BOOK REVIEW: Morehouse Farm Merino Knits by Margrit Lohrer

In the sea of recently published knitting books, Morehouse Farm Merino Knits: more than 40 farm-fresh designs quickly separates itself from the flock with its opening line: “Morehouse Farm began with a voodoo chicken.” An opening like that is difficult to live up to but while the patterns that Margrit Lohrer offers are simple, the book itself and its reasons for such simple patterns hold up admirably to that first sentence.

Morehouse Farm is well known for the sumptuous merino yarn they produce. This collection was designed by Lohrer to highlight the inherent beauty of merino yarn by designing to play to its strengths. Merino is one of the oldest breeds of sheep and has the finest wool, due to its tightly crimped and springy nature, making for finer, softer, and itch-free garmets. As Lohrer states about these patterns: “None of the patterns are particularly challenging, but all will yield attractive and functional knitted items…The patterns in this book are a starting point. Be creative…Knit what you want, the way you want it to look, feel, and wear.”

The patterns are divided into five sections: home, lace, children, accessories and sweaters. While Lohrer does specify which of her yarns to use for each pattern, weight and gauge information is provided so that knitters can substitute other yarn as desired. The patterns, while basic, are great foundation pieces that will provide years of knitting and leave room for individual creativity.

Lohrer’s introduction, scrumptious photos and in-depth details about Morehouse Farm make Morehouse Farm Merino Knits a worthwhile addition to any knitter’s library.

See the review as it is posted at Armchair Interviews - Morehouse Farm Merino Knits.