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Knit the Sky: Cultivate Your Creativity with a Playful Way of Knitting
Look up from your knitting needles and explore with the world around you! That's the mantra of Lea Redmond, the creative instigator behind Knit the Sky. Challenging herself to capture the changing colors of the sky in her knitting, Redmond loaded up her yarn basket with shades of blue, gray, and white and set out to knit a strip reflecting each day's shades. In 365 days, she imagines having a one-year weather report in the shape of a scarf. This is just one of 30 adventurous knitting challenges she shares with readers in this whimsical, inspiring collection. These are knitting projects like no other, as the goal is not just to have a finished project but to have a one-of-a-kind piece that tells a story about the knitter's life experience. Some of the projects invite the knitter to engage with others: friends knitting two scarves at once on the same needles, or a grandmother sharing a "basket of berries" with her grandchildren through matching basketweave-patterned hats. Others encourage contemplation: a knit 1, breathe 1 meditation stitch; creating an heirloom scarf for a yet-to-be descendent; or using a map to a favorite place as the basis for a pattern stitch. Accompanied by basic instructions for all the needed stitches, techniques, and patterns, Knit the Sky is a complete creativity starter kit for any knitter looking for a fresh approach to the craft.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2015
About the author
Lea Redmond
63 books55 followersLea Redmond seeks the extraordinary hiding in the ordinary and wants to share it with you. She makes things, books, and activities that invite humans of all ages to be curious, playful, and kind.
Lea is the author of Knit The Sky, Wonder Hunt, Paint Chip Poetry, and the bestselling Letters To My… series of keepsake journals.
As the Postmaster of the World’s Smallest Post Service, she has charmed thousands with her tiny mail transcriptions.
Lea gathers people for workshops, letter writing, and other poetic services in her Tearoom of a Thousand Wonders in Oakland, California. Keep in touch at LeaRedmond.com.
Lea is the author of Knit The Sky, Wonder Hunt, Paint Chip Poetry, and the bestselling Letters To My… series of keepsake journals.
As the Postmaster of the World’s Smallest Post Service, she has charmed thousands with her tiny mail transcriptions.
Lea gathers people for workshops, letter writing, and other poetic services in her Tearoom of a Thousand Wonders in Oakland, California. Keep in touch at LeaRedmond.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 13, 2015
This book is utterly charming. It's not your standard knitting pattern book - it's a pattern book that doesn't contain a single photo of a finished object! Instead, it's about approaching knitting in a different, free kind of way. For example, the first project is the eponymous "knit the sky" scarf. You buy seven colours of laceweight yarn is shades of blue, yellow and grey and every day for the course of the year you knit the colour of the sky, combining the two colours that are the most accurate. At the end of the year, you have a visual record of a year's worth of weather.
The other patterns in the book are the same vein. There's a mood cowl, where you knit your mood for a month based on the colours of that '90s favourite, the mood ring. There's a baby blanket, where you knit one tiny square every day you're waiting for the baby to be born. Not all of the patterns are for me - basically, anything with bobbles is a no go! But, as a firm follow-the-pattern knitter, this book definitely opened my eyes to a new knitting attitude. Well worth reading and I think friends and family will all be receiving Christmas socks this year in colours determined by my mood!
The other patterns in the book are the same vein. There's a mood cowl, where you knit your mood for a month based on the colours of that '90s favourite, the mood ring. There's a baby blanket, where you knit one tiny square every day you're waiting for the baby to be born. Not all of the patterns are for me - basically, anything with bobbles is a no go! But, as a firm follow-the-pattern knitter, this book definitely opened my eyes to a new knitting attitude. Well worth reading and I think friends and family will all be receiving Christmas socks this year in colours determined by my mood!
October 5, 2015
If you are looking for a traditional knitting book with lots of patterns and photographs, then you will want to look elsewhere. If, however, you are looking for ideas to spark your creativity and get you started knitting in a whole new way, then you want this book.
The description of Knit the Sky immediately captured my imagination, appealing to my lifelong dedication to journaling with words. "Record the beauty, emotions, and experiences of everyday life—not in your journal but with your knitting needles!" I am hopeless at "art" journaling, but this? This I could do! What a neat way to combine two of my loves—writing and knitting.
The book itself is lovely, with a textured cover and simple, colorful drawings throughout. It is well organized, with each project introduced in an interesting, engaging manner. Redmond often uses personal stories to inspire the reader, which adds to the personal feeling of the book. Some of the projects immediately got my imagination running, like the Patchwork Postcards, Knit the Sky, Nectar Collector, and Out on a Limb (which I am doing right now!). There are one or two that don't appeal at all to me personally, but I appreciate the ideas and imagination behind them.
