Sweaters by Hand: Designs for Spinners and Knitters by Helene Rush and Rachael Emmons, (Interweave Press; 1988)

RACHAEL EMMONS IS a spinner who knits, Helene Rush knits and is learning to spin, and together these two Portland, Me., women have created a beautiful and useful book--even for those who don’t spin their own yarns. Each sweater design (some simple, some lush, using all kinds of yarns from silk and mohair to sturdy wool) comes with spinning, dyeing and knitting instructions, complete with suggestions for modifications. Because hand-spun yarns don’t always conform to commercial yarn weights, the authors give commercial equivalents for those of us who don’t spin. But here is fair warning: After absorbing this book, I’m seriously considering buying a spinning wheel. Of course, the sofa will have to go. ($17.95)