Books of Interest to Fiber Artists Including Fiction

The Woolery maintains an extensive inventory of titles for all aspects of the fiber crafts, including spinning, weaving, dyeing, knitting, machine knitting, crocheting, felting, fiber animals and a wonderful collection of childrens' books that have a fiber craft or animal tilt. We think you will find something for every occasion. If you would like recommendations or don't see a title, give us a call. Books, particularly craft books, come and go, so the list is always changing. We will keep this on-line list up to date.

DISCOUNTS - buy 2-4 books (total price over $20) and take 10% off the total; buy 5 books or more and take 15% off! Note: any discount will not be reflected on the Cart Invoice; the discount will be applied at the time we process your order. NOTE also that there is no discount on out-of-print books.

JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER - now you can. Most of the books listed on this page have a link to a new page with a color picture of the cover and a more complete description of the book. Covers are presented in relative size so you can also estimate the size of the book. We hope this makes buying books on-line from The Woolery easier.

Categories - Spinning, Weaving, Felting and Fiber, Dyeing, Locker Hooking, Children's Corner, Fiber Animals, Knitting and Crochet, Rug Hooking, Braiding

We also have a category for various plans to "build it yourself" - wheels, looms and more.

Also see our Used Books and Out of Print Books, a new section.

Books of Interest
to Fiber Artists

Go to
Fiction Books
on this page

Click and See - bring your mouse to each title, click, and see additional information about the book and
a picture of the cover.

The Age of Homespun by L. Thatcher Ulrich: using ordinary household goods (baskets, spinning wheels, a niddy noddy, bedcovers, a linen tablecloth, an unfinished stocking and more), the author chronicles the production of cloth and of history in early America. 500 pages. Black and white photos. $16.95.

New! At Knit's End by S. Pearl-McPhee: the subtitle of this book is "Meditations for women who knit too much"; they are one-page stories that will make you smile, reflections that will make you think, all dealing with the power of yarn and knitting. A great gift for a knitter! $9.95.

Beyond Stitch & Bitch by A. Scruggs: these reflections on knitting and life will remind you of how knitting can be a spiritual experience. Some of the subjects covered include Elizabeth Zimmerman, gifts, the need to knit, yarn shops and more. Includes several patterns (a Möbius scarf, necklace and 2 hats). This little book would make a nice gift for a knitter! $12.95.

Big Cotton by S. Yafa: tells the history of cotton fiber, how it "created fortunes, wrecked civilizations and put America on the map". Large print. Hardcover. Limited quantities. $30.95.

Child Life in Colonial Days by A. Earle: a detailed and fascinating account. Covers everything from dress to toys, school to play, discipline and religion. 418 pages. Now out of print (sorry, no discount on this book) - WE STILL HAVE A FEW LEFT! $39.95.

The Dogs of Bedlam Farm by J. Katz: recounts a harrowing winter spent by the author after he moves into an old farmhouse on a remote 42-acre farm in upstate New York with a ram, 15 ewes, 2 donkeys, and 3 Border Collies he learns to train (or do the dogs train him?). Heartwarming and full of drama, insight and hard-won wisdom. Soft cover. $12.95.

Eating Stone by E. Meloy: the author relates 4 seasons spent watching a band of rare desert bighorn sheep. She observes the cycles of breeding and birth, predators and death, and enjoys the beauty of a wild remote place. Hardcover. $26.

A Good Dog by J. Katz: the author gets a new dog, Orson, a 2-year old border collie who does not know how to herd sheep and proves to be quite a challenge. While Katz is trying to train him, Orson helps the author in his own way, making him discover life on an old farm in upstate New York with sheep, chickens, donkeys and other dogs. An endearing story of a man and a dog struggling to keep faith with each other. $13.95.

Jacquard's Web by J. Essinger: this is the story of how a master silk-weaver in Napoleonic France invented a loom that led to the beginning of the information age. Also tells of other pioneers who helped transform the technology of the punch-card loom into the modern computer. Black and white photos. Hardcover. $28.

