Knitter's Book of Yarn (or My Favorite New Book)

I have been meaning to post about this book for ages. Because it is made of awesome.

The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes

Let me say I'm rather picky when it comes to knitting books. I have my favorite classics and most new releases I feel I already have covered. This not to say I don't always have my eye out though. So when I first heard some things about this book I thought cool, I'll have to check that out.
Then I was fortunate enough to make it to Yarn School and there got to meet Adrian Bizilia who showed some pieces that would be in the new Book of Yarn as patterns. I thought wow with patterns too! I really need to check this book out.
I got it, and I'll tell you- in this book is everything I wanted to learn with starting to spin.

What fibers are used and how the yarn is actually formed all play a major role in the resulting knitted fabric. Understanding how these elements all work together has been really integral in design work and at the least for yarn substitution. Oh if we'd all had more knowledge in that area when we began knitting. I'm pretty sure it's safe to say everyone has had at least one project fall flat due to improper yarn choice.

This book is so wonderfully put together, taking you from fiber, to yarn to sample patterns illustrating everything covered. As an instructional/graphic designer in the day job, the layout of this book just makes me happy. It's what I would dream of having if I ever get a book together.

Texas Sheet Cake

Holy crap was this good. I used this recipe and will simply direct you to the awesome blog, for there's no way I could do it better. Only variation I did was to use a 13"x9" pan (since mine has a lid and thus more mobile as I was bringing it to a party). I added a few minutes to the cooking time and cut the icing down by half and it was the perfect amount.