Kate Jacobs, author of such titles as The Friday Night Knitting Club and its sequels Knit Two and Knit the Season, introduce the reader to members of a knitting club that meet each and every Friday night.  Jacobs allows us to get to know and love her characters.  We identify with the quirks and differences of people who would not like have met were it not for an interest of all things knitting.  Each woman has her own reasons for remaining part of the group, but bonding over yarn and forming the fabric of lifelong friendships is a commonality amongst each of them.  Jacobs continues to lead us through the challenges of both knitting and life throughout the series.  The pattern for the afghan found in the storyline is also found in the first of the series, The Friday Night Knitting Club.

More information on Kate Jacobs and her titles can be found at http://www.katejacobs.com.

Debbie Macomber, the author of Mrs. Miracle (transformed into a 2009 Hallmark Channel film starring Doris Roberts and James VanDer Beek), is one of today’s leading voices in women’s fiction.  Macomber is best known for compelling characters and an almost uncanny ability to see inot the souls of women and to express their emotions, values, and concerns.  Macomber is also an avid knitter and it seemed logical for her to expand into the world of knitting literature.  Best selling titles about women who knit include:  Back on Blossom Street, The Shop on Blossom Street, and Hannah’s List. Accompanying pattern booklets, available from Leisure Arts, add fun to reading.  Hannah’s list, for example, includes thirteen patterns that tie into the story.  Patterns include a lace shawl, vest, socks, sweater, and baby blanket, to name a few, that can all be traced back to the story and the world that Macomber expertly creates for the enjoyment of knitters/readers everywhere.

More information on Debbie Macomber and her other titles can be found at http://www.debbiemacomber.com.

Now that the warmer temperatures are upon us carrying the promise of lazy afternoons to come, I hope you find a moment to drop the needles in favour of a good read.

Happy Reading (stitching)…

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I used to knit on public transit (when I took public transit).  This torch has now been passed to my daughter, who regularly knits on the bus on her way to school.  I knit in doctor’s offices while waiting to have my turn with them.  I knit during conference calls.  I keep a simple piece of knitting (usually a sock) in my desk drawer to aid in overcoming writers block or just to have close at hand to take the edge off of a particularly stressful moment.  I belong to this group, the Saskatoon Knitting Circle, and knit on Sunday afternoons at a local coffee shop.  I have knit through many a grade school concert.  I have knit my way through conferences and presentations.  I confess, I am a public knitter and I am not ashamed of it.

Some posters on said list, have noted that they choose not to knit in public.  They either do not like the attention nor do they appreciate the interruptions as on lookers “oh” and “awe” over a task that is both beautiful and complicated to them.  Knitting, they say, is not an activity that invites social behaviour.  These knitters keep their talents closed to the open eyes of the public.  Other posters noted that knitting during conferences, meetings, or the like is rude and often conveys a message of inattention.  Let us explore the latter a bit.

Knitting at work, in church, during a long drawn out annual general meeting, or what have you helps pass the time.  Knitting, rather than being an attention grabber, can often aid us in paying even closer attention to the topics at hand.  To me, knitting in these situations is actually an aid.  Think about the fidgeter in church who is moving constantly to avoid falling asleep.  Should this person have had knitting their hands would be kept busy and their mind would be open to the sermon rather than picking at the hem of their shirt or dress and disrupting those around them.  Make sense?  I think so.

Let us think through this a little more, shall we?  Knitting has made it into the board rooms where both women and men partake in the practice to aid with their concentration levels.  I have been in a number of meetings where a number of the participants are busy on their blackberries or their lap tops accomplishing work not even closely related to the topics at hand.  They are openly not paying attention and it is obvious to everyone (especially when we receive emails from them about unrelated topics…yep, this is a tell tale sign of inattention). And, what about the “doodler” who fills a page with unrelated scribbles and artwork?  Is he/she paying attention to what is going on in front of them?  I’d tend to say, no.

Many of knit through a number of events in our lives, both professional and personal.  Knitting helps us focus.  It helps us process complicated and emotionally charged information.  Knitting, or any other simple and repetitive activity, can actually aid in our processing of information.  Knitting keeps our creative brain busy and out of trouble, while other parts of brain actually do the work of the moment.

Now, back to the original question that sparked this posting.  Knitting is not a social activity.  I must disagree somewhat here as any activity that I do in a social setting is indeed a social activity.  I knit to be social.  I have made friends for life because I knit for social interaction.  I have met interesting and lovely people due to my knitting in a number of social settings.  Knitting makes it easier to like people and no matter what the background of said people there can be a common thread over knitting.