I immediately began to see how I could use my knitting in conjunction with my journaling to record my experiences and observations, which I find very exciting. My knitting can enhance and amplify my writing, and my writing can do the same for my knitting! Both my journaling and knitting have been enriched by my new practice.
Redmond does have simple instructions in the back of the book to help get you started with the projects, but don't be afraid to branch out on your own and use your imagination to make each project your own. Just as two people often tell the same story in completely different ways, so your project with tell your unique story.
What are you waiting for? Get started knitting the sky!
by Khadijah A.
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
The description of Knit the Sky immediately captured my imagination, appealing to my lifelong dedication to journaling with words. "Record the beauty, emotions, and experiences of everyday life—not in your journal but with your knitting needles!" I am hopeless at "art" journaling, but this? This I could do! What a neat way to combine two of my loves—writing and knitting.
The book itself is lovely, with a textured cover and simple, colorful drawings throughout. It is well organized, with each project introduced in an interesting, engaging manner. Redmond often uses personal stories to inspire the reader, which adds to the personal feeling of the book. Some of the projects immediately got my imagination running, like the Patchwork Postcards, Knit the Sky, Nectar Collector, and Out on a Limb (which I am doing right now!). There are one or two that don't appeal at all to me personally, but I appreciate the ideas and imagination behind them.
I immediately began to see how I could use my knitting in conjunction with my journaling to record my experiences and observations, which I find very exciting. My knitting can enhance and amplify my writing, and my writing can do the same for my knitting! Both my journaling and knitting have been enriched by my new practice.
Redmond does have simple instructions in the back of the book to help get you started with the projects, but don't be afraid to branch out on your own and use your imagination to make each project your own. Just as two people often tell the same story in completely different ways, so your project with tell your unique story.
What are you waiting for? Get started knitting the sky!
by Khadijah A.
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
June 2, 2021
Cool ideas, and i did enjoy it - still, could have been a magazine vs a book.
April 5, 2015
I reviewed this for NetGalley.
I've knitted for over forty-nine years and I have read numerous knitting books during that period so I think I can have an educated opinion.
This book, in my opinion, is really excellent. Not because of complicated patterns (twenty color colorways ala Alice Starmore, or some of the more complex and outre Vogue patterns) or famous designer names, but simply for the unique joy and simplicity of playful and creative knitwear design.
Ms. Redmond's book is pure fun. It is a refreshing change from complicated, tedious knitting patterns. I enjoyed myself and had a number of new ideas for knitting different items. Knitting needs to be fun, whether one is a novice or has been knitting forever (as I have been). This book brings play back into something that has become too serious at times.
I highly recommend this book for knitting inspiration and enjoyment. Thanks, Ms. Redmond, for making knitting playful again!
I've knitted for over forty-nine years and I have read numerous knitting books during that period so I think I can have an educated opinion.
This book, in my opinion, is really excellent. Not because of complicated patterns (twenty color colorways ala Alice Starmore, or some of the more complex and outre Vogue patterns) or famous designer names, but simply for the unique joy and simplicity of playful and creative knitwear design.
Ms. Redmond's book is pure fun. It is a refreshing change from complicated, tedious knitting patterns. I enjoyed myself and had a number of new ideas for knitting different items. Knitting needs to be fun, whether one is a novice or has been knitting forever (as I have been). This book brings play back into something that has become too serious at times.
I highly recommend this book for knitting inspiration and enjoyment. Thanks, Ms. Redmond, for making knitting playful again!
June 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley.
I'm an advanced knitter and am always on the lookout for new ideas to challenge me or to add a little whimsy to my projects. Even though the main idea for this book has been around for quite some time, I hoped this book would add a little something extra. Unfortunately, there was just not enough there to keep my attention. The illustrations are beautiful. The patterns seemed overly simplistic and, in some cases, confusing.
This might be a good starting point for a new knitter not familiar with or access to knitting social groups online.
I'm an advanced knitter and am always on the lookout for new ideas to challenge me or to add a little whimsy to my projects. Even though the main idea for this book has been around for quite some time, I hoped this book would add a little something extra. Unfortunately, there was just not enough there to keep my attention. The illustrations are beautiful. The patterns seemed overly simplistic and, in some cases, confusing.
This might be a good starting point for a new knitter not familiar with or access to knitting social groups online.
July 22, 2015
I have been knitting and crocheting for years, and it is one of my favorite hobbies. So I was very interested in reviewing a knitting book which seemed to have some new ideas for using knitting as a way to connect with the world and community.
Unfortunately, I found the book fell very flat. Perhaps a more beginning knitter would find something worthwhile here. Instead, I thought concepts in the book a bit gimmicky and not appealing, particularly for somebody who is used to making more complicated patterns.
Secondly, I thought the book was laid out very poorly. It was very whimsical and lovely, but not very practical. I understand that the concept of the book is to not be beholden to patterns or what the finished product should look like. That does not mean that what patterns there are should be hidden at the back of the book as the THIRD appendix. This is particularly vexing since I imagine most of the consumers of this book will be beginning or not so experienced knitters, and would want the pattern front and center.
I appreciate what the author is attempting here - to get knitters to be more mindful when knitting, and be more open about their hobby while connecting with those around them. But I fear I am truly the wrong audience for this book, and I can't see other knitters I know picking this book up either. I can see something like this being more popular with a high school or college student who is learning to knit and has not really advanced past simple scarves and hats, but is looking for a project that is a bit more interesting than plain garter or stockinette.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
Unfortunately, I found the book fell very flat. Perhaps a more beginning knitter would find something worthwhile here. Instead, I thought concepts in the book a bit gimmicky and not appealing, particularly for somebody who is used to making more complicated patterns.
Secondly, I thought the book was laid out very poorly. It was very whimsical and lovely, but not very practical. I understand that the concept of the book is to not be beholden to patterns or what the finished product should look like. That does not mean that what patterns there are should be hidden at the back of the book as the THIRD appendix. This is particularly vexing since I imagine most of the consumers of this book will be beginning or not so experienced knitters, and would want the pattern front and center.
I appreciate what the author is attempting here - to get knitters to be more mindful when knitting, and be more open about their hobby while connecting with those around them. But I fear I am truly the wrong audience for this book, and I can't see other knitters I know picking this book up either. I can see something like this being more popular with a high school or college student who is learning to knit and has not really advanced past simple scarves and hats, but is looking for a project that is a bit more interesting than plain garter or stockinette.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
April 5, 2021
I adore this book. I have to admit I haven't knitted anything from it yet, but it is just beautiful. I love the illustrations. I love the author's focus on the knitter's relationship with their knitting.
Projects include knitting scarves/cowls in different colours based on the knitter's mood or the sky or weather, or even the colours of houses around the knitter's suburb.
I wouldn't recommend this as a beginner 'learn how to knit' book. The basics are included, so a beginner could use the book, but the projects are more about having fun than learning new skills. There is a project to knit a pencil skirt using actual pencils, another to knit a ring out of thread using sewing pins, another to get up early and knit the sunrise - not projects you want to be solidifying your k1p1 skills on!
So saying, I would recommend the book to anyone who is seeking knitting (or even crochet - there's no reason you couldn't adapt the projects) inspiration. Or to anyone who wants to look at gorgeous illustrations and imagine the possibilities ...
Projects include knitting scarves/cowls in different colours based on the knitter's mood or the sky or weather, or even the colours of houses around the knitter's suburb.
I wouldn't recommend this as a beginner 'learn how to knit' book. The basics are included, so a beginner could use the book, but the projects are more about having fun than learning new skills. There is a project to knit a pencil skirt using actual pencils, another to knit a ring out of thread using sewing pins, another to get up early and knit the sunrise - not projects you want to be solidifying your k1p1 skills on!
So saying, I would recommend the book to anyone who is seeking knitting (or even crochet - there's no reason you couldn't adapt the projects) inspiration. Or to anyone who wants to look at gorgeous illustrations and imagine the possibilities ...
January 2, 2019
This is the most unusual knitting book I've ever read! The author is truly focused on knitting-as-a-process, rather than as a craft for the production of garments. Her ideas were completely original, such as knitting a scarf over a period of 1 year, with a line or two in the colors reflecting the weather on each particular day. Or knitting while on the subway, changing colors every time you switch from, say, the green line to the red line. I particularly enjoyed her idea of hiding small treasures in the balls of (leftover) yarn that a knitter might donate to charity or communal yarn stashes.
The illustrations in this book were lovely, dreamy....
I have to say that I don't see myself actually doing any of the projects in the book, because I'm definitely all about the destination (I knit in order to end up with a lovely sweater) than about the journey. But one never knows.... I might feel inspired and surprise myself !
