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The Mindfulness in Knitting: Meditations on Craft and Calm
Everyone can pick up a pair of needles and a ball of yarn. And everyone can be mindful. The Mindfulness in Knitting casts fresh light on this famously calming craft, and reveals how the simple repetition of plain and purl can in itself nurture wellbeing. Rachael Matthews explores the joys of making and looks at the benefits of taking up one of the simplest and most useful of crafts.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published October 6, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 8, 2017
I must confess to having a bit of a bah humbug attitude to this book mostly because of the title/content, rather than the production or physical book itself which is beautiful in its construction. It is the kind of book one likes to have on one's shelf and hold in one's hands. It is a hardcover with a linocut style illustration on the cover (no jacket) and the pages are thick and creamy.
But back to my Scrooge response....I am always distrustful of books that seem to jump on the latest bandwagon. This title is part of a series of books on Mindfulness. There's the Art of Mindful Walking, Mindfulness and the Art of Drawing, Mindfulness at Work to name a few. There's even a Einstein and the Art of Mindful Cycling..who knew?
I do like knitting though, so was prepared to give it a go. It's also a slim volume at 144 pages and would help me get my 2016 Reading Challenge score up at the screaming last minute.
This book won't necessarily make you a better knitter...or then again maybe it will. Don't come here looking for technical instructions is what I am trying to say. This is about process I suppose. The author encourages you to keep a journal (great unbeliever that I am, I didn't) of your thoughts about things like your yarn stash and why you choose the wool you do. The book is divided into six chapters with such headings as Knitting Sacred Spaces and Knitting & Self Discovery. I am such an old cynic but I ploughed on.
Some parts resonated with me - some left me feeling like Winnie the Pooh. So, for example, I do agree with the author that "the knitting experience is as much about the occupation of mind as it is the working of fingers and the finished fabric." (p.27) And "our craft offers a space to extinguish unproductive thinking, relishing solitude and feeling comfortable with our place in the world." (p. 57)
I was interested to read the chapter about knitting circles and craftivism. Whilst I was aware of yarn bombing, I was largely ignorant of the history of battles to work on a 'domestic craft' in a public place e.g. Greenham Common in the 80s. I have always relished joining knitting circles and meeting people I wouldn't ordinarily meet and am surprised by what is shared at those circles. The fact that you often have your head down, focussed on your work, leads to less confronting and more open conversations when you are not directly looking at the person beside you.
However I found some of Matthews writing a bit all over the shop or airy fairy e.g. "Ecclesiasticus chapter 38 could be considered one of the earliest craftivist manifestos. The passage explains how the crafsman finds wisdom through labour and creates beauty....without the craftsman making our homes beautiful, the city will not be comfortably inhabited. Without the city being inhabited, there is no need for judges or councils. Craft is the basis on which civilization is built, because unless the people are happy and comfortable in their surroundings, there is no need for the jobs that the rest of society might do. When people are happy, there is less need for law, order and councils." (pp.84-85) Do you see what I mean? I'm confused. Or is it just me?
There is discussion of thrift and when a gift is not a gift to the receiver but to the knitter, art versus craft, work versus labour and finally the magic of numbers, for what is knitting without counting. So, Scrooge that I am, I was forced to acknowledge the I learned a few things from this small tome - that there are over 200 breeds of sheep in the world, the importance of knitting in my life, the comfort that it brought to me as well as others, what a conversation opener it is both at home and abroad, the joy of walking into a yarn shop and imagining all the possibilities and finally and probably most importantly, the lessons that I have learned about myself in the process.
But back to my Scrooge response....I am always distrustful of books that seem to jump on the latest bandwagon. This title is part of a series of books on Mindfulness. There's the Art of Mindful Walking, Mindfulness and the Art of Drawing, Mindfulness at Work to name a few. There's even a Einstein and the Art of Mindful Cycling..who knew?
I do like knitting though, so was prepared to give it a go. It's also a slim volume at 144 pages and would help me get my 2016 Reading Challenge score up at the screaming last minute.
