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Knitting Pearls: Writers Writing About Knitting
The rhythm, ritual, and pleasure of knitting are celebrated in this new collection for lovers of both knitting and literature.
In Knitting Pearls, two dozen writers write about the transformative and healing powers of knitting. Lily King remembers the year her family lived in Italy and a knitted hat that helped her daughter adjust to her new home. Laura Lippman explores how converting to Judaism changed not only Christmas but also her mother’s gift of a knitted stocking. Jodi Picoult remembers her grandmother and how through knitting she felt that everlasting love. And Bill Roorbach remembers his freshman year in college when knitting soothed his broken heart and helped him fall in love again. Other contributors include Steve Almond, Ann Leary, Christina Baker Kline, Lee Woodruff, and knitting rock stars Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed and the Yarn Whisperer, Clara Parks.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2015
77 people are currently reading
1280 people want to read
About the author
Ann Hood
72 books1,271 followersAnn Hood is the editor of Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting and the bestselling author of The Book That Matters Most, The Knitting Circle, The Red Thread, Comfort, and An Italian Wife, among other works. She is the recipient of two Pushcart Prizes, a Best American Spiritual Writing Award, a Best American Food Writing Award, a Best American Travel Writing Award, and the Paul Bowles Prize for Short Fiction. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 23, 2017
I'm a pretty serious knitter and thought I could appreciate this, but i found it underwhelming. Most of the essays aren't written by knitters which was a downside for me. I feel the classic feel of a college-aged knitter—that everyone else in the room is at least 60 and knits for their grandkids. So maybe I'm just not the target audience.
February 24, 2016
Great car reading! Felt compelled to finish it after I left if in a bleacher at my 7 year old grandson's basketball game in IA and the boys' Kindergarten teacher had to deliver it my daughter's house (as if she doesn't have enough to look over with three boys - but I digress). I am not always a lover of essays/short stories/vignettes. This was great. It is the second book of writers writing about knitting but this second one really hit me. Perhaps it had more humor or was a better assortment or better ordering of stories or something. Some were touching but not as sad as I remember the first book. Not all of the writers were knitters themselves.
I found the two most amusing to be:
On Knitting by Ann Leary - This is an author who can't tolerate knitters (except for the Scottish nurse who knit by her bedside and chatted with her throughout a difficult and bedridden pregnancy). She says about knitters: "...will wander into a room like any other person, carrying a normal looking bag, usually a tote...she will almost always take a moment just after she settles herself into her chair, to smile thoughtfully at the air in front of her...you will be forced to watch as she reaches into that seemingly benign satchel and extracts her instruments of torture - her yarn and needles and whatever she is currently knitting...little nod is meant for you and everybody else in the room. 'Yes,' the little nod says, 'I though so I am perfect.'
An Open Letter to All My Unfinished Project by Clara Parkes - This is a cutely written piece to her knitting UFO's but it could be about unread books, scrapbook pages in process, organizational things undone, etc., etc. Perhaps I can just relate to this one so much...
I found the two most amusing to be:
On Knitting by Ann Leary - This is an author who can't tolerate knitters (except for the Scottish nurse who knit by her bedside and chatted with her throughout a difficult and bedridden pregnancy). She says about knitters: "...will wander into a room like any other person, carrying a normal looking bag, usually a tote...she will almost always take a moment just after she settles herself into her chair, to smile thoughtfully at the air in front of her...you will be forced to watch as she reaches into that seemingly benign satchel and extracts her instruments of torture - her yarn and needles and whatever she is currently knitting...little nod is meant for you and everybody else in the room. 'Yes,' the little nod says, 'I though so I am perfect.'
An Open Letter to All My Unfinished Project by Clara Parkes - This is a cutely written piece to her knitting UFO's but it could be about unread books, scrapbook pages in process, organizational things undone, etc., etc. Perhaps I can just relate to this one so much...
December 21, 2015
A delightful collection of essays about knitting and the roles it has played in the lives of the authors, even those who aren't knitters themselves. My favorite essay was by Lily King, and I also really enjoyed the ones by Jared Flood and Bill Roorbach. Favorites aside, there was something to enjoy in each of these essays.
The book also includes patterns: three cowls, a hat, a tea cozy and a scarf/stole. I suppose this is a nice feature, but I think some editing here was needed. One pattern had obviously not been edited at all, because there were sentences directing the knitter to "click here" for a tutorial, and no links were provided! Oh, well, I didn't check this book out from the library for the patterns...