If they are a knitter, and KIPing (knitting in public) is a sure way to seek them out, conversation flows from the needles as surely as the fabric.  We “oh” and “awe” over the yarn or the project or…well you know the drill.  If said people are not knitters we can consider this a teaching moment.  They often begin by staring intently at the knitting and eventually work enough courage to inquire about process.  Rather than seeing this as a bother or an interruption, I take it as a “teaching moment.”  What better opportunity to spread the love of a craft that is near and dear to me.  I may just add one more knitter to the clan who will aid in avoiding the dying out of the art.  What could be more beautiful?

Knitting.  Whether we do it in solace or in public, should we take it to family or grade school functions, if we knit during long drawn out meetings or just a few moments at our desk, or whether it accompanies us throughout our travels on public transit or while riding in a car it serves us well.  It keeps our hands and minds busy and out of trouble.

Happy stitching and I hope I shared some insight into the brain of a knitter.  If just one non-knitter comes to understand us a little better then I can rest happy tonight.
–

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Each craft has its own set of short forms (abbreviations) and its own unique way of conveying the steps to creating a thing of beauty.  Often patterns are written in what seems like another language.  However, if you take things step-by-step, reading a pattern is a breeze.  Following are some easy pointers to get you going.

Read the gauge information: Gauge is unique to knitting and crocheting.  Understanding gauge is key to reaching a satisfying end.  Gauge is “stitches per inch.”  Every pattern stitch, every yarn, and sometimes every colour will knit to a different gauge.  Several things can affect gauge.  For instance, the needle (size and type are important – don’t switch from aluminum needles to wooden needle mid-project as the gauge will be different), the type and colour of a yarn can produce different gauge results, and even weather can often adjust the gauge at which you are knitting.  Gauge can often change depending on the affecting factors.  It is highly recommended that each project begin with a gauge swatch.  An easy tutorial on creating a gauge swatch can be found here.

Understand all the abbreviations in the pattern: Each pattern normally has a glossary.  At the very least, every pattern will provide you with the resources to understanding the abbreviations used within the instructions.  The glossary or reference will lead you through the meaning of each abbreviation.  For instance, you might come across something that looks like this:  *K2 tog, yo* repeat from *to *.  What does this mean?  You would look to glossary to figure out what each abbreviation stands for:  Knit two together then place yarn over needle and repeat from * to * until you reach the end of the row.  It is worth committing to memory some commonly used abbreviations:

• cc – contrasting color; if you’re working with several colors, you might see cc1, cc2, etc.
• m1 – make one stitch; used to make an increase
• mc – main color
• rs – right side; the side of the garment that people will see
• sl – slip a stitch
• St st – stockinette stitch; you knit one row, purl the next row, and repeat (or, if you are knitting in the round, knit every round)
• k2tog – knit two together; in other words, put your working needle through two stitches instead of one, and knit them together as though they were one stitch, making a decrease
• ws – wrong side; the side of the garment that is not intended to be seen
• yo – yarn over; used to make an increase with a lacy hole

Focus on one stitch at a time: It is easy to read the entire row and get a little overwhelmed by the amount of actions within that line and the often confusing jargon that conveys those actions to you.  Take it one stitch at a time.  Accomplishing each stitch individually allows you to stay focused and makes each row a lot more manageable.  If that row contains a pattern repeat then you can also break it down into sections.  Say each repeat is set of 10 stitches and you have 100 stitches on your needles.  To create a more manageable set of actions, place a stitch marker every 10 stitches.  In this way, you can easily track where you are and should you make a mistake you only have to deal with that specific set of 10 stitches.

With this set of easy tips, you will soon be on your way to mastering the language and art of patterns in whichever craft you choose.  The key is taking small bites and moving through each phase one step at a time.

Happy Stitching.

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Knitters come in all different shapes and sizes and some of us are equipped with more curves than we know what to do with.  However, designers are not always that in tune to those specific set of assets.  Therefore, it is important to know your body, its type, and the styles that flatter every inch of you.  An accurate and complete and honest set of measurements is the best weapon to wage war against that saggy knit.

Knitting to your current measurements will help you get the effect you are looking for.  These are not the measurements you wish you had.  These won’t be the measurements you might have after the diet works and the exercise regime kicks in.  These are the measurements that have now! How do you get those measurements?

