Knitting for Radical Self-Care: A Modern Guide

by Brandi Cheyenne Harper

From knitting expert Brandi Harper, a must-have pattern book for modern knitters, with essays on self-care and sourcing creativity.

There is no such thing as being “kind of” a knitter—the wobbly scarves and that oversize sweater you tried to shrink all count, too. Each contribution that you make to the world through knitting is meaningful, but maybe you’ve slowed your commitment to this craft, or you can’t seem to find the time to be creative. There’s a lot to be distracted by, and the path forward isn’t always clear.

Brandi Harper aims to bring those challenges to the forefront and help you unearth the immense benefits that knitting has to offer. In her debut book, Knitting for Radical Self-Care , Harper offers tips and suggestions for carving out time for creativity, alongside beautiful patterns to try yourself. The book includes 10 original and diverse style patterns inspired by revolutionary women of color, and Harper will speak to these women and their immense impact on her life and our world. The patterns include detailed instructions, alongside her original prose, all designed to inspire.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Self Help, Art, Reference, Feminism

160 pages, Hardcover

Published January 4, 2022

Reviews

[Morgann · Rating 5 out of 5]

They support using ethically made plant based materials and shopping locally from socially conscious companies 😇

“I recognize that I am privileged in identifying with the gender I was assigned at birth, having a college degree, being light skinned, and appearing seemingly able-bodied and straight-passing.”

“Every knit stitch is a tiny meditation. To welcome the full benefits, knit in silence and without technology. Have tea with your thoughts. Knitting is a vehicle in which to evolve our consciousness and craft the life we want to live. Ground yourself in this present moment.”

“Creativity keeps me purposeful. It taps me into my gut. I wake up excited for the day ahead. When I am supporting my creativity, the future feels hopeful and blessings feel abundant.”

“Work toward the casual naming of your boundaries, hopes, and expectations, no
matter the audience, because when we take better care of ourselves we are more capable of taking care of each other.”

“Joy is always present, hands open, waiting for you.”

“Engaging in my creativity is an active part of my own self-care. Self-care is not about fixing all of our problems or knitting all day. For me, it is the daily practice of returning to the place where I believe I can make anything, be anything I set my mind to. It only requires that I try. My hope is that we can begin to see the ways creativity feeds our self-care and to share my own tools for keeping my creativity alive. Who am I? What brings me happiness? Who can love the whole of me? Taking the very best care of myself requires getting to know myself better.”

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though none of the patterns in this book are ones I would enjoy making for myself, it was still worth every second I spent reading it. It felt like a gentle hug, reminding me to take care of myself and nourish my crafty soul, while also thinking about the world around me and the ways my crafts affect that world. Definitely filled my heart with warmth.

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying the reminders to listen to my body, to slow down, and to enjoy my crafting. While the patterns in this book aren't anything I feel I would make/wear, I'm counting it as a solid read regardless.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful ode to knitting and fiber artists.

[Phobean · Rating 5 out of 5]

First knitting book I’ve read that speaks directly to me as a Black woman. I’ve been following Brandi’s work for many years, so I was pleased to learn she’d published a book of patterns. Her voice and aesthetic come through so clearly here. It was a beautiful read. I imagine actually knitting some of her creations would be a powerful experience.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author shares quotes from a few of my favorite writers of color as a way to introduce the patterns. Quote from book "The self-care values I'm exploring within this book and within my own life in this present moment are creativity, authenticity, and courage." Beautiful words Sis.

The patterns are gorgeous My only issue is that the yarn weight used is heavier than my climate can handle.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a knitting book, meh. Bulky weight projects aren’t my jam.

As an essay collection and snapshot of trains of thought in craftlandia, liked it a lot. The radical self care part is 👌.

This would probably be a really primo resource for a new knitter who takes inspiration direct from Instagram.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegant patterns and the best essays I've read about the craft and experience of knitting.

[Reading with Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the essays but the patterns were well outside my (admittedly very much a beginner) skill level.

[Tessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't need intersectional knitting patterns lol.

Mostly chunky knits, which isn't my preference.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't what I was expecting, hence the lower rating. There is beautiful photography, and care and thoughtfulness were put into the book's writing, production and pattern design. The inspirational bits weren't resonating at the time of reading, and the knitting patterns just weren't my thing, except for possibly one or two of the sweaters.

