The Knitting Sutra: Craft as a Spiritual Practice [Paperback]

Susan Gordon Lydon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 27, 2004

Available for the first time in paperback, The Knitting Sutra reveals how women can learn to knit their way to nirvana.

When Susan Gordon Lydon was coping with a broken arm, her craft took on new significance. While knitting was essential to strengthening her hands, it also provided her with a newfound sense of peace and creativity. Immersed in brilliant colors, textures, and images of beautiful sweaters, Lydon found healing and enlightenment in a way she had never imagined. Capturing this journey of discovery, The Knitting Sutra recounts her remarkable membership in a community of craftswomen around the world, from sweater makers in Scotland to Navajo weavers, and the adventures that her craft led her on.

As she masters new techniques and conquers old obstacles, Lydon’s story conveys how the lessons she learned from knitting, such as stillness and interdependence, later sustained her through a cancer diagnosis and even the incapacitation of her hands. The Knitting Sutra is both a meditation on craft and an affirmation for anyone seeking heartfelt comfort.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This small, quite wonderful book shows all that knitting and meditation have in common--and it's more than some might suspect. In short essays, Lydon, a longtime knitter and dabbler in spiritual disciplines, winds her way through spiritual quests, physical problems, and, of course, yarn. Any knitter will readily identify with Lydon's take on the frustrations of knitting--the sweaters that don't fit, the half-finished projects that litter the house--but she also takes readers beyond the finished project and shows them how to appreciate the process. Seeing knitting as a road to contemplation may surprise some readers--perhaps even a few knitters--but by the end of Lydon's journey, most will agree that knitting "is the simplest and most ordinary of activities, yet somehow it mysteriously contains within itself the potential for expanding our conscious awareness." Ilene Cooper --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Lydon is a good enough writer to bring one to tears.” —San Jose Mercury News
“A very special book about women… Gracefully links handcraft and spiritual practice in our everyday lives. Because she is both a fine reporter and an honest woman, her book will be rewarding to many women, knitters or not, who are trying to untangle their lives.” —Vogue Knitting International

“This soul-stirring volume offers proof positive that crafts are much more than creative outlets—they can be catalysts for our personal transformation.” –Body Mind Spirit
“This small, quite wonderful book shows all that knitting and meditation have in common—and it’s more than some might suspect.” —Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft (April 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767916336
• ISBN-13: 978-0767916332
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #540,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Analyzing the Patterns Looking for Common Threads, January 18, 2001

By 

Donna V. Laing "Stitchin Joy" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Knitting Sutra: Craft as a Spiritual Practice (Hardcover)

The common threads running through this little work are that spirit and handwork are entwined.

There are home truths in the book that I have discovered in my own experience. One of the most fascinating is how the hands remember what the head has forgotten. Women tell me they haven't knitted or crocheted in decades, yet they begin to work as soon as I put yarn and needles in their hands.

The repetition of movement in knitting and also of crochet is beneficial as a mantra, reducing stress, inducing a nearly trancelike state, and making time stand still. Laborare est orare. Work is prayer. Indeed.

Yes, it's addictive. Ah well. There are destructive habits and constructive habits.

My home is full of book and yarn and friends. Some of my friends share both addictions with me. And with Susan Gordon Lydon as well. We trade books and patterns and help and praise. And I have already given one of my friends this lovely little book.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gentle Gem of Wisdom, November 25, 2002

By 

"lucasbob" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knitting Sutra: Craft as a Spiritual Practice (Hardcover)

The Knitting Sutra is that rare book of self-discovery in which the author not only invites you in for a comfortable chat, but also leaves you with little epiphanies of your own. Though I know Susan Lydon personally, I was still amazed at her journey to the heart of knitting, and how closely it was tied to her spiritual awakening. Reading this book inspired me to find meaning and purpose in the ordinary activities of my own life, rather than searching outside. What a delightful antidote to the arrogance and bombast of our global corporate culture!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A really lovely book., May 7, 2000

By 

Louise (Sydney, Australia.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knitting Sutra: Craft as a Spiritual Practice (Hardcover)

Susan Gordon Lydon's journey into knitting is described in loving, honest detail and is a truly absorbing read for anyone interested in the development of their spirituality or in handcrafts. The connection between repetitive, fine handwork and comtemplative thought will cause you to look at your crafts with new eyes. Definately recommended.