Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I was concerned that a story following the path of American wool through the American yarn-making process would be dry, that the chapters would get repetitive. But Parkes manages to keep it fresh, engaging, and remarkably personal. It was well worth the read.

This book was recommended by a good friend who run a yarn shop, Coastal Purl in NC. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Learning about the process and the struggle of the wool industry was eye opening. Wool is very important to me as a knitter who wants quality yarn to make the best garment I can. American wool has new meaning and importance to me. If you do anything with wool fiber this book should be on your read list.

The first 3/4 of Parkes book were incredible. These pages felt like a college mini-course on history, science, agriculture, and creativity using wool. Parkes sense of humor is a good balance to the otherwise concerning state of American wool. Especially appreciated is that she professionally points out two major retailers (LL Bean and Woolrich) who have played an integral part of the loss of American jobs and the decline in the use of American wool. The last pages of VF really disappointed me. It was completely unnecessary to discuss the details of Eugene’s death. Has Parkes ever stopped to consider triggers amongst her readers? What did the specific details add to this book on wool? And why draw a parallel to putting sheep on the cull truck? Parkes was very thorough in her list of references of things discussed amongst the pages- even animal rights. There was no reference to a Suicide hotline, however. I really wish this book could’ve ended on a high note. Further, much like the wool industry itself, many of the links and businesses mentioned are shuttered. Though not surprising, this was disappointing.

As someone who knits and spins and dyes wool, I found the narrative interesting. I enjoyed the fact that I learned more about some small mills that I had heard of but never had an experience with. Learning about the logistics of moving a large volume of wool from scourer to mill, to dyehouse, it is surprising that wool yarn isn’t more expensive than it is! it addresses the decline of the wool industry in the United States which is sad but it was good to hear of a few businesses who are hanging in there. An enjoyable read for those who are into all things “wooly”

Clara is a gifted writer with a fun sense of humor. As she describes her journey her word pictures come to life in your minds eye. If you’re a fan of wool, textiles or history this book has much to offer. Indeed it is a powerful call to action to save American wool and textiles. Buy American!!

Reading this book moved me in ways I did not expect. Knitting and wool is a huge part of my life. I thought I was cognitive to my purchases and sharing the love but, I now realize I’ve got to pay closer attention to my material needs in regard to my country and its survival. I make a difference.

This book answers so many questions I had about wool and then of course had to order more books.

The book describes a journey into an understanding of what has happened to wool in America...it's growth on farms to how it becomes yarn and a peak into the farms, mills and dye houses that limp along today. Limping is the key word. American consumers became enamored with the convenience of synthetics since WWII and wool use dropped. Couple that with globalization and the horrific deal of NAFTA which chased manufacturing overseas and wool and wool yarn and clothing production is a whisper of its former self. So now we are beginning to see the error of our ways. Clara shines a light on wool warriors who struggle and fight to keep the precious wool industry alive, albeit on fumes. This book is for all lovers of yarn to gain an understanding of the state of yarn production and gain a new perspective of appreciation for that skein in your hands. I for one have a slightly different vantage point on the wool journey. I have worn many of the hats of wool production on my single head. I have been a shepherd farmer, a yarn designer, pattern designer, yarn shop owner sock producer (from yarn I have grown designed and dyed) owner and operator and chief dyer of a line of wholesale hand dyed yarn . (Some of the yarn I dyed I sourced from one of the mills written about in this book.) I had learned the hard lessons taught in this book. I hope folks will read it and be emboldened to support the American wool industry any way they can. Wool is an essential part of our heritage as a nation and also our heritage as human beings.