From the best-selling author of At Knit's End and Knitting Rules! comes yet another hilarious book of tongue-in-cheek observations on the world of knitting. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off invites knitters of all ages, levels, and persuasions to embark with her on a journey deep into the land populated by those who are obsessed with yarn, needles, and what's on their needles now.

Using a travel guide format as her launching pad, Pearl-McPhee acts as tour guide extraordinaire, displaying her trademark razor-sharp wit as she describes and critiques every aspect of this land she knows so well — its people, native language, familiar phrases, strange beliefs, etiquette, and cultural customs. Readers will love her timeline of notable dates in knitting history and rarely celebrated knitting heroes, from the samurai warriors of Japan to the "Ter-rible Knitters of Dent." And, while the land of knitting is a peaceful place, it does have its political arguments, such as the acrylic versus natural fi bers and circular versus straight needles debates.

As she's toured (and knit) her way across North America during the past two years, Pearl-McPhee's smart, perfectly timed banter has captured the hearts, minds, and funny bones of thousands of knitters far and wide. No fan is going to want to be left behind as Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off on her latest yarn-bound expedition.

1) Pack your Bags (How much yarn?)

2) Map out your course (Where's the closest yarn store?)

3) Learn the language (andquot;Just one more row...andquot;)

4) Find your traveling buddies. (Look for the telltale needle holes in the purse)

5) And cast off with Stephanie Pearl-McPhee on a trip from which you may never returnand#8212;if you're lucky.

Knitting's Yarn Harlot, with her wry humor and unapologetic, obsessive love for everything about this remarkable place, invites you to join her on a hilarious tour of the land, its people, customs, and culture. She tells alland#8212;from unusual geographical features such as the giant stash to common ailments you may be susceptible to, like Yarnesia, Finish-It-Upitis, and the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome. Along the way, you may get lost in Stitches or engrossed by the beauties of Lace, but, whatever happens, it's sure to be the journey of a lifetime.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has become the irreverent spokesperson for today's knitting revival through her popular blog, www.yarnharlot.com, and her best-selling books, At Knit's End and Knitting Rules! Touring the continent with her trademark "sock in progress," Pearl-McPhee mobilizes and entertains the tight-knit, yarn-loving community with her running commentary on the antics of those who live to knit. She shares a home with her admirable yarn stash (and her family) in Toronto.