First, measuring works best on the buddy system.  We tend to be far too critical of ourselves.  We tend to overlook and ignore some of our more ample curves.  In other words, we all tend to lie to ourselves.  Friends will be truthful to a fault with our measurements.

Found a friend?  Great!  Now grab some gear and get measuring.  Essential measuring gear includes an ample measuring tape, waste yarn to mark your waist, your neck, and your armhole depth, sticky dots to mark essential points on the body, and writing implements.

Remember to also grab a favourite sweater from your drawer.  It is helpful to keep a set of measurements handy from your favourite and best fitting sweater.  If you knit to these specifications you will end up with a form fitting and curve flattering piece that will be loved for some time to come.

You are all set.  Now what measurements do you record?  Following is an easy chart for you to record each and every inch:

With these set of measurements you are now armed with an arsenal of measurements that are true to you.  Knitting to these measurements will ensure you win the war of fit.  Knitting is not only about the process but about the end product as well.  You will be creating the perfect knits for you and not the one that fits that lanky model in your favourite knit pattern book.

Happy Stitching…

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Tunisian crochet (also known as the afghan stitch) is a cross between knitting and crochet methods.  The resulting woven-like fabric is sturdy and especially suited to pillow covers, blankets, afghans, coats, dishchoths, scarves, etc. – the only limitation is your imagination!  It was very popular throughout the Victorian Era, yet seems to have been overlooked during recent times.  This technique offers a range of variety that combines the versatility of knitting and the ease of crocheting.

To work these stitches you need a special tool called an afghan hook.  It is a long crochet hook with a stopper at one end (to keep the stitches from sliding off), usually around the same length as a knitting needle.  Afghan hooks also come in a variety of sizes (similar to knitting needle sizing).  They are also made from a variety of materials – bamboo, aluminum, plastic, etc.

Afghan Hooks are long crochet hooks with a stopper at one end.

Now let’s get to the stitching!  The foundation of most Tunisian crochet stitches comprises of two basic rows; a forward moving row to pick up the necessary stitches and a backward moving row, which completes the stitch.

Foundation (or Basic Tunisian (knit) stitch):

Basic Tunisian (Knit Stitch) or foundation.

First, chain the desired number of stitches, plus one.

To accomplish the first part of the row skip one chain and insert the next hook into the next chain, draw up a loop and leave it on the hook.  Repeat until you reach the last chain.  It is very important that you do not turn your work here.

To complete the row draw the working yarn over the hook (as with a yarn over in knitting or crocheting) and draw it through the first loop on the hook.  Yarn over once again and draw through two loops on the hook.  Repeat by yarn overing and drawing the working loop through two loops until there is only one loop left on the hook.  Again, it is very important that you do not turn the work.

In this way the rows are completed and the fabric builds upon the previous work to create a basic Tunisian (knit stitch). The resulting fabric is a “grid-like” or woven fabric that is especially suited to cross stitching embellishment.  Now that you’ve mastered the basic stitch a world of possibilities is open to you.

Other Stitches:

Tunisian stocking stitch looks like the knitted version, except that it is a thicker more sturdy fabric.

Tunisian purl: the yarn is held in front of work as for a purl stitch in knitting. The resulting fabric is an actual purl texture.

Tunisian crossed stitch: Pairs of stitches are worked in reverse order and creates an intriguing version of the basic (knit stitch) Tunisian crochet.

Tunisian double stitch: Rows of diagonal stitches alternate with the basic vertical pattern to add interest to original basic (knit stitch) Tunisian foundation.

Tunisian Rib is a combination of the basic and purled Tunisian stitches that results in a knitted type ribbing suitable for use anywhere a rib might be required (bands, cuffs, collars, etc.).

Tunisian bias stitch results in a fabric that is interesting. Worked in a similar fasion to the crossed stitch, the crosses are alternating to create interest and strength to the fabric.

Tunisian popcorn stitches are "nubs" that are worked on a ground of basic Tunisian. "Popcorn" size is versatile and spacing is determined by the stitcher.

Tunisian honeycomb is a combination of knit and purl stitches and results in a fabric that is very similar to the knitted seed stitch.

Tunisian lace is an exceptionally beautiful technique that is easy to work and results in a spectacular WOW factor.

These are only a few of the possible stitches that the world of Tunisian Crochet has to offer.  Combine your knit, crochet, and other needle work talents to create a unique and interesting afghan or coat.  You will not be disappointed!

