The Yarn Garden: 30+ knits using plant-based fibers, by J. Marsha Michler caught my eye recently. I love wool, but sometimes you want something different. Not every kind of pattern plays well with every kind of yarn. This book can help pair your yarn and knitting desires.

The first chapter includes a section on different types of plant fibers. Uses, styles, and descriptions are given that are clear, concise and informative. I had no idea that nettle was actually used as a spun fiber. Maybe there is something to The Wild Swans fairytale.

This is definitely more of a pattern-focused book. However, the short tips and tricks section has a lot to offer. I especially like the attention given to darning in ends, blocking and caring for finished garments. Darning in ends on slippery yarns like cotton can be tough, and the author provides some great instruction on doing it well.

Color charts are beautiful and in full color, but also have symbols to guide the knitter in a black-and-white photocopy. Diagrams are clear and easy to read. The typography of the book seems to have been designed for maximum readability.

A list of 21 sources for yarn are given in the back of the book. They range from the biggest one I've ever seen to one I will definitely be looking at more closely.

Overall, a nice book for any knitter looking to expand their fiber range.