Compassionate Knitting: Finding Basic Goodness in the Work of Our Hands [Paperback]

Tara Jon Manning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2006

There is a growing movement in this country towards an interest in knitting as a craft and a spiritual practice. Tara Jon Manning, expert knitter and the author of Mindful Knitting, uses her background in Shambhala Buddhism and Eastern arts to incorporate these two seemingly disparate ideas in her compelling new knitting book, Compassionate Knitting

Compassionate Knitting: Finding Basic Goodness in the Work of Our Hands is a knitting book unlike any other. The 20 original-design projects included in this book range from small accessory items and gifts to wearable garments-all of which include personal ritual in their creation or use. Each project is inspired by an element of the world around us, based on a contemplative theme drawn from Shambhala Buddhism and Eastern arts or, in some cases, Western notions of the magical and mindful.

The unique projects featured in this creative new book invite readers to develop significant and satisfying connections to their projects, the knitting process and those for whom they knit. Knitters can deepen their relationship with the craft and explore how it inspires compassion and connection with the basic goodness in the world. Continuing the author's concept of mindful knitting, Compassionate Knitting encourages readers to relax in the moment, and provides readers with a path for personal development through knitting.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For those looking for a deeper meaning in the work of their hands, this book offers a fresh (and refreshing) perspective."Vogue Knitting

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (January 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804837074
• ISBN-13: 978-0804837071
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,132,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

ABOUT TARA

A knitter since age eight, Tara Jon Manning is author of five books and contributing designer and author to knitting magazines, books, and yarn companies. She has been exploring the use of knitting and handwork as a form of contemplative practice and the role of spirituality in art and craft in her own life and work. Tara holds a BFA with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting and a Masters Degree in Textile and Apparel Design with an emphasis in Fiber Arts. Tara is enjoying a reconnection with her love of painting, and currently delving into the world of music, playing her Fender Stratocaster whenever she can, and exploring the realm of singer/songwriter. She writes frequently for craft and lifestyle magazine. Tara and her family live in Boulder, Colorado.

Tara's published books include:

Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies and a Better World (Potter Craft) is Tara's most recent release focusing on integrating craft, organic, recycled and tactile materials into the lives of babies and those who love them.

Mindful Knitting (Tuttle Publishing)- and exploration of the links between handwork and mindfulness meditation, self exploration and generosity all through the work of our hands. One of the premier titles in the "knitting and spirituality" genre.

Compassionate Knitting (Tuttle Publishing) - more mindful knitting projects relating to the concept of "Heaven, Earth and Knitter." A beautiful collection and continuation of the themes found in Mindful Knitting.

Men in Knits (Interweave Press) - a perennial knitter's favorite, and possibly THE best book on knitting for men!

The Gift Knitter (Berkley Books)- innovative, cute and quick gift projects for babies with two legs (yup, puppies!) and babies (people puppies).

For more information about Tara, her books, knitting patterns, writing and annual Mindful Knitting Retreats, please visit:
Website: http://www.tarahandknitting.com
Blog: http://earthskyknitter.wordpress.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars zen and simplicity, January 4, 2006

By 

Emily Held (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Compassionate Knitting: Finding Basic Goodness in the Work of Our Hands (Paperback)

Knitting and spirituality aren't completely incongruous - many a knitting blog these days discusses the differences between process knitting, and object knitting. Manning overdoes the 'zen' aspect of knitting for my tastes, but if her target audience is the beginner who wants simplicity of design, she seems to have hit her mark. The usual beginning section explains the "how-tos" of knitting, and isn't spectacular, but does what it's meant to with clear illustrations.

My main complaint is the lack of colour. The greyscale illustrations accompanying the patterns are supplemented with the tiniest of colour inserts in the middle. If the color printing process is too expensive for the whole book, I'd at least like the photos to be bigger when they are in color. There are about 4 projects depicted on each plate that just aren't large enough to show the potential.

The designs themselves are appropriately minimalist, with few embellishments, and could easily be modified for a more personal, less stark look. Done well enough for what it is, but just not my cup of tea.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Low on compassion; high on projects, June 29, 2006

By 

Amjra "la tanguera" (Arlington Heights, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Compassionate Knitting: Finding Basic Goodness in the Work of Our Hands (Paperback)

This book is supposed to be a follow up to Tara Joe Manning's Mindful Knitting, however, it is less of a follow-up and more of an appendix to her other book.

First off, the title is where you will find the most "compassion" in the book. There is barely any discourse on the subject and if you are to truley knit with her brand of "compassion" or "mindfulness" then you are assumed to have read the first book. There is almost no explanation of compassion, holding mindfulness, or knitting as meditation in this slim volume, unless you count one or two sentences in the two-page introduction.

This slim volume contains very cute "zen style" patterns. The cloud pillow, stars jumper set for a child and other items are simply lovely, modern and clean in style without being too fussy or full of knitting cliches.

Perhaps what is disappointing to me is that I was looking for a discussion of compassionate knitting and not simply a catchy title for a slim volume of cute patterns. A more appropriate title would have been, Knitting Patterns in a "Zen" Style for Today's Knitter.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Seeking Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Knitter, April 24, 2006

By 

L. Kelly (Lakewood, CO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Compassionate Knitting: Finding Basic Goodness in the Work of Our Hands (Paperback)

"Compassionate Knitting", Tara Jon Manning's second knitting book, futher explores the relationship between mindfulness, knitting, and developing a compassionate outlook, the subject she explores in her first book "Mindful Knitting." There isn't a whole lot ot text or instruction in "Compassionate Knitting", just a few pages that explain how the knitting designs presented in this book are inspired by nature or by the concepts of healing or soothing. There are 20 designs, most of which are very simple. Several of the more attractive designs have nature-inspired motifs, such as a "Cloud Pillow" which is nicely adorned with knitted-in cloud designs.

I have to say that I was not overly impressed with most of the clothing designs presented here, except for the home decor ideas. THe garment designs presented here are quite blocky in nature.

My other reservation in recommending this book is that it does not offer much knitting instruction. This book presumes that the reader has mastered most basic knitting skills. To me, this book was more about inspiring meditation than inspiring knitting.