayal of the life she has chosen. Season by season, she presents a narrative that is dreamy yet concrete, inspiring yet informative, and, always, unblinkingly honest. A must-read for anyone who wants to better appreciate where their yarn comes from.”—Clara Parkes
“Parry’s skillful hand and gentle heart are the perfect blend to capture the joys and heartaches of farming in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.”—Linda Cortright, publisher of
Wild Fibers magazine
“Many of us wool enthusiasts daydream about someday owning a farm, raising sheep, harvesting yarn, and going back to the land. Follow Barbara Parry—a former English teacher who made this dream a reality—on a journey that teaches us all ‘about the intangible gains of . . . taking the long road.’ ”—Jared Flood, knitwear designer and owner of Brooklyn Tweed
“In my very first years of sheep farming—and the resulting shearing, spinning, and knitting that goes along with it—I found myself turning each page slowly, not wanting the education and camaraderie to end. But no matter where you find yourself on the spectrum —farmer, spinner, dyer, knitter, or weaver—you are sure to find inspiration, laughter, and joy in the farm tales that Barbara shares.”—Amanda Soule, author of
The Rhythm of Family See all Editorial Reviews