Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time

by Betty Christiansen, Kiriko Shirobayashi (Photographer)

All across America, people are knitting for peace. In yarn shops and private homes, churches and synagogues, schools and even prisons, they meet on weekday evenings or weekend afternoons to knit afghans for refugees, mittens for the homeless, socks for soldiers, or preemie caps for AIDS babies. The tradition goes back as far as Martha Washington, who spearheaded knitting efforts for the soldiers of the Revolutionary War, and has seen a recent flourishing in what is nowadays called “charity knitting,” “community knitting,” or “knitting for others.” And whether it’s for world peace, community peace, or peace of mind, today’s various causes have the common goal of knitting the world into a better place one stitch at a time.

Knitting for Peace is an exceptional book that celebrates the long heritage of knitting for others. It tells the stories of 28 contemporary knitting-for-peace endeavors, and features patterns for easy-to-knit charity projects such as hats, socks, blankets, and bears, plus a messenger bag emblazoned with the Knitting for Peace logo. Enlivened by anecdotal sidebars and quotations from both knitters and peacemakers, this inspiring book also includes everything readers need to know to start their own knitting-for-peace groups.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts, How To, Inspirational

132 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Arie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good things in here but I simply cannot get excited about anything supporting war, and despite the title I felt that there was a little too much American patriotism going on for me to fully enjoy reading. Still, some fantastic ideas and causes.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book gave me the idea to knit something for everyone on my holiday list and donate it in their name to an appropriate charity. Just reading it makes you feel good about yourself.

[Steph S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've looked through this book quite a few times at bookstores, but never wanted to shell out the cash for it. So when I found it at the library, I finally picked it up and read it. It's a good read for someone who wants to knit or crochet (though it only has patterns for knitting) for a charitable cause, but isn't sure which organization best suits their abilities and desires. I found two groups that really tugged at me. The Mother Bear Project, which is "is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations." The book made it seem like they only accepted knitted bears, but apparently the crochet pattern is available on their website for a $5 donation. Secondly, Project Linus, which makes it their mission to "provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer 'blanketeers.'” I'm really excited that there is a chapter local to me, with blankets donated to the local hospital and other facilities. Why is it, I wonder, that I leaned more towards the charities that provide comfort, rather than warmth?


Number of times I cried during this book: Like 15.

[Knitology]

Knitting for Peace is an exceptional book that celebrates the long heritage of knitting for others. It tells the stories of 28 contemporary knitting-for-peace endeavors, and features patterns for easy-to-knit charity projects such as hats, socks, blankets, and bears, plus a messenger bag emblazoned with the Knitting for Peace logo. Enlivened by anecdotal sidebars and quotations from both knitters and peacemakers, this inspiring book also includes everything readers need to know to start their own knitting-for-peace groups.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the patterns in this book, it's what got me started on Mother Bear knitting/crocheting. The stories are fascinating as well. My one problem with the book is that some of the choices in the book design do not make sense. Page backgrounds of pastel colors with white lettering make it hard to read in anything but the best light. Other than that, I like this book.

[Linda Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me want to k1 p1 for the world.....

[VJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Items to knit for various charities. From cancer patients, to premies, to homeless animals, foster children, people victimized by disasters of every stripe, there is a project to make and a list of organizations with which to get involved.

I've finished reading the introductory information and plan to make several of the project items, especially the snuggle for animal shelter inhabitants.

Inspirational read.

[Becky Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book. After reading it I wanted to contact every knitter I knew to start a charity project. The book gives you the background of the various knitting charities in the US, including stories of people who have benefited from the work. There are lots of projects too and all of them are simple, meaning a new knitter could take them on.

[Shelba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compiled by a social worker, the patterns are from various charity organizations and have been well tested. You can add intarsia if you want a picture, or find a yarn of similar guage that is incredible to liven up something that is plain. The bottome line: These patterns work. You will also be inspired by the many different groups doing good for others.

[pathic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good basic knitting patterns: baby blankets, hats, teddy bears, etc. I enjoyed the stories behind some of the charities I've read about in various knitting magazines. If you find yourself wanting to knit, but needing a recipient, this book fits the bill.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book effectively accomplishes what it sets out to do. It gives information to knitters (or aspiring knitters and fiber artists) who want to make a tangible difference with their work. It's not the most revolutionary concept, and is definitely a product of its time in some aspects, but it's sufficient. The patterns included cover a variety of projects, and most are beginner-level and are made of yarn that's easy to find in most craft shops (even dollar stores). The design of the book is also quite nice, which is a plus.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Lots of ideas for where to donated knitted items. Also includes a history of knitting for the troops dating back to the Revolutionary War and still on going. If you love to knit, and you and your family have enough scarves and afghans, consider knitting for peace. Donations can be made for troops, nurseries, cancer wards, nursing homes and the homeless.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read if you need to be reassured that there are still kind people in the world who want to help others. This book was published in 2006 but all the charities it mentions that I followed up on still exist and are still doing good work. It has some good beginner-to-intermediate-level knitting patterns too.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The need never goes away

Although this book is a little dated by some of the topics it discusses, the needs haven't changed. There are still eats and poverty, and illnesses, and we will knit on.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've tried to find these sorts of organizations online and haven't had a whole lot of luck. There is one group featured that sends knitted teddy bears to kids and another that knits clothes for orphans. I am super excited to participate :)

[Rebecca Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will continue to read and refer to. It is wonderful to know that there is a world-wide knitting community that cares about what happens not only to their fellow humans but to the environment we live in.