This book won't necessarily make you a better knitter...or then again maybe it will. Don't come here looking for technical instructions is what I am trying to say. This is about process I suppose. The author encourages you to keep a journal (great unbeliever that I am, I didn't) of your thoughts about things like your yarn stash and why you choose the wool you do. The book is divided into six chapters with such headings as Knitting Sacred Spaces and Knitting & Self Discovery. I am such an old cynic but I ploughed on.
Some parts resonated with me - some left me feeling like Winnie the Pooh. So, for example, I do agree with the author that "the knitting experience is as much about the occupation of mind as it is the working of fingers and the finished fabric." (p.27) And "our craft offers a space to extinguish unproductive thinking, relishing solitude and feeling comfortable with our place in the world." (p. 57)
I was interested to read the chapter about knitting circles and craftivism. Whilst I was aware of yarn bombing, I was largely ignorant of the history of battles to work on a 'domestic craft' in a public place e.g. Greenham Common in the 80s. I have always relished joining knitting circles and meeting people I wouldn't ordinarily meet and am surprised by what is shared at those circles. The fact that you often have your head down, focussed on your work, leads to less confronting and more open conversations when you are not directly looking at the person beside you.
However I found some of Matthews writing a bit all over the shop or airy fairy e.g. "Ecclesiasticus chapter 38 could be considered one of the earliest craftivist manifestos. The passage explains how the crafsman finds wisdom through labour and creates beauty....without the craftsman making our homes beautiful, the city will not be comfortably inhabited. Without the city being inhabited, there is no need for judges or councils. Craft is the basis on which civilization is built, because unless the people are happy and comfortable in their surroundings, there is no need for the jobs that the rest of society might do. When people are happy, there is less need for law, order and councils." (pp.84-85) Do you see what I mean? I'm confused. Or is it just me?
There is discussion of thrift and when a gift is not a gift to the receiver but to the knitter, art versus craft, work versus labour and finally the magic of numbers, for what is knitting without counting. So, Scrooge that I am, I was forced to acknowledge the I learned a few things from this small tome - that there are over 200 breeds of sheep in the world, the importance of knitting in my life, the comfort that it brought to me as well as others, what a conversation opener it is both at home and abroad, the joy of walking into a yarn shop and imagining all the possibilities and finally and probably most importantly, the lessons that I have learned about myself in the process.
March 3, 2020
This is a newly released paperback version of a 2016 hardcover book that offers philosophical essays on the mindfulness of knitting. There are no illustrations or projects, it is simply the author's musings about various topics and some exercises. Some knitters are likely to enjoy Matthews' thoughts, especially those who want to use their knitting for more inner work or who just like reading thoughts about knitting.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
March 7, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is about the mindfulness that can be found in and from knitting. I dont knit myself but I crochet (which is a recent hobby I've started) and could understand some of the thoughts within this book from linking them to crocheting.
This book is a brilliant book for knitters new and old but not a book I unfortunately enjoyed personally.
This book is about the mindfulness that can be found in and from knitting. I dont knit myself but I crochet (which is a recent hobby I've started) and could understand some of the thoughts within this book from linking them to crocheting.
This book is a brilliant book for knitters new and old but not a book I unfortunately enjoyed personally.
March 25, 2020
As a knitter I have experienced so many of the things mentioned in this short book. Knitting is meditative, and mindful in so many ways.
I'd recommend this book to any knitter, but also to anyone, who might want to learn to knit, or is a struggling beginner, or thinks knitting is a waste of time.
I'd recommend this book to any knitter, but also to anyone, who might want to learn to knit, or is a struggling beginner, or thinks knitting is a waste of time.
May 17, 2017
The discussion about knitting as a meditative practice is not new, and the idea has probably been known to knitters themselves for centuries. In The Mindfulness in Knitting, Rachael Matthews adds even more depth to this conversation, from the idea that knitting can be calming and help to focus our attention on the present, to the concept of craftivism and using our knitting to literally change the world. This last part is a particularly new part of the knitting community. Going far beyond the idea of knitting circles where knitters get together to chat and share their creative ideas as they knit, craftivism is about communities who knit for a cause or even a political purpose. One could even argue that in today's world of mostly industrially manufactured clothing and accessories, making any handknit article can itself be a revolutionary statement for a number of causes like simplicity or sustainability. As for sustainability, the author even includes a discussion about finding local, recycled or responsibly produced sources for yarns and fibers. In all, The Mindfulness in Knitting is a thoughtful book full of wonderful ideas about the deeper meaning and purpose of creativity in general and the ways that it can add depth and wisdom to our lives and our world.
