Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Zen and the Art of Knitting - Bernadette Murphy (Adams Media Corp. - Sept 2002)

Knitting has become the hip new trend among twenty- and thirty-somethings, with celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder, Cameron Diaz, Hilary Swank, and Julianne Moore leading the way. This book explores what virtually everyone's grandmother always knew -- that when passionate knitters become one with the craft, amazing things start to happen.In Zen and the Art of Knitting, Bernadette Murphy explores how knitting fits into the large scheme of life itself as . . .

-- Meditation

-- Creative expression

-- A way to cure writer's block

-- A gift to express love

-- A way for children to develop fine motor skills

-- A way to connect generations, past and present

Throughout this magnificent work, readers find practical advice, including a knitted stitch per chapter and a basic pattern in the appendix. For serious knitters, casual hobbyists, creative thinkers, and those seeking to discover an unexplored spiritual channel, Zen and the Art of Knitting is a unique work that will be treasured for years to come.


Pretty good book.  I enjoyed the stories from other knitters about what they made and how it linked to the way they felt.  I enjoyed reading about others who used their knitting as a way to improve concentration in themselves and others as I used to do that also.  I did find myself skimming some of the more obvious spiritual passages but overall enjoyed the book. 
 
 

3 comments:

  1. Sounds like an interesting book, although probably won't read. I have always found knitting as a way to de-stress. For a long time I haven't done any knitting because there are so many more man made fibres I can buy ready made. Also the wool garments are too warm in well heated home and workplace. However I saw a knitted Christmas crib at school where I work and I wanted to make one. I just got the pattern and am collecting the wool. Looking forward to getting started!
    Kathryn

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  2. I used to knit a lot and it was great for de-stressing. I haven't been able to knit for awhile now and I do miss it. I knit a Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus many years ago but never got around to doing the rest.

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    1. Pleased to hear I am not the only one that starts something off with enthusiasm and then lets it go. But I am determined to complete. Wool alone is expensive!

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