KnitLit: Sweaters and Their Stories...and Other Writing About Knitting

by Linda Roghaar, Molly Wolf (Editor)

Whether you’re a dedicated knitter who bestows lovingly crafted gifts upon family and friends at every possible occasion, a sometimes knitter with a bag of fully conceived but half-completed projects, or a newcomer who has recently taken up the needles with great gusto, you know the rewards that this hobby can bring. You may also know that knitting as a hobby can verge on obsession—be it the compulsive purchasing of stunning hand-spun wool, the desire to rip out nearly finished sweaters because you dropped a stitch, or the need to knit wherever, whenever, or however you can. Most important, though, knitting offers a camaraderie, a society of women and men who converse in a language all their own, flock to yarn stores with religious devotion, and can recite the time and place where they first learned to purl. These feelings are what KnitLit is all about. In this charming collection of stories, essays, anecdotes, and recollections, knitters of every “color” celebrate their hobby and share with you the joy it brings into their lives.

From the touching tale of a caring woman whose hand-knit dolls bring security to young hospital patients, to the hilarious story of a woman scorned who sends her ex-boyfriend a scarf knit with wolf hair only to have it torn to shreds by his dogs, to the moving recollection of a man whose grandmother’s dying wish was to knit all the wool in her knitting stash, to the finely wrought account of a man who keeps alive the memories of his companions and friends who have succumbed to AIDS by wearing the sweaters they left behind, KnitLit is a gift from knitters to knitters—crafted with as much love and care as an afghan or a wool scarf. Wrap yourself in KnitLit, and be inspired.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Crafts, Essays, Anthologies

270 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2002

Reviews

[Jack]

Knitting is rarely a very solitary practice. Even if you're knitting alone, the bulk of the time you're knitting something for somebody which, in turn, creates a certain degree of community. You're knitting a toy for someone, or a scarf, or something even more intimate - gloves, that they'll wear on their hands. It's a craft that inherently shows that you care each time that you practice it. It's therefore not terribly surprising that a collection of stories by knitters about knitting should elicit such a strong emotional response from a reader.

I laughed. I got teary eyed. I shared in the deep frustration that happens when you inevitably end up with far too many knots or a disastrous project that seems to go nowhere.

This book was absolutely delightful, and a truly delightful surprise as I just found it while browsing through the library.

[Monica]

What an amazing book! It was perfect for catching a quick, creative story at breakfast or in the bathroom. But just because they were short, these stories were not lacking in depth or profound moments. Using many different authors, these independent stories knit together a larger narrative of their own - about knitting! As a long-time knitter I identified closely with the creative way that each writer wove stories of knitting or knitted objects with stories of life and love and pain and loss. I particularly appreciated the grouping of stories about spirituality, each reminding knitters that the process of creation intersects closely with the manifestation of the divine. But, I thought that was obvious in all of the stories, whether specifically about spirituality or not. One more inspiration to continue pursing my creative work along with my interior work.

[Ren]

I've been doubting that I actually could enjoy a set of short stories after a few really bad ones lately... But I really did enjoy this book! There were a few stories that weren't great but for the most part, it was a good read. The only thing I would really have suggested was to not end the book with a group of stories based around death. Otherwise, great book!

I've been knitting for about 3 years now. I started off with a dish rag (of course), then moved on to a few scarves in varying patterns. I made quite a few baby hats and cat toys to sell at Christmas bazaars and made my first socks about a year and a half ago. Next up, I want to learn to do cables... This book inspired me to pull my last half-finished project out to finish it.

[Theresa F.]

The book's concept is unique and the stories themselves were fairly enjoyable. However, I really wish that the short biographical entry for each contributor was printed at the end of their submission, rather than being all clumped together at the back of the book. I didn't have the time to go back through the book and match each biography with its corresponding story submission.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? Not sure.
Would I recommend it? Possibly.

[Forrest]

Like any book of short stories, there were hits and misses. I particularly liked the one about the grandmother who told the author knitting had to rest, only to reknit what the girl had done at night.

[Zach Strassburger]

This is about what you would expect from a call for stories about how knitting is a part of one’s life. All of the stories were very short so no character development at all. Some of the stories were memorable, others not. I have knit a number of scarves and has in my life but I don’t identify as a knitter. Perhaps if I did I’d appreciate this book more. I’m planning to pass it on to my mom, who is a knitter, with the hope the art she will enjoy it more.