Other resources:

The internet is full of possibilities, tutorials, and “how-to” sites that will open up the world of Tunisian Crochet even further.  Here are a few of my favourite places to visit when I’m in need of a bit of inspiration or help:

Tunisian Crochet Tutorial at Crochet Cabana – lots of photos and easy to read instructions on the basics of Tunisian Crochet.

Tunisian Crochet YouTube Video – an excellent visual “how-to” of the Tunisian cast on methods.

Stitch Diva Studios offers a variety of instructions from the very basic to the slightly daring.

Happy stitching!

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I’ve often come across a pattern where the designer chose to knit flat  and wondered why they made that choice when the project  is clearly meant to be knit in the round (or vice versa).  I then wonder just how much I really need to knit this project.  If I have already fallen in love with the photographic representation of the FO (finished object) then I shall cast on completely ignoring the designers choice and revert to my own (which is knitting in the round, by the way) favourite technique.  Before you begin to give that designer a bad rap (complete with colourful language) take a deep breath and read on.  Converting a pattern from circular knitting to flat knitting, or vice versa, is not difficult.  There is a bit of thought involved, but nothing too taxing.

Many, if not all, patterns can be easily converted between flat/circular knitting.  There are few exceptions to the rule (but there are some).  The important point here is that when you are knitting flat, you are alternating working on the “right” side and the “wrong” side.  When you are knitting in the round, you are only working on the “right” side.

“What does this mean to your knitting strategy? “you might be asking?  What this means is that when you begin the conversion process it is necessary to reverse the stitches on every other row.  Easy…right? Yes it is.

Here is an example:

Flat: alternating knit and purl rows; Circular: knit rounds (no purling)

Now that you’ve mastered the simplicity of stockinette conversion, let’s move onto something a little more challenging.

Conversion can be a bit challenging when dealing with a more intricate or complicated pattern, like cables.  The solution here is to remember that all you are doing is reversing knits and purls on every other row.

Almost any cable pattern can be converted between flat & circular knitting, save those that have twists or cables on the wrong as well as the right side.

Give both techniques a try with this simple cable stitch.  You’ll be amazed at what ends up to be your favourite, flat or circular knitting.

Remember those rules we mentioned earlier? Even though there are exceptions, there are patterns that don’t lend themselves nicely to conversion.

1. I’ve often found that certain flat knit projects, like an afghan, shouldn’t be knit in the round.  This is not to say that knit in the round afghans do not exist for they certainly do.  However, knit in the round afghans serve up a good heaping helping of steeking (you stitch and then you cut apart your knitting so it lays flat).  This can be a frightening process to learn.  I prefer to stitch my afghans flat thus avoiding the stress and heart palpitations that accompany steeking, or taking a pair of scissors to months of time and effort that went into a piece.

1. I highly recommend avoiding converting any pattern that has cables or twists on both odd and even rows.  These types (ie: intricately cabled sweaters) often are designed in the round or flat for a reason  – this is one case where I urge you to trust the designer.

1. Large or heavy sweaters are often knit flat with the pieces seemed upon completion of each piece.  I recommend that you trust the designer here and follow the instructions.  Heavy pieces lend themselves nicely to flat knitting as the seaming adds stability and helps the sweater maintain its shape.  Let us leave these types of patterns as they are.

You are now ready to go forth and knit your favourite project.  Keeping these simple rules and instructions in mind, you are also ready to take your favourite technique and apply it to that special pattern.  Whether it is knit in the round or flat and whether you favour knitting in the round or flat knitting your arsenal of knowledge has increased providing you with the tools needed to rework any pattern in your favourite style.

Try something simple at first like a hat or mittens.  Soon you will be on your way to converting every pattern you see, and enjoying the freedom that comes with using your favourite style to create those spectacular knitterly items that are converted by your friends and family.  You truly are the master of your own design (or technique).

Now go forth and knit and Happy Stitching!

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I love knitting socks.  Socks are portable projects that provide a knitter with a joy that is matched only by that of the recipient slipping a freshly off the needles pair onto their feet.  I am always on the look out for new and interesting techniques that provide me with a process that is challenging yet simplistic and always ends in that perfect fitting sock.

In 2008 Cat Bordhi, ground-breaking sock designer and author of Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles and New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book One, set herself the challenge of developing a sock knitting process that would be as simple as humanly possible without sacrificing fit or design. This is that book:  Personal Footprints for Insouciant Knitters.