August 7, 2019
This was a nice book to read. It mixes knitting with the act of meditation and has lots of suggestions for more mindful ways to go about your craft. As I'm only just learning to knit, I didn't really get much from this book, but it's such a nice copy that I'll probably keep it to go back to when I'm more practised.
July 31, 2022
Picked this up in the library and it was relatively disappointing. I think it overstates the benefits of knitting, in that I think you can find mindfulness in a lot of other crafts as well. It was a bit discombobulated and parts just strange. Meh, win some, lose some.
July 30, 2019
An absolutely beautiful book, physically that is. Hard cover, beautifully bound with a lovely stylised illustration of knitting. Between the covers are repeats of the same illustration acting as markers for the beginnings of chapters. The paper containing the words is wonderfully thick and creamy. Muted colours with a splash of tangerine on the spine and a glint of gold leaf on the lettering. But that's the physical book, beautiful to look at, sensual to hold.
Inside the book, the words themselves are not telling us anything new. Most knitters know how calming knitting or any craft for that matter, can be. I knit and calm to the clicking of the needles, the repetitive process of inserting a needle into the yarn, the winding of the yarn around the needle, twisting it and completing the stitch over and over. The same can be said for other crafts. Lovely book, a pleasure to read and hold, great to sit on the coffee table to dip into occasionally while sipping tea and dunking biscuits.
Inside the book, the words themselves are not telling us anything new. Most knitters know how calming knitting or any craft for that matter, can be. I knit and calm to the clicking of the needles, the repetitive process of inserting a needle into the yarn, the winding of the yarn around the needle, twisting it and completing the stitch over and over. The same can be said for other crafts. Lovely book, a pleasure to read and hold, great to sit on the coffee table to dip into occasionally while sipping tea and dunking biscuits.
May 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and plan on doing some of the exercises such as where did knitting start in my family and questions such as how does the yarn feel in my hands and how do I feel as I am creating something from wool and how I handle my knitting mistakes. Some of these things can be transferred to life outside of knitting. It truly made me think of how knitting has been around for such a long time and how it is a form of meditation. I know it helps me when I am feeling anxious because I concentrate on the stitches and not my thoughts.
April 6, 2018
I've read some reviews of this book that said it was too "oo-ee-oo" and maybe it is for some readers. As a relatively new knitter (a little over a year) though, it was wonderfully reassuring to see that the things that have been occurring to me as I've worked on learning the craft are not wild ideas. I took my time, picking the book up and putting it down again, and in the end, I feel connected in some way to a larger "something."
Probably not for everyone, but I loved it and highly recommend for contemplative knitters who are looking for reinforcement.
Probably not for everyone, but I loved it and highly recommend for contemplative knitters who are looking for reinforcement.
April 14, 2020
The Mindfulness in Knitting Meditation on Craft and Calm by Rachel Matthews
Wanted to read this book because it is about knitting and I love to knit.
Talks about connection between your mind and your hand movements. Like how they teach you to get over the problem things in knitting, try sketching instead or do some math.
Learn your learning style: i can just look at an outfit and know basically what i need to do to make it. Probably has something to do with my blindness.
Also I have connection with the peacefulness of knitting-gives me so much time to either listen to books on tape or pray and think.
Love how hidden textures will tell you a story about me or one that I've made for another.
I do that with Irish fisherman stitching. Like how they relate the knitting process to computing.
Love the warm up exercises, never thought to do them. All kinds of tips and techniques to use to solve problems with your knitting.
Discussions of where the yarn came from and how it was made and under what conditions.
Like how the way i treat my sacred space has crossed over to other places in my home.
Like the connection with numbers also, different sequences. Ends with index and acknowledgements. Very thoughtful book.
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheMindfulnessinKnitting #NetGalley
Wanted to read this book because it is about knitting and I love to knit.
Talks about connection between your mind and your hand movements. Like how they teach you to get over the problem things in knitting, try sketching instead or do some math.
Learn your learning style: i can just look at an outfit and know basically what i need to do to make it. Probably has something to do with my blindness.