[edel]

While an interesting read, there were only a handful of stories that I really liked out of the whole book.

First: Aside from a soft click-clack from he needles, knitting is mostly a silent medium.

Last: Lanolin, all that lanolin.

[Knitology]

A charming collection of stories, essays, anecdotes, and recollections, knitters of every “color” celebrate their hobby and share with you the joy it brings into their lives. From the touching tale of a caring woman whose hand-knit dolls bring security to young hospital patients, to the hilarious story of a woman scorned who sends her ex-boyfriend a scarf knit with wolf hair only to have it torn to shreds by his dogs, to the moving recollection of a man whose grandmother’s dying wish was to knit all the wool in her knitting stash, to the finely wrought account of a man who keeps alive the memories of his companions and friends who have succumbed to AIDS by wearing the sweaters they left behind, KnitLit is a gift from knitters to knitters—crafted with as much love and care as an afghan or a wool scarf.

[Holly]

While only just having read a few of the short stories so far, I have been pleasantly surprised. I bought it at Half Price for 50 cents, on a whim. I'm enjoying it much more than I thought I would. I can relate to some of the knitting tales of woe and found solice knowing I'm not the only one with several half finished projects tucked away in the back of my closet!!

[Rebecca]

Lovely book full of stories about knitting, people who knit, farmers, and sweaters. Divided into 4 sections: Projects, Fleece, Fur and Foreign Lands, Family and Special Folk, and Lives and Souls the stories are short (1-6 pages longs) and easy to read. Great for reading a story or two before bedtime. If you like crafting, read stories about how it's impacted real lives.

[Ingrid]

I didn't realize that this book was mainly stories collected in New England. It was a nice surprise that I've been to some of the places mentioned here. Some of the stories are great, some pointless. Overall a pretty good read.

[Mary Ann]

There are some really good stories in here about how people learned to knit or things that they made for others. The stories were nice, inspirational, funny or just stories. They take a few minutes to read and are easy to read and put down.

[Josie]

This was a good read. It had me tearing up, and outright crying ... sometimes in laughter.

A book about others forays into the fiber arts.

I recommend this for others who appreciate a tale of "good yarn". ;)

[Stitchywoman]

Short stories that made for light reading. For the most part they were entertaining but there were definitely a few that I enjoyed mored than others and some I didn't care for at all. One or two I actually found inspiring but on the whole, I would rather be knitting.

[Diane]

A series of short stories from knitters and those who love knitters. I found the stories to be uneven in quality with only one outstanding contribution - "After James Died" by Harry Kelly.

[Sarah]

Not worth reading. At all.

[Chade66]

This book was a mixed bag, some stories really moved me or made me laugh and others didn't. Not as good as The Knitter's Gift, in my opinion, but it still had its moments.

[Pinkknitter]

I picked up this book within the 1st 6 months of learning to knit. At the point in time, everything in my life had become all about the knitting. The short stories are interesting.

[Becca]

The stories aren't great, but I can relate to a lot of them. I should have just skipped the spirituality section--that kind of thing always annoys me.

[Fangirl]

Some of the stories in this collection were strange and others just plain boring. I gave this book away.

[Bonnie Zink]

A great light read that contemplates the trials and tribulations of knitters with knitting as a back drop.

[Alicia]

Quirky short knitting stories. Some are hilarious, some are good, others not so much.

[Terri]

Short essays on our mutual love for knitting. Fun to have around and pick up when you have a few minutes.

[Kim]

Great book for many short reads about the multiple facets of life affected by knitting.

[Karen]

On page 50 and not one of the stories so far has entertained me. Done.

p.s - note to self: do not count this one toward my goal for books read in 2015.

[Margaret McCamant]

Like any collection of essays, some are gems, some are eminently skippable. Since I like the topic, I'm enjoying many of them. Still, I'm happy to have bought it used, not at full price.

[Catherine Yezak]

Awesome book. I loved the stories and messages. I know have to get the other books in the series. I'm hooked (or should I say, I'm knitted?!).

[Sandra]

For knitters only.

[Joy]

An enjoyable book for the yarn community.

[Elsa]

Every story in this book touches the heart of the reader. You don't have to be a knitter to enjoy!