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25 Comments
  • My husband gave me this book for Valentine’s Day!! I can’t wait to dig into it.

  • What a lovely review Jillian. I’m going to order the book now!

  • Read it and loved it. Her adventures shearing sheep gave me the laugh I needed.

  • Thanks for the review and the reveal. The book has always looked interesting but I could never get past the “ugly sweater” idea: Why read a book about an ugly sweater? But if it’s not ugly then I guess I’ll have to read the book.

  • I’m looking forward to reading this, thanks for the helpful review. I have it on my Libby wish list for later, I hope Peggy reads it to me!

    • Looking forward to this book. What a project! The author is a brave woman: as Jillian points out, shearing and preparing fleece are physically exhausting, dirty, smelly jobs. “Ugly seater”? How often have I been disappointed by garments I made that someone else loved. Thanks for telling us about this book!

  • This review should also be in the “Knit to This” section–Peggy reads the audiobook herself. I truly enjoyed it. (Jillian, I lost my crafting mojo during the pandemic, too. It’s back with a vengeance and Unraveling is giving me even more inspiration.)

  • Thank you for showcasing this wonderful book. I just finished it and I want to start all over and read it again! Peggy Orenstein is an exquisite writer, a deep thinker and a local treasure.

  • Yes, everyone had something that helped them get through the lockdown. Mine was jigsaw puzzles, which I do not actually enjoy, but which gave me a sense of accomplishment….”Look, I finished the corner of the sky!”

    I am sorry it was not knitting, or reading, as if it had been, I’d have a complete new wardrobe or be a more literate adult. But jigsaw puzzles seemed to be the only thing which could turn off that part of my brain which kept complaining about all the places I wanted to travel and all the things I wanted to do that were off limits for the foreseeable future. Now that I can again see the future, I’ve returned to enjoying my knitting and reading with a vengeance! And I am greatly looking forward to reading this book next. Thanks!

  • Can’t wait to read this book!
    But if there’s no photo of the sweater, how do you know for sure it’s not ugly?

    • Amy, there is a photo of the sweater in the book.

    • There’s a photo of the sweater on the author’s Instagram account linked in the PS above.

  • I just finished reading her book. It was recommended by my daughter, whom I also share a knitting passion with. I love her references to archaeologists, sociologist, historians, and current day influencers. So many. Of the things she discussed in her book or parallel to my own world. Anyone who hasn’t read the book, will definitely find some thing to draw them in and keep them interested.

  • I am reading this right now. The writing style is so relatable and a breath of fresh air! Thanks so much for reviewing “Unraveling” and encouraging others to read it as well.

  • Wonderful review. Sweater looks wearable to me. Thank you for the review

  • Peggy gave a talk at our local bookstore a couple of weeks ago, and she wore the sweater. Not at all ugly and a wonderful mix of colors that she explains in depth in the book how she created each one from natural materials. I too cringed about how much water the dyeing process required given our relentless drought!

  • I LOVED this book!

  • Reading this right now. Thanks for the excellent review.

  • Ordered from my local bookstore and picked up a few days ago. I know I’m going to savor every page.

  • I am currently listening to this book and loving it so much. I resonate with being in my 60’s and trying new things. I am delving into the world of weaving and through trial and error am learning so much along the way. This book is a must read.

  • After reading your review, which was great, I bought the book on Audible. Plan to start it immediately.

  • I read this book a few weeks ago and loved it. It’s not just a book about knitting. It’s about knitting, family, learning new things and coping with things we can’t control. And so much more. I identified with her fears about the fires because I live in California. Now we’re going through flooding!! If you’re going through any kind of crisis, whether or otherwise, read this book. It won’t change the crisis, but it might help you deal with it. Now, back to my knitting while the rain pours, the snow gets deeper and then it melts and floods. Stay safe everyone!!

    • Thank you spell check for changing weather to weather!! Sheesh.