Also I have connection with the peacefulness of knitting-gives me so much time to either listen to books on tape or pray and think.
Love how hidden textures will tell you a story about me or one that I've made for another.
I do that with Irish fisherman stitching. Like how they relate the knitting process to computing.
Love the warm up exercises, never thought to do them. All kinds of tips and techniques to use to solve problems with your knitting.
Discussions of where the yarn came from and how it was made and under what conditions.
Like how the way i treat my sacred space has crossed over to other places in my home.
Like the connection with numbers also, different sequences. Ends with index and acknowledgements. Very thoughtful book.
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheMindfulnessinKnitting #NetGalley
April 30, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. All the ranty opinions below re y own.
This book is word salad. Here is the introduction:
What? Maybe look up what culture means. This book fails to site knitting in any real historical space, and continually makes sweeping generalisations. There are a whole lot of words that don't mean very much. What made me nope out was when the racism started. Yes, it's white woman racism, but it's still icky. Rachel says she went to Uzbekistan and saw the pitfalls of cotton production, including child labour and the environmental impact. But "I was relieved to find there were still beautiful local fabrics for tourists to buy... The crafts were very much alive even (sic) many of the people weren't." Excuse me? Then she exoticises India and says that Eskimos have lots of word for snow, a statement that is ignorant, if not outright racist. Anyway, by this point I was pretty ragey and gave up on this book.
This book is word salad. Here is the introduction:
From the origins of societies natural evolution, two ancient cultures have emerged, guiding the way for our heads, hearts and hands. One of these cultures is knitting, or to be more descriptive, the addictive habit of forming a soft textile with your hands. the other culture is mindfulness, or as I like to think of it, a childlike love of hooking up with your inner being...
What? Maybe look up what culture means. This book fails to site knitting in any real historical space, and continually makes sweeping generalisations. There are a whole lot of words that don't mean very much. What made me nope out was when the racism started. Yes, it's white woman racism, but it's still icky. Rachel says she went to Uzbekistan and saw the pitfalls of cotton production, including child labour and the environmental impact. But "I was relieved to find there were still beautiful local fabrics for tourists to buy... The crafts were very much alive even (sic) many of the people weren't." Excuse me? Then she exoticises India and says that Eskimos have lots of word for snow, a statement that is ignorant, if not outright racist. Anyway, by this point I was pretty ragey and gave up on this book.
July 22, 2020
This book is one in a series of "The Art of Mindful xxx", and so I was rather sceptical that it would offer anything new and of interest. There are six chapters dealing with, among other things, the process of knitting, yarns and craft circles. This is not a knitting project book, there are no patterns, instead it is about Rachael Matthews' observations and experiences. Randomly interspersed through the text are exercises. These are not actual knitting exercises but meditative projects. Disappointingly there are no photographs or illustrations in the book.
I found the book did offer some interesting observations that made me think about why I knit and how I knit. Overall though, I felt that the subject of mindful knitting (as with most recent books that try to apply mindfulness to a particular activity) was laboured in places and didn't really have anything new to add.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest and unedited review.
I found the book did offer some interesting observations that made me think about why I knit and how I knit. Overall though, I felt that the subject of mindful knitting (as with most recent books that try to apply mindfulness to a particular activity) was laboured in places and didn't really have anything new to add.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest and unedited review.
October 3, 2024
I consider the art and skill of knitting as one of the greatest gifts my mother and Nana passed down to me. I love the feel of yarn and the process of creating a garment to wear or pass on to someone I care about. I love the repetitive motion of the clicking of the needles and the concentration ( meditation) required to follow patterns. It is a wonderful pass time to use time for this purpose.
Time shared with others who enjoy this hobby is always interesting.
Gifts using hands, hearts, and heads are usually welcome.
Reread 10/2/24
Time shared with others who enjoy this hobby is always interesting.
Gifts using hands, hearts, and heads are usually welcome.
Reread 10/2/24
May 2, 2018
Nothing new here.
June 3, 2019
Some interesting thoughts and ideas but a bit to 'out there' for me.
