The Power Of Knitting

Purl and stitch: Empowering, healing, and reconnecting us to each other and ourselves In a fractured world plagued by anxiety and loneliness, knitting is coming to the rescue of people from all walks of life. Economist and lifelong knitter Loretta Napoleoni unveils the hidden power of the purl and stitch mantra: an essential tool for the survival of our species, a means for women to influence history, a soothing activity to calm us, and a powerful metaphor of life. This book is a voyage through our history following the yarn of social, economic and political changes - from ancient Egypt and Peru to modern Mongolia, from the spinning bees of the American Revolution to the knitting spies of World War II, and from the hippies' rejection of consumerism to yarnbombing protests against climate change. For the author it is also a personal journey of discovery and salvation, drawing on the wisdom her grandmother passed along as they knit together. Revealing recent discoveries in neuroscience, The Power of Knitting offers proof of the healing powers of knitting on our bodies and minds. Breaking through societal barriers, even nursing broken hearts, and helping to advance cutting-edge science, knitting is still a valuable instrument for navigating our daily lives. As a bonus, the book includes patterns for ten simple yet iconic projects that reflect the creative, empowering spirit of knitting, with complete instructions.

The World of Knitting Right at Your Fingertips More than a how-to book, A Passion for Knitting goes beyond teaching the craft and introduces readers to the culture of knitting. In Part I, you'll find fully illustrated instructions for learning stitches and mastering technique, presented with unprecedented clarity. They're so simple that you really can learn without a teacher. With this book in hand -- and no prior experience -- you will be able to knit a gorgeous sweater, scarf, or throw. Next, Part II welcomes new knitters to the worldwide knitting community, exploring the myriad benefits this popular craft has to offer. This section, unique among all other guides, invites readers to Tap into the power of knitting as a means of reducing stress and expressing creativity Meet the design "gurus" and other stars of the knitting world Discover opportunities for fellowship and networking with other knitters in clubs, conventions, and unique cultural fiber tours to countries ranging from England to Peru Use their knitting skills to meaningfully support charities Learn about the fashion trends in knitting from Trisha Malcolm, editor in chief of Vogue Knitting

One surviving cotton sock tells us that the Egyptians were knitting as long ago as the first millennium AD. Tenderly preserved shawls and sweaters bespeak our great-grandmothers handiwork. And colorful strands of yarn escaping from a basket in the corner show that the tradition lives on with us. That tradition, celebrated in the stories and essays in this book, knits together a world of warmth and memory, wisdom and camaraderie. These writings--sometimes amusing, sometimes moving, always entertaining--comprise a charming scrapbook reflecting the myriad cultural and historical aspects of knitting. Ranging from the days of World War II to our own time, they include offerings by Jamaica Kincaid, Melanie Falick, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen, Susan Gordon Lydon, Pam Allen, Lela Nargi, Perri Klass, Teva Durham, and many others. Artwork by Solveig Hisdal, fiber artists Debbie New and Karen Searle, and photographer Chris Hartlove, along with historical photographs, vintage advertising, and pattern booklets, brings the color and textures of these stories to vibrant life. Whether you ply knitting needles yourself or simply appreciate the art, this collection will enfold you in all the softness, warmth, and beauty of knitting today and yesterday.

Unleash a tapestry of imagination and transform the way you knit with the mesmerizing journey laid out in "Knitting Beyond Wool." This captivating eBook draws you into a world where traditional rules are unravelled, and innovation is at the forefront of every stitch. Embark on an extraordinary voyage through the realms of unconventional materials and techniques that will redefine your knitting experience. Prepare to be inspired from the very first chapter, where you'll cultivate the Adventurous Knitter's Mindset, unraveling the power of Embracing Innovation in Knitting. Push beyond the expected as you explore Overcoming the Traditional Materials Barrier and gear up for a thrilling adventure in Unconventional Knitting Projects. Dive into the heart of creativity in Chapter 2, Understanding Unconventional Yarns, where you'll unearth the secrets behind the Properties of Non-Wool Yarns. Revel in the knowledge that equips you to select the perfect Suitability of Different Materials for your vision, transcending the customary fiber realms. Unearth treasures hidden in plain sight with Chapter 3's deep dive into Sourcing Alternative Materials. Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary as you journey from Household Items to Yarn, discover the A-Z of Unlikely Knitting Supplies, and grasp the Environmental Impact and Sustainability of your alternative material choices. Become a maestro of innovation as you delve into Techniques for Unconventional Knitting, designed to expand your artistic horizons. Learn to adapt, innovate, and revolutionize your projects—whether you're Knitting with Paper and Paper-like Yarns, mastering the intricate dance of Plastic Materials, or transforming Textiles & Fabrics into stunning creations. Embrace the meticulous process of Incorporating Beads and Embellishments into your masterpieces and conquer the realm of knitting with Metal and Wire. Let each chapter guide you through the material-specific nuances allowing you to Sculpt, Combine, and Innovate, ensuring your knits are nothing short of breathtaking. "Knitting Beyond Wool" takes you where no knitter has gone before, welcoming you into a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries. Here, Case Studies and a Gallery of Innovative Knitting Projects pave the way to what lies on the horizon. With dedicated chapters on Pattern Design for Non-Wool Materials and the crucial aspects of Care and Maintenance, this guide ensures your creations stand the test of time. As you turn each page, allow your creativity to soar, and stitch by stitch, construct a future where every knit is a unique expression of ingenuity. Welcome to "Knitting Beyond Wool"—where the curious come to create and the fabric of innovation is woven with every yarn. Your journey begins now. Are you ready to craft the unimaginable?

In her inspiring book, Love in Every Stitch: Stories of Knitting and Healing, master knitter, teacher, and widely published knitwear designer Lee Gant shares real-life stories about the power of knitting. As an employee of three different yarn stores, a teacher of countless knitting classes, and a volunteer with at-risk youth, Lee has had the opportunity to gather diverse stories. The stories Lee shares about herself and fellow knitters from around the world illustrate how each stitch and purl can comfort and calm, heal and renew. A suicidal teenager crochets through pregnancy. A dying woman finds comfort in the company of knitters. A woman finds the courage to face her estranged parents. A woman going blind realizes she can still knit — and experience life. And Lee’s life, riddled with more than just anxiety, has at last become stable and productive. This book includes stories of women, men, and teens who have experienced profound change and enlightenment through knitting and crochet.

A collection of essays about the transformative power of knitting from 27 contemporary authors, including Ann Patchett, Barbara Kingsolver, John Dufresne, and Joyce Maynard.