Murphy reveals how the art of knitting is deeply entwined with the regenerative powers of healing and fertility. As the author works on knitting a ...
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reviews
Oct 08, 2011
Alexis
rated it: 
Knitting the Threads of Time follows the story of a woman knitting her first sweater. For each part of the sweater the woman learn something new about the history of the craft of knitting. In itself, I find the concept of this book really interesting.
The biggest problem I had with the book was that, throughout, she referred to knitting as a 'sisterhood' and feminized the craft by comparing it to the creation of a child. Yes, women knit, but men knit, too, and many women do not view t More...
The biggest problem I had with the book was that, throughout, she referred to knitting as a 'sisterhood' and feminized the craft by comparing it to the creation of a child. Yes, women knit, but men knit, too, and many women do not view t More...
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Jan 27, 2010
Sarah
rated it: 
It was all right, but I couldn't find much interest or empathy for this woman. Perhaps a little too "new-agey" for me. I guess I just never thought of Mary as "the Christian fertility goddess." Also, there wasn't nearly enough knitting in the book.
Nov 16, 2009
Bonny
rated it: 
I found this book in a book/coffee shop in Langley, BC on the mainland. I've recently started knitting again after giving it a break for a couple of years and so I was interested to read this little book.
It chronicles the day to day life of a mother trying to knit her son a sweater. But it's much more than a diary of 'what I dd today". the author dips into the rich history of knitting, weaving, spinning and beading - all crafts enjoyed and made by womn over eons of time. She in More...
It chronicles the day to day life of a mother trying to knit her son a sweater. But it's much more than a diary of 'what I dd today". the author dips into the rich history of knitting, weaving, spinning and beading - all crafts enjoyed and made by womn over eons of time. She in More...
Nov 07, 2010
Melissa
rated it:
This lovely little book was a pleasure to read. In sharp contrast to the many knitlit books on the market today, this is a nonfiction book that follows the author through a winter season while she knits her first sweater and explores the historic and cultural context of knitting. She does not whine, she does not have any affairs and her knitting is eventually successful. Can you tell that I have not enjoyed most of those knitlit books?
I think the real difference is that this is a More...
I think the real difference is that this is a More...
Nov 16, 2011
Tarsh
rated it: 
i loved this book,as it was so easy to relate too :) for example the trials and tribulations of knitting a first jumper, i wasn't the only one making the same mistakes i did.
This book is nonfiction also, so it contrasted beautiful poignant facts about knitting history either historical american history or global, about women, knitting, cloth, or just how and what fibres came about to create fabric first.
This book is rich with bold, bursting tapestries of easy to follow and become intr More...
This book is nonfiction also, so it contrasted beautiful poignant facts about knitting history either historical american history or global, about women, knitting, cloth, or just how and what fibres came about to create fabric first.
This book is rich with bold, bursting tapestries of easy to follow and become intr More...
Jan 08, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
Amazing. What a great writer Murphy is and I may be a little bias since she is from MN and does most of her writing in this book using the Twin Cities as a backdrop for her story through knitting. This book is equal parts history lesson and memoir as we follow Murphy in her year of knitting a sweater while she unravels the history of knitting as she knows it in our immigrant communities of Mpls and St. Paul. This book would inspire anyone to learn to knit!
Feb 01, 2009
Betty
rated it:
Throughout the history of humanity women have not only been 'vessels' of life, but they also have been the creators of thread and the weavers of the cloth that has sustained that sacred life by making the clothing, blankets, etc. to protect us from the elements of nature. In this 'memoir', Nora Murphy recounts one autumn and holiday season in St. Paul, Minnestota as she knits a sweater for her youngest son, trying to finish by Christmas. As she knits each part of the garment (front, back, arms,
More...
Nov 18, 2009
Shaina
rated it:
I actually just had to call it quits on this book. I couldn't stand reading it anymore because of the author's voice and personal views that are constantly re-hashed over and over throughout.
Nora Murphy did her homework on the history of textiles, but the way that she twines actual history with how she perceives the craft of knitting drove me crazy. Apparently, we have very different interpretations of the craft and the world around us and I just couldn't stand to pick up the book af More...
Nora Murphy did her homework on the history of textiles, but the way that she twines actual history with how she perceives the craft of knitting drove me crazy. Apparently, we have very different interpretations of the craft and the world around us and I just couldn't stand to pick up the book af More...
Mar 10, 2009
Kris
rated it:
As an avid knitter, it was wonderful to have Nora gather insights and history together and weave in her
own experiences as she knit on a sweater. It was almost
as good as being at a knit group.
own experiences as she knit on a sweater. It was almost
as good as being at a knit group.
Aug 20, 2009
Pam
rated it: 
always good to read a book about the craft. Met the author at a fiber show a few months ago. Have an autographed copy. Unless you're into the fiber arts, probably isn't for you.
Feb 19, 2009
Diane
rated it:
Easy reading personal essay filled with historical facts about the fiber arts. Discusses a spiritual link within the fiber arts world, both current and historical.
Jun 23, 2010
Donna
rated it:
One of the better of the generally flyweight genre of spirituality-of-knitting books.
Mar 30, 2009
Holli
rated it:
Nora Murphy, a novice knitter, is trying to knit a fair isle sweater for her son in time for Christmas. As she knits she is inspired to research the history of knitting, the domestication of sheep, alpaca, etc, and the lifeblood that knitting has been for generations. This is an incredibly interesting book, full of facts and narrative. Will she finish the sweater in time for Christmas? Take a read for yourself.
May 22, 2009
Barb
rated it:
With prose that knits together personal reflection, memoir, and history of knitting, Nora Murphy lightly touches on many different ideas. Unfortunately, I finished the book with that dissatisfied feeling you get when you snack through a meal. At times my curiosity was piqued only to be left hanging as the text moved onto another idea. I think this is a poem hidden in too many words.
For those who want more information about textile traditions that are romanticized in the text, st More...
For those who want more information about textile traditions that are romanticized in the text, st More...
Jul 18, 2011
Robin
rated it:
Great book about a woman's quest to knit a sweater intertwined with some of the history of knitting and weaving...
Nov 10, 2009
Hollis
rated it:
I started out loving this book since in the past year I've started knitting again - all the trials and tribulations sounded so very familiar! But I soon found that the book was just too disjointed and, ultimately, not very interesting. I didn't finish it
Mar 23, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
Excellent account of how modern knitting is connected to women throughout history. A historical perspective is used throughout the book and while it can get a little contrived and stylized the message is clear and inspiring. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is an avid knitter!
Aug 24, 2009
Shannon
rated it:
I wanted to like this, but the whole thing just lacked focus. Really tenuous connections between current and historical practices.
Dec 30, 2011
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