The book also includes patterns: three cowls, a hat, a tea cozy and a scarf/stole. I suppose this is a nice feature, but I think some editing here was needed. One pattern had obviously not been edited at all, because there were sentences directing the knitter to "click here" for a tutorial, and no links were provided! Oh, well, I didn't check this book out from the library for the patterns...
November 19, 2015
Most of the stories failed to elicit any sort of interest or care on my part. Was it the writing or the curating? Even though I knit, I felt like I did not have much in common with these writers. Also, on a different note, I was surprised at how thin the pages were; they were practically transparent. For a book with a $26 list price, this seems kind of cheap.
June 8, 2018
There were some good essays here, but a lot of them seemed to be about why the author doesn't knit. Which, as a book about knitting and therefore clearly for an audience of knitters, seemed a bit odd. And didn't quite resonate with me, a passionate knitter.
September 28, 2020
This ended up on my abandoned shelf. A nice variety of essays by folks who knit or who have been knit for, but even though I'm a knitter I was bored after a few. There were a few patterns in the book, but none of them had pictures of the project, and to me that is just egregious.
February 6, 2016
Well I couldn't help but inhale this book after living the first so. Equally as enjoyable. I could read knitting memoirs all day.
February 7, 2017
This is a phenomenal collection of essays from knitters big and nonexistent to authors well known worldwide on how knitting has crept its way into their lives at various points in time (some everyday)! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Diana Gabaldon also added her own story to this treasured collection, and given that I'm an obsessed Outlander fan, I found her perspective incredibly fascinating. Whether you are a knitter yourself or know someone who is, "Knitting Pearls" is a book that opens your eyes to the craft and the multitude of intentions behind our creations.
Personal tangent:
This book reminded me that the reason I set out to learn knitting came by accident and happenstance. I had decided to take up a crochet class at a local community college to honor the memory of my grandmother who had passed away. She was an extremely gifted crocheter who concocted nativity scenes, stuffed animals, and a number of baby blankets (I still have my own and I can't see that I will ever part with it). I had not given her the time or patience to learn by her hand when she offered to teach me as a young child, and that decision seemed to haunt me, so I endeavored to learn. In doing so, I came across a picture of the most divinely colorful blanket that I just HAD to have, only it was knitted not crocheted (which I was now well versed in). But instead of whimpering and complaining I drove over to Barnes and picked up a couple books that taught readers to learn to knit. Having already "mastered" crocheting I felt confidant that I would just as easily pick up knitting. Every night after work and every weekend I spent hours attempting to master the needles, knits, purls, and cast-ons. It was infuriating at times, but when I finally seemed to get the hang of it I was elated. The next week during my lunch time, I happened upon a yarn store nearby. I had only ever heard of getting yarn at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Joann's, or Wal-Mart. I never knew there were actual stores that only sold yarn, and not just any yarn either, but luxurious silk and merino blends, mohair, fine lace and sock weights, and oh how I could go on and on! Sheepishly I went in and after combing the cubbies and shelves I eventually found myself at the counter inquiring about one-on-one lessons. One of the store's owners, Jane, was available to sit down with me for a half hour that weekend to help me make certain I was actually knitting the right way. That weekend I sat down with Jane, and after she finagled my stitches into acceptable knits and purls, she gave me my first knitting pattern, which added in some new techniques to my repertoire - increases and decreases. Determined to master this pattern I left the store yarn, needles and pattern in hand (the yarn was the most delicious merino alpaca blend as I recall). The scarf was done in a week, and it was perfect! After showing it to her I showed her the picture of the blanket only to find that they were teaching a course on how to make it in the upcoming weeks! I signed up immediately, and in doing so also happened upon their Friday night knitting group, which was yet another something new I had never heard of. Here's a little secret about me--I'm actually very shy around people and places I don't know well (really well) and those types of situations actually make me nervous as all hell. Despite my nerves, I went to A Knitted Peace that Friday. Though my beloved store closed about a year ago, I made many knitted creations that I'm rather proud, met a great number of people who are now cherished friends (including some who are now my best friends in all the world), and found that in my own way I had learned by my grandmother's spirit why she crocheted all those years as I would now knit for many, if not all, of my years. With my hands on the needles and the yarn spun round my fingers I inevitably find myself in a space wherein I can breathe without judgment or anxiety. It allows me to find the stillness of contentment that can be so elusive in life. Now I can't imagine where, or who, I'd be without my needles and yarn, let alone that extra bag I bring with me everywhere I go. I did finish the blanket by the way. I hand knit every single square, and blocked them all in turn. They're still waiting to be assembled lol!
