Noro Kureyon

For more than 40 years, Noro has produced yarns known for their fabulous textures and stunning color combinations, many of which offer vibrant self-striping patterns. Led by founder Eisaku Noro, the Japan-based company produces handmade yarns from only the highest-quality natural fibers, with strict attention to environmentally friendly practices.

"Kureyon is the Japanese word for crayon, and it is perhaps Noro's signature yarn line. It is notable for the way it patterns and stripes as it is worked and is highly prized by knitters. To celebrate the yarn's thirtieth anniversary comes this handsome volume whose projects highlight the way the yarn subtly shifts in hue and tone. Among the patterns are sweaters, hats, shawls, cowls, and capes. For the home, there are blankets and pillows. The projects run the gamut in difficulty from a simple seed-stitch scarf to a long brick-pattern shawl with chevron stripes that uses double-wrapped stitches, elongated stitches, and yarn changes. Unlike in some knitting books, which don't illustrate enough, patterns here often get four photographs. Throughout, it's the full-size color photographs, along with smaller additions, that will make knitters drool. Fans of Noro will adore this one, and those new to the yarn will want to get started ASAP." --Booklist