Unraveling

More about the book

In this lively and humorous memoir, Peggy Orenstein embarks on a journey to create a sweater from scratch—shearing, spinning, and dyeing wool—discovering how craft can reveal our deepest selves. The COVID pandemic prompted many to make significant life changes, and for Orenstein, a lifelong knitter, this meant tackling a new challenge. To navigate a series of personal upheavals, including her mother’s death, her father's decline, and her daughter's impending departure for college, she decided to make a garment from the ground up. Through this project, Orenstein aims to process not only wool but also her grief and the complexities of aging as a woman in a culture that often overlooks these issues. Unexpectedly, her journey leads her to confront broader themes such as climate anxiety, racial justice, women's rights, technology's impact, and sustainability, ultimately exploring the meaning of home. With her witty voice, sharp intellect, and candid honesty, Orenstein shares her year-long experience as a daughter, wife, mother, writer, and maker, offering insights into creativity and connection that resonate with us all.