Sweater Quest by Adrienne Martini is her year of knitting dangerously. For Martini and countless others, knitting is the linchpin of sanity. As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So, she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters--her own Mary Tudor--whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experience knitters. Created by reclusive designer Alice Starmore, the Mary Tudor can be found only in a rare, out-of-print book of Fair Isle-style patterns, Tudor Roses, and requires a discontinued, irreplaceable yarn. The sweater, Martinin explains, "is a Knitter's Mount Everest, or curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you."

So, Martini took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband--without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with her rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle.