To Knit or Not to Knit: Helpful and Humorous Hints for the Passionate Knitter

by Elvira Woodruff

To Knit or Not to Knit is a unique Dear Abby/mini knitting essay collection, offering humorous tales of triumph and terror on the needles, with a witty nod to the famous and infamous throughout history.

As Mrs. Wicks happily quotes everyone from William Shakespeare to Beatrix Potter, she adds her own wit and wisdom to answer a variety of questions on knitting ranging from “Is there a quick fix for dropped stitches?” to “My boyfriend says my passion for knitting is stronger than my passion for him—what should I do?”
A number of Mrs. Wicks’s own patterns are sprinkled throughout, along with her sound advice for stitches dropped and love gone wrong. Ever the optimist, she advises her readers to pick up their needles, dust off their hearts, and cast on without looking back.

To Knit or Not to Knit is a quirky, enjoyable read, making it the perfect gift for the passionate knitter and thoughtful reader alike.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Humor, Crafts

160 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

Elvira Woodruff is an American children's author known for blending fantasy and history in her stories. Born in Somerville, New Jersey, she studied English literature at Adelphi and Boston University. Before becoming a writer, she worked a variety of jobs and later found inspiration while working as a librarian in Easton, Pennsylvania. Woodruff has published numerous children's books, including George Washington's Socks, The Memory Coat, and Dear Levi. Her work has been praised for its engaging storytelling and historical depth. Throughout her career, she has created imaginative, heartfelt stories that continue to captivate young readers.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that combines two of my favorite subjects; knitting and literature. Yes, thank you! This author is a gifted writer. It is written in a Dear Abby style in which the author answers knitting related questions in a witty way including quotes from famous authors and other people. I laughed out loud a few times. There are also sweet stories that make your heart melt. The thick glossy pages are scattered with photos of favorite authors and lovely paintings of people knitting. These added greatly to my enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend it for knitting enthusiasts.

[Ady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will start out by saying that unless you like knitting, you will hate this book. I do like knitting and I like knitting books, but this one was just average for me. I didn’t care for the patterns, but that isn’t why I bought the book anyway. I loved the “Dear Abby” style advice. Hated the gimmicky pictures and false histories and whatnot though. I seem to have developed an aversion to books with gimmicks in general. I have never cared for them much, but now I can’t stand them. Still, for light fare, this was decent. And fast to read.

[Caitlin Sampsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book (I read the ebook version). It is written like a collection of "Dear Abby" columns peppered with pictures, quotes, and a few patterns (I marked a couple to try). This book is quite quotable and the photographs and paintings of people knitting are so fun to see. To Knit or Not to Knit is a great, light, quick read perfect for knitters.

[Heather McKillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would really give this book 2.5 stars, but since I can't, I'll round up to 3 stars. This is a fun and fast little read. The patterns are not ones I would make, but the fun answers to the questions are enjoyable to read for knitters. I can't imagine a non-knitter enjoying this book, but for light fair, it fits the bill.

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, amusing read - not something I'll rave about in future, but definitely something I quietly enjoyed.

I suspect it will mainly appeal to folks who actually knit - I'm not sure if I'd have enjoyed it nearly so much if I didn't.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book if you are a knitter!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book, well written, funny and wise. I especially enjoyed the photos and the patterns. Highly recommend this one. I don’t buy many books but I’m glad I bought this one.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. As a knitter and a reader, I enjoyed how Woodruff pieced these two past times together. It was a fun, engaging read, structured like an advice column of letters from knitters to Woodruff. I enjoyed the knitting history that was included as well. I would have enjoyed more modern looking knit patterns, however, I think I can still use a few of them.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was all right. I’m a knitter and I love Shakespeare but the writing kind of fell flat. Some funny moments, some wit. The patterns aren’t ones that I will use any time soon, but it’s a fun book to display on my knitting shelf.

[Greenegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog: http://www.yarnycurtain.com/to-knit-o...

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick little entertaining read of literary advice for knitters, with a few patterns sprinkled in. The thrummed mittens are definitely on my to knit list this fall.

[Tamhack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a light book to read and then peruse over and over again. It ties in knitting with everyday life, history and historical figures in a humorous way. There are also some knit patterns to try.

"Dear Mrs. Wicks,
I have just learned how to knit, but my boyfriend doesn't like to see me doing it. He says that it reminds him of his grandmother! He has a bad temper and I never know what is going to set him off. I would hate to give up the knitting, but I don't know what else to do.
Sincerely,
Walking and knitting on eggshells in Maryland.

Dear Eggshells,
What you should consider giving up is the man, not the needles!"

:)

[Melanie Ganson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, quick read! I loved the humor. I loved the knitting patterns. I loved that it was written in the style of an advice column. I loved the historical quotes, and misquotes to relate them to knitting. Perhaps a non-knitter would not get as much enjoyment from this book but those in love with yarn will love this book. I just wish it was twice as long as the book ended before I was ready for it to end. Now I want to knit something.

[Josetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book

I learned quite a few things, like how to make a kid's set of knitting needles and why they should use those. Sort of like a "Dear Abby" for knitters, it's also a lot of fun, with photos and historical references about knitting. If you need ammo for those who distain your hobby, look no further.

[Rita L. Claar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read...if you're a knitter !

This was a delightful book. I enjoyed the way she turned well known phrases around to be about knitting. I have been inspired to pick up my needles and make a scarf for a friend. Who knows? Ms. Wicks may have just inspired me to try making a sweater!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written like an Agony Column, this was delightful. And inspiring in a weird way. So many stories relayed made me think of ways to connect with people and places to take my knitting. To a jazz concert? Sure, if I want! To a park when my dog is playing in the enclosed area? Of course! To a family gathering? Definitely!

[Beth Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Little Treasure

Written as an advice treatise, this little book is filled with wisdom, gentleness, and humor. And it is sprinkled with patterns, quotations, and paintings of knitters.
I was particularly taken by the story of Mrs. Wicks the Elder and Mrs. Wicks the Younger and the tribute to Rose.
I think the book is best enjoyed in small sips and dippings.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It’s written in ‘Dear Abby’ style, answering questions about knitting and how we love it. There is some history, some intermediate patterns, and lots of knitterly wisdom about wool and life. A very enjoyable quick read.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing and fun to read. At times it is laugh-out-loud funny, while in other places I found myself nodding in agreement. Every knitter will probably get a kick out of this beautifully illustrated book. Recommended.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This didn’t have to be funny but it was.

“Yes, I do heartily repent. I repent I had not done more mischief; hang me if you must, but I’d rather swing and be food for the crows, than rip out another row of this blasted baby blanket.” - anonymous pirate, asked on the gallows if he repented.

[Treva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, especially if you skip over the patterns. I have never seen a tea cozy in real life and don't own a tea pot. Not as humorous as Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.

[Shari Blakey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little book if you are a knitter, especially if you are also into literature.

[Beth Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, not great but entertaining. Quick read for the knitting enthusiast.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little book in the style of dear Abby. Questions are answered with handy little tidbits of information and cute little patterns. An enjoyable read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So funny, especially for someone who knits. Very enjoyable read!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a book about knitting is almost as good as knitting! This writer is clever, and her voice comes through stridently.

[Val W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely. I wanted to hunt down my needles and bust out my yarn stash.

This was like an afternoon’s chat with a dear friend. It was just the book I needed.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with patterns. I liked the authors style of answering letters with questions about knitting. I found some humorous and some helpful. I will look for more books by this author.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great and compassionate read. For knitters old and new, this book offers some sweet guidance on all our questions.

[Kayoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read. Some good knitting tips and some fun patterns.