Customer Reviews

Mindful Knitting: Inviting Contemplative Practice to the Craft

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is a very thoughtful knitting book and I have made 3 baby blankets with the organic undyed yarn that they suggest and the babies love them.

I was preparing for a Prayer Shawl Retreat and this bood had some good ideas for meditating while knitting which was just what I was looking for. It was a little heavy on the eastern customs of meditation. It reminded me of the 60's but I was able get suggestions from the book for our purposes.

This book was okay, but not exactly what I was expecting. I should have read more of the reviews here, but if I had it to do over again, I'd pass.

To the author - LOVED this book - the progression of thoughts and designs are outstanding. Could feel the author's commitment to presenting a thoughtful and thorough explanation of both mindfulness and kntting. Would recommend this book.

Of all the knitting books I've purchased, this has only one error and it doesn't relate to a pattern. Perhaps zen has something to do with it. VERY GOOD!

I was mislead by the glowing reviews. I found this book lightweight and disappointing. I was hoping for something deeper and more personal. I highly recommend the 2 books by Susan G. Lydon instead.

I'm giving this book to the library. Way too much New Age blah, blah, blah. A few patterns are buried in all this blather, none of which are attractive. The long-winded glossary of abbreviations,tips and techniques might be useful to someone who has never before knitted a single stitch.