"The owner of New York City's premier knitting boutique--String--takes knitters on a tour of the world where superior fibers are found and woven into luxury yarns. The softest cashmeres, sensuous silks, fine merino wools...Knitters are inevitably drawn to the look and feel of gold-standard yarns found in a Gucci sweater or a Zegna suit. Now they're invited on a superbly photographed journey with knitting aficionado and entrepreneur, Linda Morse, to the regions of the world where luxury yarns were born. Meet the shearers and spinners of Ireland, Asia, and Italy. Go back in time to when Spain's king wore Merino underwear in testament to its wonderful feel--and breeding secrets were national treasures. Find out how prized textiles are manufactured, from raw fiber to finished product, and why one fiber is more precious than another. Detailed fabric characteristics and valuable tips on care and handling included. " -- publisher website (Sept. 2006).