The Knitting Way: A Guide to Spiritual Self-Discovery

Finally somebody put into words what makes knitting so important to me and why it's more than just a hobby. They understand how I can discover more about myself through knitting and how I in turn I put more of myself into my patterns and projects. Fabulous. Can't wait for volume 2.

I am a yarn shop owner who has been in the business for over 10 years, and I have seen a lot of knitting books come and go. Not all of them stand out, but I will enjoy and appreciate The Knitting Way for a long time. This book is utterly delightful; it is also serious, helpful, and soothing. Skolnik and MacDaniels use knitting as a way to learn about yourself, as a guide along a spiritual path of self discovery. In the introduction, Skolnik states that connection happens through knitting; the book offers a guide for readers to become aware through knitting. My favorite line from the introduction (p. 3): "...knitting has emerged as a powerful female symbol that can put us back in touch with the harmony of life." This book is insighful, spiritual but not preachy, entertaining, and highly readable. Not boring! Fun! And it makes you think, too. The book has 9 chapters. Each chapter is a collection of poetry, essays, drawings, photos, and a feature called "Space Between the Loops" (these sections are written by Janice MacDaniels). Chapters also include segments called "Experience It for Yourself" in which project patterns or hands-on experimentation guides are offered, to reinforce the message of that section of the chapter. There are a total of 19 patterns in the book, indexed at the beginning for easy reference. Among other things, The Knitting Way will help knitters find time to knit; you'll learn how to make a graphic Project Selection Mind Map; learn to explore non-yarn materials for knitting (there is a photo of knitted spaghetti) including how to cut and knit with fabric strips; and there is a section to see if you are a Knitting Dependent -- and a Knitter's 12-Step Program to use if you do indeed have a problem.

I've been a knitter since I was eight years old, and I buy just about any new book on knitting that comes out (along with too much yarn!), but I never thought about WHY I knit. I thought I simply wanted to have scarves and sweaters that were unique. But as I read "The Knitting Way," I realized it wasn't that simple. The process of knitting really can be an inward journey into my own spirit, or an outward journey to my community. Authors Skolnik and MacDaniels are so open about their own experiences in knitting and in life (both exhilarating and frustrating) that I am encouraged to knit in a more thoughtful, present way. I'm looking forward to the challenge of knitting a Moebius scarf, which might be a gift for a teacher friend. She can use it to demonstrate the scientific principle in her classes!

I'm not a knitter, but a friend recommended this book to me. You can buy lots of books with patterns in them (this has some great ones), but this book makes you THINK. Why do you knit? What do you get out of it? Does it make you feel good, bad, guilty, proud? One of the best things I learned is that when you make a mistake, it's okay. Either fix it or go with it--maybe you'll end up somewhere else fabulous.

This book opened up the possibilities of exploring the spiritual side of my knitting. I've been a knitter for many years, but have always just "made things." It was a utilitarian hobby, not something I even had to focus on doing. I was feeling burned out on the idea of making another sweater or hat or pair of socks. With the help of this book's thoughtful reflections and interesting projects (which, by the way, are much deeper than simple skill-builders...I think they are meant to be used as meditations), I was able to connect with the larger experience of knitting. Now I'm excited again to take up my needles and yarn! P.S. My favorite projects were the different shawls/wraps.