Read
December 10, 2021am i reviewing a book? i guess i am!
when i get into a new thing, i tend to get really into it. not like, more than anyone else ever, but enough that i check books out of the library. and so that is how i came to read a book about knitting that has nothing to do with actually learning new patterns or techniques.
there are some things in this book that ring true. i thought some of the connections that were made were fun, if not deeply explored — for instance, how knitting recalls notions of sacred geometry. one thing i will take away from this book is to allow myself to indulge in all the sensorial and emotional aspects of craft. getting excited about colours and textures is part of what draws me to textiles in the first place, so that's a nice thing to give yourself permission to do.
like others have said, this book can feel kind of insubstantial. it's just sort of about how lovely knitting is and all these ways you can apply knitting to life. but that's not a terrible thing.
i would have loved more exploration about knitting and ritual. i think i need to find another book to get more of a foundation for stitch-witchery. because textiles are obviously very powerful magical objects and the process is very magical in itself. i think mindfulness is a nice concept to apply to knitting, but that's only part of the picture for me. anyway. sorry, i know this is not how you write a book review. it's been a little while!
when i get into a new thing, i tend to get really into it. not like, more than anyone else ever, but enough that i check books out of the library. and so that is how i came to read a book about knitting that has nothing to do with actually learning new patterns or techniques.
there are some things in this book that ring true. i thought some of the connections that were made were fun, if not deeply explored — for instance, how knitting recalls notions of sacred geometry. one thing i will take away from this book is to allow myself to indulge in all the sensorial and emotional aspects of craft. getting excited about colours and textures is part of what draws me to textiles in the first place, so that's a nice thing to give yourself permission to do.
like others have said, this book can feel kind of insubstantial. it's just sort of about how lovely knitting is and all these ways you can apply knitting to life. but that's not a terrible thing.
i would have loved more exploration about knitting and ritual. i think i need to find another book to get more of a foundation for stitch-witchery. because textiles are obviously very powerful magical objects and the process is very magical in itself. i think mindfulness is a nice concept to apply to knitting, but that's only part of the picture for me. anyway. sorry, i know this is not how you write a book review. it's been a little while!
April 17, 2023
Published: 2016, republished in 2023
How I discovered: NetGalley
What I liked: There were some good tidbits in here that helped me take a more mindful approach to my knitting and crochet. For example, I liked the chapter "Identifying Ourselves with Specific Yarns" and how it made me stop to think about what fibers and colors I've been gravitating toward lately. The idea of finding color inspiration in nature/surroundings (even trash) was inspiring and I think I'll take a moment to think about why I'm choosing my color palettes and projects in the future (rather than just "that's pretty").
What I didn't: I'm not sure this book is really for me - I'm not an overly spiritual person and I don't take time to be mindful or "connect" with things on a deeper level in my everyday life. I found myself skimming some of the more "woo-woo" sections like finding sacred space. It's just not me but may resonate with others.
What I learned: I wouldn't say I learned much, but one piece of advice I will take with me is making sure to stretch my hands and arms while knitting (and taking stretch breaks). I have been noticing pain lately when I'm on a knitting spree and I think listening to my body more is important. I wouldn't necessarily call it "yoga" but physical self-care.
Quote: "The utterly absorbing process of creating textiles provides us with an informal meditation space while connecting us with a heritage we cherish and ultimately a universe we understand."
Recommended: It's a nice book to flip through for avid knitters and crocheters, but I wouldn't classify it as a must-read. If you're building a bookshelf of craft-related books, this could be a fine addition.
How I discovered: NetGalley
What I liked: There were some good tidbits in here that helped me take a more mindful approach to my knitting and crochet. For example, I liked the chapter "Identifying Ourselves with Specific Yarns" and how it made me stop to think about what fibers and colors I've been gravitating toward lately. The idea of finding color inspiration in nature/surroundings (even trash) was inspiring and I think I'll take a moment to think about why I'm choosing my color palettes and projects in the future (rather than just "that's pretty").
What I didn't: I'm not sure this book is really for me - I'm not an overly spiritual person and I don't take time to be mindful or "connect" with things on a deeper level in my everyday life. I found myself skimming some of the more "woo-woo" sections like finding sacred space. It's just not me but may resonate with others.