[Donna Hutt Stapfer Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like to knit? Want a reason to knit more?

What to make, for who and where - including clear instructions and photographs of the finished projects. Not hard, not intimidating.

[Shari Blakey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational and provides a variety of charities to donate whatever you want to knit.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspiring read. I have always been interested in "crafting for a cause" and this book is full of ideas and resources for finding ways to help others through knitting.

[Rhiannon Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves the double purpose of action and information. If you are looking to do some knitting work for a charity this book will give you a variety of options to choose which suits your need. This book supplies you with patterns and instructions for knitted donations as well as hooking you up with a website and contact information. It's also just a great read if you are looking for an uplifting look at how people are helping others through knitting, now and in the past.

There is always the danger of being outdated quickly in print form (since charities come and go), but I just went through all the charities listed, looking to "like" them on Facebook. While not every charity had a Facebook Page, I was only able to find one charity from the book that didn't look like it was operating any more -- and I certainly don't regret reading the touching tale.

While I'm sure people who don't knit will not find this book as fascinating as I did, I would recommended it to any knitter (and most of the charities have crochet options, too).

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly inspiring and very touching. The author tells the history of wartime knitting and showcases 28 charitable knitting organizations. Some groups donate knitted items to others, like blankets, and hats for babies in hospitals, hats and blankets for poor people who live in cold areas, stuffed animals for children, and shawls and blankets to go to people in old folks homes, homeless shelters and other places. Other groups are those that make and sell their knitted items bringing much needed income to women in poor or war-torn countries. There is even a prison knitting program mentioned in which prisoners knit items to give to charities thus helping them to help others. The book includes links to each group and knitting patterns for some of the items that some groups accept as donations. I was very inspired and it made me wish that I was a better knitter. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

[Chelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting this book all summer, but only got around to ordering it right before I went to Europe, and it was waiting for me when I got home.

I read it quickly and found it very inspiring; there were a lot of charities listed that I would love to knit for. My few complaints are that I would have liked to see more basic patterns, for novice knitters, since I will be working on converting others to our knitting club. Also, some of the stories felt a bit repetative, which probably just goes to show how many people need help, because this means that the world can support several charities to help them.

[Marissa Genta Pineda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a showcase for charities to knit for. There are descriptions of each charity along with anecdotes from people who have either knitted or received the handmade items. Also included are patterns (with color photos and diagrams) for various items appropriate to each charity. If you're looking for a charitable project that allows for personal creativity, this is the book for you. Most of the patterns are geared for the beginning knitter, so it's a win-win---you can practice your craft and do something nice for someone else.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was heartbreaking, hopeful, and inspiring. the patterns are basic, so the items in this book probably aren't things i could get excited about wearing or making for my own use. however, what they lack in aesthetic quality, they more than make up for in usefulness and love. my new goal is to make at least one of each thing in this book to send to the charities that need them. i would also love to start a group for people interested in helping in this way. this book was truly inspiring.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book - I love all the stories about the different charities and groups that use knitting to help people. The historical info wasn't entirely new, but they presented it in a really interesting way, and gave a lot of good information without making it too dry or fact-based. There are a lot of different projects scattered through, as well. Needs to be updated a bit - some of the groups webpages have changed, and one shop they mention has shut down. The majority are still going strong, though!

[Dayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book, the anecdotes, and the information on different organizations you can knit for. But none of the projects really jumped out at me. I know, I know ... it's not like knitting sensible things that people need is going to be really flashy. But flashy isn't even what I am looking for. It should still be fun. I found most of the projects to be awkward. Maybe once I have more experience I can come back to this and try one of the projects ... like the swirl hat.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry, and that's probably the only time I've ever said that about a craft book. Such an elegant little book full of stories about how knitting and sending things off to people around the world can make life better for everybody. Lots of great personal stories interspersed throughout (that's why got me crying), and some good patterns to knit for particular organizations. A really wonderful idea, and a great book.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting it to be (I freely admit I rarely read book jackets or blurbs)but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was expecting just another knitting pattern book but was greatly surprised by the history of knitting and the different organizations new and old who knit for the good of others. Most of the things in this book I never knew about and was enthused to look up more information about the many organizations and projects. Good Job.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so difficult to find an adaptable mitten pattern that can transfer between adult and toddler. This book had one, so I checked it out of the library. Not only does it have that mitten pattern, it has other projects that the author recommends for charity knitting, as well as contact information for various charities that accept finished hand knit projects. I liked this book so much I bought it!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried a little. It's a nice overview of different charities you can knit for (especially if you live in the midwest, there are familiar places mentioned), but it's not a book that you MUST HAVE. I was happy to get it from the library. It definitely could have benefited from more pictures, particularly of the pieces where there are patterns and each charity being highlighted could have used a visual. Interesting, fast read.