The illustrations in this book were lovely, dreamy....
I have to say that I don't see myself actually doing any of the projects in the book, because I'm definitely all about the destination (I knit in order to end up with a lovely sweater) than about the journey. But one never knows.... I might feel inspired and surprise myself !
January 13, 2025
This was so cute! I had a bunch it would be a really nice book about creativity in general, not just about knitting, and it was. It was a really sweet book filled with great ideas and beautiful illustrations that brought back a lot of childlike curiosity and wonder. The creative method taught in this book and the daringness to come up with a plan to step out of your comfort zone, concoct recipes for how to go about a project. I think it really bridges the gap between art and craft by bringing a “happening” in a Kaprow-esque sort of way, for example, using a cowl project to meet the neighbors and document their houses. Performance art at its finest.
Feeling really inspired and would love to take on a few of the projects mentioned and use it’s methods in future creative pondering of my own.
Feeling really inspired and would love to take on a few of the projects mentioned and use it’s methods in future creative pondering of my own.
January 2, 2017
I have been a knitter for over four decades, so when I see a book with a knitting reference in the title, I smile.
The entire title is : Knit the Sky: A Playful Way of Knitting. It gives crafters a new way to look at life around them, through their knitting needles. There are a total of 32 creative crafts in this book which will stay with the knitter for a lifetime. There is a day-by-day scarf, made up of the colors of the sky, Or a unique growth chart for a baby which will be finished when they turn 18. It is such a beautiful and idea inspiring book.
Lea Redmond uses all of her creative skills to help others open their shells and knit away.
I loved this book and I am so glad that NetGalley and Storey Publishing gave it to me in exchange for my honest review.
The entire title is : Knit the Sky: A Playful Way of Knitting. It gives crafters a new way to look at life around them, through their knitting needles. There are a total of 32 creative crafts in this book which will stay with the knitter for a lifetime. There is a day-by-day scarf, made up of the colors of the sky, Or a unique growth chart for a baby which will be finished when they turn 18. It is such a beautiful and idea inspiring book.
Lea Redmond uses all of her creative skills to help others open their shells and knit away.
I loved this book and I am so glad that NetGalley and Storey Publishing gave it to me in exchange for my honest review.
August 16, 2017
This is an unconventional pattern book. Instead of offering a picture of a beautiful finished project and then giving steps to achieve said project on your own, this book instead offers ideas for approaching knitting in a creative way. Redmond reminds knitters to draw project inspiration from anything important in life, saying "Anything in life that is special or important can become the perfect seed for one of these knitting projects... Sometimes creativity is tidy; usually it is not." I've had an amazing experience practicing the "knit one, breathe one" technique as a morning meditation practice. And I can't wait to incorporate some of her other ideas into future projects!
October 23, 2017
Inspirational, heart-warming & just lovely.
I don't buy books that often but couldn't resist the idea of this book. It did not disappoint and I think it's the type of book to thumb through again & again. I'm not sure I will make all of them but that's not altogether the point . Reading this inspired me and made me smile for ages as I thought through the possibilities. I love the creative process in each project, some will take effort & commitment others can be knitted relatively quickly . I'm going to clear the decks of my plethora of 'wips' & choose a couple to start a bit of exploration.
Thanks, Lea, I love your book x.
I don't buy books that often but couldn't resist the idea of this book. It did not disappoint and I think it's the type of book to thumb through again & again. I'm not sure I will make all of them but that's not altogether the point . Reading this inspired me and made me smile for ages as I thought through the possibilities. I love the creative process in each project, some will take effort & commitment others can be knitted relatively quickly . I'm going to clear the decks of my plethora of 'wips' & choose a couple to start a bit of exploration.
Thanks, Lea, I love your book x.
April 4, 2020
Loved the first project...
... doubt I’ll actually make any of the other projects, but I didn’t purchase the book for the projects. I bought the book for the INSPIRATION... to look for ideas to THINK differently about my crafting projects, all of them. I crochet, knit, jewelry, photography, a little sewing & am preparing to try my hand at metal stamping (watching videos & collecting supplies).
The book contains many uniques ideas for “inspirational” projects but also has caused me to do what I was hoping it would: tweak me out of status quo creativity.
Might not be for everyone. It came up in one of my Kindle-thrift emails &, for me, is well worth the modest cost!