[Korey Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the essays and the patterns are an interesting blend of simple stitches and unique construction.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting shaping. Not a big fan of bulky yarns, some nice patterns.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

May help me regain my knitting mojo.... I live in hope! This is a very useful book for the beginning knitter and for those having issues with particular problems. The photos are excellent and illustrate each of the elements of knitting the author is discussing at that point. Throughout there is evident a 'you can do this, just relax, and it will come' attitude by the author which cannot be anything except super helpful to a skittish beginning knitter or one looking to up their game. I've been knitting for decades, but Covid (just the fact of it as I fortunately was never ill) made life so crazy for any breathing human, doing something that does require a certain amount of focus was a lost cause for me this past year. This book can help you up your game, or just reinforce that you know things, and let you focus on the doing of knitting rather than the craziness which surrounds you. Worth a look regardless of how much you know already.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the ethos of this book. There are a couple patterns I might try, but I'd have to buy some big needles and loads of yarn so it's more of a maybe-project. The big selling point is the care and self-care that permeate all elements of the book. The instructions are easy to follow, but they're also preceded by quotes that center you in your craft practice and put you in the mindset that this is about care. I honestly think the first chapter about the practice of radical self-care could have been a lot longer! I wanted more of the meditative elements. I want more of this whole ethos!

The patterns are all made with really chunky yarn and huge needles, so they work up pretty fast. This might be a good book for an confident/advanced beginner or someone coming back to knitting after a while away.

[Tania Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply personal book it’s clear that author Brandi Cheyenne Harper is talking from her soul, about her own journey; the women who have inspired, challenged and pushed her through phases of discovery, growth and care.

The patterns are modern, clean, design for comfort and for those who live the technique and the story behind the garments they wear. I’ve identified two projects that I want to cast-on immediately and felt both comforted by this book and the pieces I will soon be snuggled in.

I was as inspired by the quotes and stories as I was by the aesthetic of the book and pieces. An absolute joy and well worth the anticipation I was carrying for its arrival. 🧶

[Elizabeth Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was over knitting books. I’ve got loads, read loads more. But I’m definitely not over the politics of craft, and this book is a joy and a solace and a call to arms. It’s full of loving, radical, philosophy, illuminated with quotes from inspirational writers including Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde and Sojourner Truth. The whole thing is perhaps best summed with these words, by Jamila Reddy: “Treat yourself as if you are valuable. As if your life is a sacred, precious thing.” Some of the patterns are great, too.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for those who are new to knitting or those who want to reconnect themselves with it. I loved the author's approach and the styling of the book is also really nice. The patterns are inclusive (YAY). The reason for the 4 stars is that there was only one pattern I made note of, and also I'm not the biggest fan of chunky yarn which most of these pieces are made with.

But again, this would be excellent for a beginner.

[Amy Claffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the most beautifully written knitting book of all time. The pattern inspiration notes are emotional & show Harper’s soul. I particularly enjoyed the visuals in the how-to sections, which show a variety of techniques with great explanations.

I am looking forward to finishing my current WIP, the audre cowl, so I can wear it while reading it’s namesakes poetry.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. While I haven’t knitted anything from it (mostly due to my preference for fingering-weight yarns), the patterns appear to be very clearly written & the photography is stunning. The cloche Terren Hat is _incredible_ & I’m making a mental note to keep the Sojourn Shawl in mind if I come across the right yarn. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book that pays tribute not only to knitting, but the creative process, art, and the self. Gorgeous photos, helpful definitions and guides, and inspirations wisdom. Includes 10 patterns - not sure I’ll knit any of them, but it’s still a lovely resource and reminder to be present in the moment.

[Lauren Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably a good book? It's hard to say because I think my ideas of what I wanted the book to be based on the title (more musings on crafting, less instructions on knitting) kept me from enjoying what the book actually was.

[Angie Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the photography and the intentional selection of quotes to frame the essays and the patterns. The directions appear to be well written. I generally knit with fingering to DK weight yarns...these patterns skew to bulky and super bulky, not something I enjoy working with.

[Soc Page]

queer black woman's affirmation of self with basic patterns made bold by using thick chunky yarns. she has a neutral palette and oversize statement pieces. quotes of favorite black authors and reflections.

Arlington PL

[Judith Pollack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, modern designs.

These designs are unique. There is a lot of potential for more colorful, perhaps multicolor renditions. Nice to see real creativity in shapes and technique.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting essays and thought provoking ideas. Patterns are not my style, though they look cozy and warm. If I get a request from a friend for this sort of cowl or mittens, I can imagine referring to this book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for someone who is wanting to know how to read. Great and clear step by step instructions on the basics of knitting. Some great clasic and basic projects to try. Most of the projects use wool on the bulkier side which means faster knits for new knitters.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the patterns aren't my style, they seemed to be well written. The author definitly has a style and it's clear she loves finding varriation in it.
I really like how each pattern has a story and meaning behind it.

[Jill McGillicuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the comfort of this book. I don't often knit with bulky yarn but the patterns can easily be altered for thinner yarn. Just a treasure of a book.

[Nancy Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words and beautiful knitting

I liked her peaceful words , the harmony of the colors, and the imaginative finished objects. I’m looking forward to a next book.