Knit Lit ed. by L. Roghaar & M. Wolf: over 75 stories, essays, anecdotes and recollections by knitters about their hobby and the joy it brings into their lives. Would make a great gift for a knitter. $13.

Knit Lit (Too) ed. by L. Roghaar & M. Wolf: another charming collection of stories and anecdotes by knitters that speak to the power of knitting in people's lives. Over 70 pieces, some sweet and touching, others inspirational or hilarious. $13.

Knit Lit the Third ed. by L. Roghaar & M. Wolf: an all new collection of over 70 endearing stories, all about knitting and kintters. $14.

Knitters', Crocheters', Weavers' & Spinners' Travel Guide 2007-2008 by J. Ross: would you enjoy stopping at a knitting, weaving or spinning shop while traveling? Or know where guilds are located? This guide features a map of each state (several maps for the larger states) with the locations of such stores and guilds followed by a town directory with name, address, phone number and e-mail and/or web site (when applicable) of each store plus guild contacts and when members meet.. 374 pages! You will want to have it with you anytime you hit the road... $15.95.

New! Knitticisms...and Other Purls of Wisdom ed. by M. Dregni: features witty remarks and stories dealing with knitting, all of them brilliantly illustrated with historical postcards, photos, vintage patterns and advertising.Compact format ( 5 7/8" x 5 7/8") makes it easy to take along and share with your friends. A fun book! Hardcover. $12.95.

New! Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales ed. by K. Cornell: a collection of lighthearted essays by knitters and knitting designers like Meg Swansen, Lily Chin, Kay Dorn, Amy Singer, Michael Dregni, Greta Cunningham and more. There is a short introduction to each of the authors. Hardcover. $16.95.

Click and See - bring your mouse to each title, click, and see additional information about the book and a picture of the cover.

Mauve by S. Garfield: the story of how in 1856 18-year-old English chemist William Perkin accidentally discovered a way to mass-produce color and in the process transformed the world around him. A stirring tale of scientific progress made through the extraordinary exertions of a single person. (Soft cover temporarily unavailable ****) Hardcover. $23.95.

Soft Cover

Hard Cover

A Midwife's Tale by L. Ulrich: a portrait of the life of Martha Ballard, based on her diary (1785-1812). Her work and domestic life are described in detail and include numerous references to spinning and weaving. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. $15.95.

The Mummies of Urumchi by E. Barber: the story behind the finest collection of prehistoric textiles in existence. Fascinating. 230 pages. Soft cover. $17.95.

Prehistoric Textiles by E. Barber: chronicles the development of cloth in the neolithic and bronze ages; covers the domestication of fibers, spinning and spindles, looms and weaving, textile weaves, felt and felting, dyeing, and various discussions. Very thorough; 470 pages. Black and white illustrations. Soft Cover. $69.

Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!! by McClun and Laura Nownes: 800,000 copies sold in the first edition, the second printing has even more information for the quilter. Sotfcover $24.95.

New! The Root of Wild Madder by B. Murphy: the author recounts his travels to Afghanistan and Iran, meeting people who make Persian carpets. He explains how the carpets are made, marketed, used, and what they mean, how people spin, dye and weave the yarn. Not a how-to book but a very interesting read. Color photos. $18.95.

New! The Silk Weavers of Kyotoby T. Hareven: exploring the lives and work of Japanese handloom weavers, this book captures a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. It describes the family businesses and cottage industries in the Nishijin weaving district and includes interviews with the weavers themselves. Some black and white photos. $24.95.

New! Sheep - The Remarkable Story of the Humble Animal that Built the Modern World by A. Butler: great history of sheep and wool and their relationship with humans from the cradle of civilization to Dolly and beyond. Hardcover. $19.95.