... doubt I’ll actually make any of the other projects, but I didn’t purchase the book for the projects. I bought the book for the INSPIRATION... to look for ideas to THINK differently about my crafting projects, all of them. I crochet, knit, jewelry, photography, a little sewing & am preparing to try my hand at metal stamping (watching videos & collecting supplies).
The book contains many uniques ideas for “inspirational” projects but also has caused me to do what I was hoping it would: tweak me out of status quo creativity.
Might not be for everyone. It came up in one of my Kindle-thrift emails &, for me, is well worth the modest cost!
March 13, 2019
A fun book of inspiration for knitters. Redmond offers an array of ways to take knitting beyond the pattern and connect it more directly to daily life, whether that is knitting a few rows each day to track the sky or making a round of your block and knitting the house colors she suggests ways to break out of the pattern and express more creativity. For someone who struggles with creativity this is a nice reminder to have.
December 31, 2019
I like the idea of this book. It begins with Knit the Sky and continues on with 30 other ideas of the same type. As a new knitter I don't have a stash of yarn built up yet and these ideas don't appeal to me anyway. It'd drive me crazy to try to remember to look at the sky every day and knit that color-it's too much pressure for me.
But I can see how it might appeal to others and I do give credit to the book for what it is-a clever, original book full of ideas for fun knitting.
But I can see how it might appeal to others and I do give credit to the book for what it is-a clever, original book full of ideas for fun knitting.
February 16, 2021
Simple craft ideas for using knitting in unusual ways, for instance, knitting a long scarf with one row of stitches for every day in a year using yarn the color of the sky that morning or day. I think of this as a resource book for fun kinds of things to do with yarn when regular knitting becomes routine.
July 24, 2024
This is more a book on the creative process and the essays and tips could easily be applied to painting or any other area where someone is stymied or looking for a way to jump start their creative process. There are knitting patterns in the back. This book is great for any handcrafter who is seeking new ideas for colors or patterns or just to reconnect with the enjoyment of their craft.
October 8, 2025
This book opened my eyes to how expressive and spiritual of an experience fiber arts can be. These projects have inspired me to look at my work as a diary, an extension of me, a connection to the universe. Nobody has to know that my uniquely-patterned blanket or scarf mirrors my soul, but I know that, and that is magical!
October 1, 2017
Beautiful ideas
Love the ideas presented in this book. One idea of the family heirloom reminded me of the time I discovered an unfinished cross stitch started by my grandmother in the basement, and I asked my mother to teach me how to cross stitch so I could finish it.
Love the ideas presented in this book. One idea of the family heirloom reminded me of the time I discovered an unfinished cross stitch started by my grandmother in the basement, and I asked my mother to teach me how to cross stitch so I could finish it.
December 18, 2018
It really is everything the title says...do you feel like knitting a scarf comprised of the colors of the sky of every day for a specified period of time? What about a blanket of your moods? A great book for stash-busting!
October 10, 2017
I like the idea, but it's not for me.
July 23, 2018
I loved this look at knitting - although not really a pattern book has amazing ideas for more mindful and connected knitting. loved some of these ideas
December 27, 2018
Fun read and very quick.
March 15, 2019
Absolutely loved this book! I always saw my knitting as a craft. She has shown me how to make it art!
April 29, 2019
Neat but Not My Thing
There are definitely some fun and creative ideas for gamifying your knitting, but if you’re a follow-the-rules/pattern person like me, it’s not for you.
There are definitely some fun and creative ideas for gamifying your knitting, but if you’re a follow-the-rules/pattern person like me, it’s not for you.
November 3, 2019
Some incredible ideas!!! There is some serious creativity in this book.
February 9, 2020
I like the whimsy of this book. It has made me think about knitting some projects that are more about the experience and the memories than about how complicated a pattern I am able to knit.
July 12, 2026
Such an inspiring book, it’s a great way to spark your creativity and look at your project ideas through a new lens. Beautiful artwork too. Really enjoyed this one.
September 10, 2026
really love that this isn't necessarily patterns but ideas for you to craft your own creations. the blue sky scarf is much more appealing to me than a temperature blanket !!
October 15, 2016
I've just purchased this book and am delighted by the meaningful and whimsical project ideas included. I love a handmade piece that had a good story attached; this book provides inspiration for several such projects, both small and large. I also enjoyed the bright and beautiful illustrations in the book. (No photos of finished projects - your piece will be uniquely yours!) My only reason for for rather than five stars is that some of the instructions are vague and confusing. The purpose is that you take them and make them your own. That said, I personally would like for the direction on some projects.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews