KnitLit the Third: We Spin More Yarns

by Linda Roghaar (Editor), Molly Wolf (Editor)

Whether you’re a veteran knitter or brand-new to the needles, KnitLit creators Linda Roghaar and Molly Wolf welcome you into their ever-growing circle with KnitLit the Third , an all-new collection of stories about the ups, downs, ins, and outs of knitting.

With more than seventy contributors casting on here, you’ll meet enthusiasts—okay, knit-aholics—who know the frustration of having one’s needles confiscated at the airport. You’ll sympathize with owners of lush “problem skeins” that are impossible to knit. You’ll encounter the mysteries of never-matching baby booties–and the adventures of one suspicious knitter who’s convinced that a fellow knitting blogger is really a celebrity author in disguise. For those who approach this art from a more spiritual perspective, there are the stories that remind us of the power of a simple stitch. From the mother whose project provides comfort during her troubled pregnancy to a woman compelled to make dozens of blankets for Afghan refugees, each knitted and purled row offers the potential to heal ourselves.

And so we spin on. KnitLit the Third is the latest in a pattern of poignant, hilarious, bittersweet, and inspiring yarns—created by and for lovers of the craft.

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

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2005

Reviews

[Cameron Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any anthology is always a bit of a gamble- especially an anthology about a subject you love, but this one was generally pretty good.
Most of these essays were new to me (but not all of them), and there was a good mix.
I enjoyed the funny ones more than the profound or sad ones (but thats just me), but the blend of writing was enjoyable, and this book was just right for what I needed it to do.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote the essay "Pound of Love". The experience of writing, being published and even getting to speak with other writers at a yarn shop event was transformative. I was really proud to be part of such a talented group of writers and being able to spin our yarns.

[Karen]

If they do a fourth one, I'd appreciate it if they left out the stories that make me cry. I guess I'm saying it wasn't fluffy enough for me, but it's a knitting book—fluffy would not be out of place.

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading

Knitlit the third is light reading that serves as a pleasant distraction. The Kindle format did make some of the poetry hard to read

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of stories and essays centered on knitters and knitting was uneven, but overall a pleasant read. I wasn't expecting great literature; I just wanted to feed my recent craving for all things related to knitting. The best thing about this book is that it introduced me to Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, whose contribution of a story about being denied her knitting needles by the TSA for a flight that was delayed until the next day, and having to exist for that long without her knitting, was the funniest thing I've read in a long time. When I returned this book to the library, I looked for and found Pearl-McPhee's Free Range Knitter, and have been devouring it. Her story in KnitLit the Third was not a fluke.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. Short stories, so I can read one then put aside without guilt and then pick up and read another. The book has some funny stories. Including at the end of a story: "I will listen to my yarn and not make it into a sweater when it wants to be a rug."

I am re-reading this book. I enjoyed some of the wit and wisdom and just felt it was time to re-read.

[Robin Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My esssay, "Cast Off," is in this anthology.

Robin Allen
author of If You Can't Stand the Heat
A Poppy Markham: Culinary Cop Mystery

[astried · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love knitting and i love reading so this should be perfect, but it's not. it's just too many of them together kinda similar not really an essay not a fiction, one of them completely ridiculous. let's just say i read it at the wrong time if my life.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

O.K. I admit I am obsessed with knitting. This book is great because it is stories by people with the same obsession. I love that I now have written proof that I am not the only one who is finishing presents on the way to the wedding, baptism, etc.

[Knitology]

This is the latest in a pattern of poignant, hilarious, bittersweet, and inspiring yarns—created by and for lovers of the craft.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The quality of the writing varies quite widely but its pleasant enough and I like books with short essays. They're great to read just before you go to sleep.

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that great.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories. Made me want to knit more (goodness!)

Made me cry a few times, don't tell my husband!

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short essays on knitting

[Amanda Priole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. A little schmaltzy, but heartwarming just the same. The series used to be about yarny stuff, now it just kind of seems to be Yarn Soup for the Soul.

[Karola Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lived it

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me why I love knitting.

[Tamara Grand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very variable. Some of the stories were great. Others fell flat.
I think Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has set the bar really, really high for those writing about knitters!

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

will follow some of these writers