What I learned: I wouldn't say I learned much, but one piece of advice I will take with me is making sure to stretch my hands and arms while knitting (and taking stretch breaks). I have been noticing pain lately when I'm on a knitting spree and I think listening to my body more is important. I wouldn't necessarily call it "yoga" but physical self-care.
Quote: "The utterly absorbing process of creating textiles provides us with an informal meditation space while connecting us with a heritage we cherish and ultimately a universe we understand."
Recommended: It's a nice book to flip through for avid knitters and crocheters, but I wouldn't classify it as a must-read. If you're building a bookshelf of craft-related books, this could be a fine addition.
February 22, 2021
I received this book as a fairwell gift from my knitting club in the Netherlands, in 2017 when I was moving away from the country.
To begin with I should say that it is a 3-star book. It is the thoughts of Rachael Matthews and her experiences in trying to combine mindfulness with knitting. She is trying to give a spiritual depth to this craft.
She mentions some nice ideas:
- consciousness about the origin of the yarns: I got shocked with the way cheap cotton is produced. I have beein buying bio-cotton, but now I know why it is so expensive.
- consciousness about the craft itself: There is an excercise in the book, about trying to figure out what knitting/crocheting means to us, by looking for the past knitters we know and thinking on the future. This was special for me. I learnt to crochet in a way to overcome the loss of my mother. She was a knitter and she was trying to teach me when I was a teenager, but I was not interested in it. When I lost her, I regretted not learning from her. And I made up for the mistake by myself. It was the time I joined my colleagues' knitting club too. So this excercise helped me organise and put in paper exactly what knitting/crocheting means for me.
For this exercise I mention and for the fact that my friends gave me this book because they have understood why I knit, I gave the book the fourth star.
To begin with I should say that it is a 3-star book. It is the thoughts of Rachael Matthews and her experiences in trying to combine mindfulness with knitting. She is trying to give a spiritual depth to this craft.
She mentions some nice ideas:
- consciousness about the origin of the yarns: I got shocked with the way cheap cotton is produced. I have beein buying bio-cotton, but now I know why it is so expensive.
- consciousness about the craft itself: There is an excercise in the book, about trying to figure out what knitting/crocheting means to us, by looking for the past knitters we know and thinking on the future. This was special for me. I learnt to crochet in a way to overcome the loss of my mother. She was a knitter and she was trying to teach me when I was a teenager, but I was not interested in it. When I lost her, I regretted not learning from her. And I made up for the mistake by myself. It was the time I joined my colleagues' knitting club too. So this excercise helped me organise and put in paper exactly what knitting/crocheting means for me.
For this exercise I mention and for the fact that my friends gave me this book because they have understood why I knit, I gave the book the fourth star.
February 4, 2019
I was given this book, rather than chose it. It seemed to be a title that celebrated being a 'knitist' whilst enjoying the mindfulness of knitting without realising the benefits gained and then expanding that mindfulness by focussing on it. The first few pages were exactly that. I enjoyed the confirmation of enjoyment and contentment. It was not like being preached to - I preach myself about the pleasures of knitting to anyone that will listen (husband nods head in wonder as he sits next to me, totally does not understand my love of it!) Sadly, as the book continued I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I had hoped to. I wanted it to be about embracing and expanding your skills without stressing about it, and it did say that briefly, however towards the end it seemed to change the focus from enjoying your knitting to drawing patterns in a mindful way, not knitting patterns though, more like mandalas. Over all not quite the book I'd hoped it would become.
March 11, 2020
Rachael Matthews describes perfectly the therapeutic nature of knitting. Many of us know that when life gets complicated the urge to sit down and start a new project becomes overwhelming. When a loved one is ill for example, we sit and knit a scarf or a jumper for them, focusing all our energy into the project and the recipient, hoping that the love and energy helps them through. Most of us will have picked up our work with a head full of anxieties from work etc only to find that after 20 minutes of knitting the anxieties have been minimised or resolved.
Passing a wool shop a certain wool appeals to us for its hue or its texture or a memory.
Rachael captures the feelings and emotions behind this and sets tasks for us to deepen our self knowledge, restablish our connections with our family and community, through Knitting Circles and Craftism.
I would recommend this book for all knitters both experienced and new.