Sylvia's Farm by S. Jorrin: 15 years ago the author moved to an 85-acre farm in upstate New York; she had no desire to become a farmer but, at the suggestion of a neighbor, acquired 18 ewes and a (mean) ram. Then her business partner left. This is Sylvia's journal describing how she learned to become a farmer, conquered the elements (including the coldest December on record) and ended up a shepherd with a flock of 120, plus 21 goats, 2 cows, 50 chickens, 4 geese and a donkey. An enjoyable read! $14.95. Also available in hardcover, $23.95.

Softcover

Hardcover

Trafficking in Sheep by A. Priest: a working actress and divorced mother, Anne Priest falls in love with Nova Scotia, buys a house there and ends up purchasing an island, alternating her life between Nova Scotia and New York, raising sheep and Border collies and learning much in the process. This is her memoir covering several decades and a very enjoyable read. Hardcover. $19.95.

Women and the Machine - Representations from the Spinning Wheel to the Electronic Age by J. Wosk: an engaging study of the ways women and machines have been represented in art, photography, advertising and literature. From spinning wheels, looms and fashion wires to typewriters, bicycles, automobiles, airplanes and more. Black and white and color photos. Hardcover. $39.95.

Women's Work - the First 20,000 Years by E. Wayland Barber: enjoyable history of women, cloth and society in early times. 330 pages. $15.95.

New! Yarn Harlot - the Secret Life of a Knitter by S. Pearl-McPhee: fun-filled stories of the author's experiences as a knitter. She talks of projects she has known and loved, of the thousand or so skeins she has stashed under the bed, of moths and a yarn-thieving squirrel, ways to anger a knitter and more. Very funny. No photos. $12.95.

Click and See - bring your mouse to each title, click, and see additional information about the book and a picture of the cover.

Fiction Books with
Fiber "Role"

Ahab's Wife by S. Naslund: some references to Captain Ahab's young wife in Moby Dick led the author to write this novel of drama and romantic adventure. Note the interesting chapter "The Woolsack" about a shearing festival. 668 pages. $15.

The Bridal Wreath - Kristin Lavransdatter I by S. Undset: the first volume of the masterpiece trilogy by Nobel Prize winning Norwegian novelist Sigrid Undset describes Kristin's youth in 14th century Norway and her romance with Erlend Nikulausson, of whom her father disapproves. $13.

The Mistress of Husaby - Kristin Lavransdatter II by S. Undset: tells of Kristin's married life on the estate of Husaby. A wonderful follow-up to The Bridal Wreath, this novel is universal and timeless in its scope. $14.

Click and See - bring your mouse to each title, click, and see additional information about the book and a picture of the cover.

The Cross - Kristin Lavransdatter III by S. Undset: chronicles the trials and losses Kristin must bear and how she finds the strength to endure them. $14.

New! The Carpet Makers by A. Eschbach: for generations, the carpet makers have tied knots and made intricate carpets for the court of the emperor. Made from the hair of wives and daughters, these carpets are so detailed that a carpet maker finishes only one carpet in his lifetime. One day, the empire vanishes... Award winning science fiction. Hardcover. $24.95.

Counting on Grace by E. Winthrop: a novel about two children working in a spinning mill in New England and a photographer who investigates the working conditions. Hardcover. $15.95.

Daughter of the Forest by J. Marillier: a fantasy novel based on a legend, this is the tale of spinner and weaver Sorcha who must save her six brothers from an evil enchantment. Small paperback format. $6.99.

A Deadly Yarn by M. Sefton: another knitting mystery from Maggie Sefton! When Kelly Flynn and a knitter friend arrive at weaver/designer Allison Dubois's apartment, they find her dead. The police suspect suicide; it's up to Kelly and her crafty friends from the House of Lampsun to unravel this tightly stitched puzzle. Delicious recipe and knitting pattern included. $6.99.

Died in the Wool by M. Kruger: Ariadne enters her knitting store one day and discovers the body of a long time customer strangled with yarn. She is determined to untangle the mystery. $13.

Far from the Madding Crowd by T. Hardy: the tale of beautiful headstrong farmer Bathsheba Everdene and her three suitors, including Gabriel Oaks, the shepherd. A classic set in 19th century England. $5.95.

