Mindful Knitting: Inviting Contemplative Practice to the Craft [Paperback]

Tara Jon Manning (Author), Bill Manning (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2004

Mindful Knitting looks at the art of knitting from a Buddhist perspective. Exploring the parallels between knitting and meditation, this book instructs the reader in how knitting can be a tool for contemplation. It explores the benefits of engaging in knitting in a mindful way, presents simple meditation exercises, and provides clear, easy-to-follow project instructions that complement and expand upon each meditation theme.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The latest addition to the growing shelf of spiritual crafts books offers a purl of a connection: Buddhism and knitting. A "dharma brat"child of American Buddhists who were students of the popular Tibetan teacher Chögyam Trungpaand a knitter since age nine, when she left lots of unmatched mittens around the house, Manning has grown into a contemplative craftswoman. She rightly sees that the repetitive, rhythmic character of knitting is as much an ideal contemplative activity as is bead-telling or chanting. Knitting and meditation both necessitate careful, focused attention. The Buddhist meditation Manning is familiar with requires a focus on the breath; knitting requires focus on the stitch. Containing essays that preface 10 knitting projects ordered by difficulty, this short book is long on practicality. The author's tone ("When we meditate, we give ourselves a gift of time") makes it a friendly introduction to crafting and contemplation. Though beginners may need an additional reference for techniques, the book includes helpful and accessible glossaries of knitting and meditation terms. Devoting more space to knitting instructions than spiritual musings, the book's spirituality is not deep, but many readers will enjoy "casting on" to the patterns of wisdom contained herein.
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Review

"Mindful Knitting is a welcome addition to the knitting-book oeuvre."Vogue Knitting

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (July 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804835438
• ISBN-13: 978-0804835435
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #365,498 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

135 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I hoped it would be - and more!, June 28, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Mindful Knitting: Inviting Contemplative Practice to the Craft (Paperback)

I expected an explanation of how to bring Buddhist meditation practice into my knitting. That is there, and wonderfully explained. I'm already enjoying morning quiet time, with my knitting and just with breathing. As a newcomer to meditation, I am pleased with how easy it is to follow the instructions and how supportive the author is.

I didn't expect to love the projects so much! The book includes 10 projects that go from an extremely basic garter stitch scarf (perfect for the beginning knitter) through washcloths, a blanket and 2 hats for charity knitting, a simple cardigan (great first sweater for the new knitter), an aromatherapy tea cozy, a small evening purse, a lace scarf, a cabled jacket, and a baby layette. I ordered the book for the meditation instruction, not knitting instruction (I'm an intermediate knitter) and projects, but her instructions are wonderful - very clear and supportive, like the meditation instruction. And the projects! I often buy a book for the ONE thing I "must knit", but this book has 5 things I know I'll be making, starting with the little purse and the cabled jacket (and I'll probably do the organic baby layette at some point too).

This book was exactly what I was looking for, but it isn't for everyone. The focus is bringing meditation techniques to knitting, to make it a meditative practice for the knitter. If that idea appeals to you, you'll doubtless enjoy the book. If it doesn't, it's still a good project book for the beginning knitter, with projects that may or may not appeal to more advanced knitters.

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knitting as Meditation, November 27, 2004

By 

Linnymsw "Linda Stultz" (Martinez, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mindful Knitting: Inviting Contemplative Practice to the Craft (Paperback)

This book is exactly what it purports to be...a wonderful mix of knitting and mindfulness meditation. I love it! Knitting is a craft handed down to me by my grandmothers. Mindfulness is somewhat newer, I needed help getting there. This book was perfect for me. Now knitting is more meaningful and feels great all the way through, not just at the end when I complete the project. Whether you are a new knitter or have been doing it for years, this book will help you get much more out of the click clack of the needles and the feel of the yarn...get it. You won't be sorry.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prayer Shawl Ministry, December 29, 2007

By 

Jane M. Wilkins "jmw" (NH, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mindful Knitting: Inviting Contemplative Practice to the Craft (Paperback)

This is a fabulous resource for anyone starting a prayer shawl ministry or any other charitable crafting group. It contains a great deal of information to get you started and help to understand the process and why we are drawn to the craft itself. Highly recommended.