Personal Footprint socks are worked 100% in the round, no stitches need picking up, toes and heels are replaceable, there is no arithmetic, the surface is fully available for designs, the socks are easily worked two-at-a-time, and the knitter creates a very compact, portable sock pattern that can fit in any little sock bag for portability on either double pointed needles or circular needles.

Cat Bordhi has outdone herself once again by presenting knitters everywhere with the simplest processes yet.  Whether you are a beginner or an expert knitter or whether you enjoy the simplicity of a vanilla sock or the challenge of intricate pattern combinations this is the book every knitter needs to add to his or her library.  Give it a try and…

Happy Stitching

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Wrist totes are perfect for carrying small projects like socks.

A Knitter’s Wish List:

Think about what your perfect bag would look like and what it would offer you.My wish list for that perfect bag includes: pockets, and lots of them, both inside and out; a good quality clasp or closure, as zippers and knitting are often not on friendly terms; long handles so that the bag and all its contents are easily slung over the shoulder; and the perfect bag must NOT look like something that belonged to my grandmother.

What makes a good knitting bag:
Each knitter has different wants and needs when defining the perfect knitting bag. We are unique and our preferences vary but when determining what features your dream knitting bag contains keep the following in mind:

Size matters: The bag needs to be large enough to hold projects of various sizes from socks to sweaters to the occasional afghan.   Size can be determined by the project as well.  For instance, if you carry around socks to knit away the hours then you might only need a small wrist tote that is big enough for sock needles, the pattern, and one or two teeny balls of yarn.  A drawstring, making it easy to slip over the wrist, closure often accompanies this type of tote.

Durability is a plus: The bag needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the elements that accompany the seasons (especially if you live in Saskatchewan, where we experience the extremes of each season).  Washability is a plus.  Look for materials that can be easily wiped down or tossed through a washing machine for a quick freshening up.

Function and durability combine to create a fantastic knitting tote.

Function and form must not be overlooked: The bag must contain lots of pockets to serve as holders for scissors, patterns, needles, and other knitterly notions that are lost in the bottom of other bags. Pockets of varying sizes and in a variety of locations, on both the inside and outside of the bag, function well for cell phones, patterns, books, papers, pencils, stitch markers, etc.  No longer will your treasures swim in the ocean of no return (often known as the bottom of the bag).

Vanity: Most importantly, though, the bag must look good.  Play with your sense of style and find a fabric or material that speaks to you and your uniqueness. Unlike a purse, it is perfectly acceptable to be wild and crazy when choosing the look of your knitting bag.  Are you a fan of neon?  Go ahead and pick that funky neon print.  Knitting deserves to highlighted and this will certainly do the trick.

Finding that perfect bag: Now that you know what you want in your knitting bag, it is time to go shopping.  Bags come in all shapes and sizes, colours and fabrics, etc.  Keep your personal wish list in mind when you are looking through the vast offerings.  Will a gently used back pack serve your knitting needs?  Do you want something a little more classy that will go with everything?  You might consider a chic leather bag and re-purpose it for carrying your knitting. Check your local yarn shops, local thrift stores, the internet, etc. to find that gem that will carry through all your knitterly pursuits.  You still can’t find that perfect bag?

Desing your own bag: Denim is the perfect material for any low care but high functioning bag.

What about making your own bag?  You know the best design elements that will keep you and your knitterly pursuits happy.  Knitting bag patterns are everywhere.  They are knit.  They are sewn.  They are plentiful.  Choose a basic bag pattern that meets your needs.  Adding pockets, the perfect closure, and other design elements are easily tailored to your unique wants and desires.  The bonus of the self made bag is that its style and function will be as unique as its creator and surely satisfy all your wishes and needs.

Personalized knitting bags combine style and function (pockets...lots of pockets!)

Happy stitching and happy bag hunting … don’t forget to take some knitting along while shopping (you know, just to take the edge off).

(For more information on the denim note please visit Stitching in Saskatoon).

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Wrap the UFO: My first gem is born of experience of Christmas past.  As Christmas day draws near my UFO pile grows.  Knitterly items languish in my knitting corner with hopes of becoming FOs by Christmas morning.  Hope does spring eternal but, alas, the knitting fairies have not turned my UFOs into FOs.   What to do?  I wrap the UFO (needles, yarn, and all) and place it under the Christmas tree.  The recipient receives the UFO with a certificate promising completion during the month of January.  The knitting may not be a FO, but the recipient has something to open and look forward to.  January becomes a month of FO completion where I finish the knitting.  Everyone is happy and I’m not up franticly knitting until the wee hours of Christmas morning.