#TheMindfulnessOf Knitting#Netgalley
Passing a wool shop a certain wool appeals to us for its hue or its texture or a memory.
Rachael captures the feelings and emotions behind this and sets tasks for us to deepen our self knowledge, restablish our connections with our family and community, through Knitting Circles and Craftism.
I would recommend this book for all knitters both experienced and new.
#TheMindfulnessOf Knitting#Netgalley
November 3, 2018
Reading this as the season turns colder and I want to get back into the comfort provided by handicrafts on long evenings. This is a short volume with beautiful cover - quickly read. It wasn’t quite what I expected, I thought there’d be more examples/ instructions how to settle into a meditative style of knitting, instead I found this to be moreover philosophical. I sometimes wondered whether it I would have enjoyed it more if it was distilled into a newspaper article. This book is part of a series on mindfulness, maybe I just picked up at the wrong end, but the subject knitting sparked my interest. Still appreciated the thoughts presented here and do not like knitting/crocheting less afterwards. Little disappointed it does not really mention crocheting even though the same principles apply.
October 24, 2020
I have knitted a lot over the years, mostly for the children and for gifts; and whilst I, then look at it as a means to and end, I can now, looking back, see it was very enjoyable and calming.
I still knit now, but now it is a slower process, a process of meandering through a project slowly and with care, with the enjoyment. of touch, textures and colors. Creating an item that is filled with a process of letting go, of relaxation and calming thoughts. The feel of the wool, and the journey through mindfulness to new understanding of self.
I still knit now, but now it is a slower process, a process of meandering through a project slowly and with care, with the enjoyment. of touch, textures and colors. Creating an item that is filled with a process of letting go, of relaxation and calming thoughts. The feel of the wool, and the journey through mindfulness to new understanding of self.
April 7, 2022
This book was a very thoughtful gift, although I didn't care for it. It was filled to the brim with purple prose and overall, for me, it didn't do mindfulness much justice. It felt more like it was trying to fill the pages with chatter.
The exercises were really the only useful things and I appreciate them.
I've been knitting for 18 years and have practiced yoga/meditation for 14 - and have travelled to India. This was a bit of a disappointment, but might be good for newcomers for either practice.
The exercises were really the only useful things and I appreciate them.
I've been knitting for 18 years and have practiced yoga/meditation for 14 - and have travelled to India. This was a bit of a disappointment, but might be good for newcomers for either practice.
January 14, 2025
so basically, I have no idea why this "book" could be published. it feels like the author wants to write sth, and then she writes something that has no logic and no meaning. it's pretty hard to try to understand what's the "main idea" the writer wants to display. after reading it, I was taken back to my undergraduate years when I was writing garbage essays. it feels like peer evaluating that I'm evaluating another garbage essay. well, if I pretend to be nice, I will say, oh yes pretty interesting ideas. but I'm not, so 1 star because there is no 0 star. period.
August 18, 2020
My great-grandma taught me to knit when I was young and I have been doing it, on and off, for all my life. I hadn’t realised the benefit it gave me until I read this book and suddenly acknowledged how much the act of choosing a pattern and the yarn, then the act of knitting, plus the finishing it off, can provide. The book which summarised all what knitting can provide for you to manage your anxiety, stress and depression.
February 11, 2018
Rachel Matthews is both a knitting professional (yarn shop owner though she calls her shop something more complicated) and a long-time yoga devotee. In this book she brings spiritual and cultural insights from her meditation practice into her craft practice. It is fascinating. Unfortunately no patterns although there are a few exercises.
May 16, 2018
Jump on the bandwagon and join in the fun. Mindfulness! Knitting! It's all good! Although you really don't need this nice little book to tell you any of this, especially if you're already into crafting things with your very own hands. The author does, however, have some interesting and useful insights into the subject(s).
December 17, 2018
I received this book from a fellow knitter. I started reading it a little bit at a time and then finished it today. Mathews shares some great thoughts about knitting and how it can help us calm ourselves. Craftivism as a term was new to me and I thought she made good points about crafting and life.
February 3, 2019
Not sure what I was looking for in the book - cover is beautiful - but not sure I was in the right mindset (ha) for it. Did appreciate section on when is a gift not a gift/gift as weapons and to know the why behind what you are making.
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