Framed in Lace by M. Ferris: a skeleton is found on a historic ferry boat and near it is a piece of unidentifiable lacelike fabric. Betsy Devonshire, a needlecraft shop owner, and some of her patrons decide to unravel the mystery. $6.99.

New! The Friday Night Knitting Club by K. Jacobs: Georgia Walker has her hands full running a yarn shop and raising her teen daughter by herself. She enjoys the regulars who come to her knitting club. However, unexpected changes soon throw these women's lives into disarray. Hardcover. $22.95.

A Good Yarn by D. Macomber: four women find companionship and comfort in each other and in joining a knitting class. By New York Times bestselling author. Hardcover. $19.95.

Indigo Dying by S. Albert: herbalist China Bayles is in the town of Indigo, Texas to teach a "Colors to Dye for" workshop; she ends up investigating a murder. If you are a dyer or fiber artist and enjoy a murder mystery, this book is for you! $6.99.

New! Knit Fast, Die Young by M. Kruger: the Freeport Wool and Yarn Festival is the site of a murder and Ariadne, the knitting shop owner, is the prime suspect. $6.99.

Knit One, Kill Two by M. Sefton: Kelly's aunt was an expert knitter; now she is dead. With the help of the knitting regulars at House of Lambspun, Kelly decides to learn how to knit and also how to untangle the mystery behind her aunt's murder. Knitting pattern included. $6.99.

Knitting by A. Bartlett: two widows, Sandra and Martha, meet unexpectedly. Sandra persuades Martha, a gifted knitter, to help her mount a knitting exhibition and their collaboration becomes an exploration of healing, grace, and a search for meaning. Hardcover. $23.

New! The Language of Threads by G. Tsukiyama: this novel is a follow-up to "Women of the Silk". Silkworker Pei arrives in 1930's Hong Kong with a young orphan in her care. Soon, war and the Japanese occupation force her to make her own way and struggle to survive. $13.95.

The Mists of Avalon by M. Zimmer Bradley: a magical saga of the women behind King Arthur's throne, this epic novel has many references to spinners and weavers. 876 pages. $16.95.

A Murderous Yarn by M. Ferris: a driver in an antique car race ends up dead. Was it an accident? Betsy Devonshire, owner of a needlecraft shop, and her friends decide to find out. The answer may be in a piece of needlework. $6.99.

Click and See - bring your mouse to each title, click, and see additional information about the book and a picture of the cover.

Needled to Death by M. Sefton: Maggie Sefton's latest knitting mystery. When Kelly Flynn takes tourists to visit an alpaca farm, she finds the owner dead, blood seeping into the design of one of her handwoven rugs. Kelly decides to do some investigating, even if it means taking a break from the sweater she has been knitting. Includes recipe and knitting pattern. $6.99.

Nop's Hope by D. McCaig: a novel about sheepdog trials, Hope, a remarkable Border Collie, and his owner Penny. 211 pages. Ages 9-adult. $14.95.

Nop's Trials by D. McCaig: classic novel about sheepdog trials and th enduring bond between a man and Nop, a Border Collie. Ages 9-adult. $13.95.

Precious Bane by M. Webb: "It was at a love-spinning that I saw Kester first"; so starts a wonderful novel set in the remote hill country of Shropshire during the time of the Napoleonic wars. A bestseller, this novel of the countryside also happens to describe the spinners of the time and a weaver. 320 pages. $14.99.

The Rose Rent by E. Peters: one of the acclaimed Brother Cadfael mysteries that inspired the PBS series starring Derek Jacobi, this novel deals with weaving, sheep and the wool market in 12th century England. $6.99.

Sandry's Book (Circle of Magic #1) by T. Pierce: anyone who has experienced the magic of turning wool into yarn will understand the premise of this fantasy novel: crafts can be magical! Sandry learns to spin and weave, and to do magic with her spindle. $5.99.