Customer Reviews

Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch

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The subtitle of Betsy Greer's book is "A Guide to Creating Personal, Social and Political Change, Stitch by Stitch." As someone who has long believed that knitting (as well as most other fibre arts) is healing and life affirming (and, it must be admitted, a contributor to the book) I give "Knitting for Good" a heartfelt recommendation.

Betsy ( of "Craftivism" fame) offers lots of personal testimony, some easily digestible political rhetoric, and, at the end of every chapter, some suggestions for actions that help integrate the positive power of knitting into their lives. As well, the patterns in it are fun to knit and have quite a bit of style, a nice improvement on the basic patterns that are usually offered to those who are knitting for charity. There are lots of references included to make it easy for the reader to follow up with their own research.

I particularly like the discussion around knitting for personal expression and the therapeutic aspects of knitting, as well as the use of knitting as a political tool.

Betsy has an articulate and fresh voice that makes this book a pleasure to read. It may appeal slightly more to a younger audience than the somewhat similar volume "Knitting for Peace" by Betty Christiansen that came out a couple of years ago. Even if you have that book, though, "Knitting for Good" is valuable for the way it expand the possibilities of mindful knitting. And on the practical side, its smaller size makes it ideal for slipping into the knitting bag.

This book is so inspiring and does make you feel that something as seemingly simple as knitting can change the world.

Before reading this book, I didn't know how to knit and the book still had an impact on me.

I listened to the author, Betsy Greer on a radio show interview the other day and similarly to how they do in the book, her words really resonated with me. She talked about the difference between making a protest sign with posterboard and markers in a couple of seconds versus spending hours knitting words outs on a sign she had crafted herself. It made me stop back and think about how when we rush through projects and tasks that supposedly are important, we aren't just taking them for granted, but taking ourselves for granted as well. For someone who is not a knitter, this books reminds you to slow down and think about what you're doing.

There are plenty of patterns in the book too. My friends who are avid knitters tell me these are very "cool" patterns and I hope to try them out someday. I've actually purchased quite a few copies for friends as holiday presents this year.

Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

A knitting needle can be a tool for change as much as an AK-47 can be. "Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change, Stitch by Stitch" is a guide for people who like knitting and activism to combine their interest and use their talents to send their message throughout the world. Slowing down a culture, protesting, showing support can all be done in its special way with a little ingenuity. "Knitting for Good!" is a socially-active knitter's best friend.

Knitting for Good is a well-written introduction into the theme of crafting for personal, social and political change. Easy to read with many case studies as examples in each section. A number of the web links in the resources section are already outdated/inactive. Some readers might be frustrated by the lack of information regarding projects they might contribute to outside the USA. However, Knitting for Good provides an articulation of the reasons for 'crafting for good' (good ideas for writing community grants, etc)and may spark your own original ideas for putting your knitting needles into service for the greater good.

Knitting for Good! by craftivism-dot-com creator Betsy Greer is a motivational book that reveals the power and appeal of craft in a world that is often too fast-paced, mass-produced, and disposable. Betsy offers valuable insight, useful tips, and simple projects that will help you create positive change for yourself and others while reevaluating your conceptions of present-day culture, consumerism, and craft.

What I admire about this book is its sincere tone and practical applications: Betsy writes on an very humble and intimate level as she inspires small acts that are largely meaningful. Her examination of craft's unique characteristics and development takes me back to my first experiences with craft and reaffirms my decision to focus on fibers and fiber processes. Even if you aren't a knitter (I usually prefer crochet, myself), you will benefit from this quick empowering read.

WOW - Besty Greer - you opened up a whole new avenue for me regarding knitting and connecting with LIFE. Thank you from my heart.