Knit Simple and Quick: Last minute additions are part of Christmas present.  I find myself accepting a last minute invitation and in need of a hostess gift or an extra body or two have accepted a Christmas dinner invitation and I am in need of a quick gift.  My stash always contains some bulky yarn and several simple and quick patterns on hand.  Any project knit with bulky or chunky weight yarn knits up quickly and creates a warm wooly ready for giving.  A chunky weight scarf can be knit in a few hours and provides the recipient with warmth and love throughout the winter season.  A pair of plain vanilla socks can be stitched up in an evening or two.  Simple projects provide stress free knitting and turn into FOs quickly.

Make a knitterly plan: Although a quick fix, wrapping UFOs is not my first choice of knitterly giving.  I prefer to give FOs and plan for Christmas future.  In order to meet my gift giving goals, I have developed a knitting plan.  I begin knitting for the next Christmas as soon as my present Christmas knitting is complete.  Each month I pick a person on my gift giving list and create their knitterly item.  Sweaters, socks, hats, and other knitterly items flow from my needles throughout the year.  A plan gives me time to create and appreciate UFOs that become FOs throughout the year.   When the Christmas season arrives I am prepared with my knitterly gift giving complete!

There you have it, my knitterly friends.  Knitting past, present, and future combine to create an enjoyable knitterly season that lasts throughout the year.  I wish you the merriest of the season and hours of happy stitching in the New Year.

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I am an avid reader and knitter and when a book comes across my path that encompasses a number of my passions:  knitting, reading, reading about knitting, etc. I pick it up and speed through it.   Knitting Through It: Inspiring stories for Times of Trouble, edited by Lela Nargi, is just one of these books, but I recommend that you take your time as you peruse the words of wisdom between the covers.

As knitters we are most aware of the therapeutic and soothing nature of knitting. Knitting calms us during stressful moments. Knitting distracts us during times of strife. Knitting provides comfort when gifted to those in the throws of sorrow. Knitting shares a distinct part of our self and soul with those in need – whether that need be a part of the knitter or the recipient. Knitting Through It: Inspiring stories for Times of Trouble brings these very qualities of knitting from the past to our present, providing us with a timeless sense of tradition, community, and comfort.

The writings collected by Lela Nargi are facinating and promise to speak wisdom to knitters of all ages. The collection is a sampling of the WPA’s (Works Progress Administration) Federal Writer’s Project, which Nargi came across while idly searching the Internet. The WPA Federal Writer’s Project was born of the Great Depression of the 1930s in the United States. The US government hired some 6500 unemployed writers to compile a documentary of narratives that would form the base for a composite and comprehensive portrait of the American experience. Almost 10 000 “life stories” were collected from men and women, rural and urban, old and young, black and white. Nargi began collecting those shorts and essays discussing knitting. These narratives provide a lyrical, poignant, and rich window to the past offering insight into who we were  and forming the base of Nargi’s collection.

Nargi contemplates the question “Who knits and why?” Reading the the excerpts of the past with modern essays by Donna Druchunas, Sherri Wood, and eleven other modern knitters / writers, we can easily see that who we were is who we are. Why we knit is open for interpretation and discussion. Nargi asserts that we knit to “…see us thorugh adversity of one fashion or another. “ Whether we face hardships, nurture bonds with fellow knitters, work our way through times of strife, find ourselves in need of earning income, or discover a need to keep our hands busy knitters remain constant from past to present.

The pages are sprinkled with photos and information of historical value that mirror the inspiration and hope of generations past. Samplings of patterns show the multi-faceted nature of modern and past knitters. Each short, essay, or excerpt tells of a knitter’s own experience with knitting in times of strife, often marked with adversity. Although the question of why we knit may not be so easily answered, Nargi expertly pulls from the past and present and shows us who knits. Knitters remain constant no matter the time frame or the situation.

I recommend this collection to anyone who wishes to discover the who and the why of knitting with a bit of caution: you might find some of yourself in the who which may lead to the discovery of your why and this will certainly end up with needles in your hands and yarns strung through your fingers.

Be sure to grab a copy for yourself and one for the knitters on your list.  Coupled with a ball of yarn and some needles this makes a gift that truly speaks from one soul to another.

Happy Stitching…

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