Personal tangent:
This book reminded me that the reason I set out to learn knitting came by accident and happenstance. I had decided to take up a crochet class at a local community college to honor the memory of my grandmother who had passed away. She was an extremely gifted crocheter who concocted nativity scenes, stuffed animals, and a number of baby blankets (I still have my own and I can't see that I will ever part with it). I had not given her the time or patience to learn by her hand when she offered to teach me as a young child, and that decision seemed to haunt me, so I endeavored to learn. In doing so, I came across a picture of the most divinely colorful blanket that I just HAD to have, only it was knitted not crocheted (which I was now well versed in). But instead of whimpering and complaining I drove over to Barnes and picked up a couple books that taught readers to learn to knit. Having already "mastered" crocheting I felt confidant that I would just as easily pick up knitting. Every night after work and every weekend I spent hours attempting to master the needles, knits, purls, and cast-ons. It was infuriating at times, but when I finally seemed to get the hang of it I was elated. The next week during my lunch time, I happened upon a yarn store nearby. I had only ever heard of getting yarn at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Joann's, or Wal-Mart. I never knew there were actual stores that only sold yarn, and not just any yarn either, but luxurious silk and merino blends, mohair, fine lace and sock weights, and oh how I could go on and on! Sheepishly I went in and after combing the cubbies and shelves I eventually found myself at the counter inquiring about one-on-one lessons. One of the store's owners, Jane, was available to sit down with me for a half hour that weekend to help me make certain I was actually knitting the right way. That weekend I sat down with Jane, and after she finagled my stitches into acceptable knits and purls, she gave me my first knitting pattern, which added in some new techniques to my repertoire - increases and decreases. Determined to master this pattern I left the store yarn, needles and pattern in hand (the yarn was the most delicious merino alpaca blend as I recall). The scarf was done in a week, and it was perfect! After showing it to her I showed her the picture of the blanket only to find that they were teaching a course on how to make it in the upcoming weeks! I signed up immediately, and in doing so also happened upon their Friday night knitting group, which was yet another something new I had never heard of. Here's a little secret about me--I'm actually very shy around people and places I don't know well (really well) and those types of situations actually make me nervous as all hell. Despite my nerves, I went to A Knitted Peace that Friday. Though my beloved store closed about a year ago, I made many knitted creations that I'm rather proud, met a great number of people who are now cherished friends (including some who are now my best friends in all the world), and found that in my own way I had learned by my grandmother's spirit why she crocheted all those years as I would now knit for many, if not all, of my years. With my hands on the needles and the yarn spun round my fingers I inevitably find myself in a space wherein I can breathe without judgment or anxiety. It allows me to find the stillness of contentment that can be so elusive in life. Now I can't imagine where, or who, I'd be without my needles and yarn, let alone that extra bag I bring with me everywhere I go. I did finish the blanket by the way. I hand knit every single square, and blocked them all in turn. They're still waiting to be assembled lol!
October 14, 2016
Knitting pearls, writers writing about knitting by Hood_ Ann
27 writers who write and knit and their stories. 6 patterns are included.
Stories of loss and love and how knitting helped them survive through it all.
Most memorable is the one where she cleans out her mothers apartment since she's been gone for several months.
All the knitted item bring back such memories. Recap of the authors lives, their works and resource listings of where to get the yarn mentioned and a bit about their names.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
27 writers who write and knit and their stories. 6 patterns are included.
Stories of loss and love and how knitting helped them survive through it all.
Most memorable is the one where she cleans out her mothers apartment since she's been gone for several months.
All the knitted item bring back such memories. Recap of the authors lives, their works and resource listings of where to get the yarn mentioned and a bit about their names.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
November 26, 2015
While this was an easy read,most of the authors in this books seemed to despise knitting vs cherish the craft. There were two essays I loved - Jared Flood and Perri Klass. Perri's essay on going through the items she had knit for her mother after her mother had died with cathartic.
January 1, 2016
A bit uneven, as expected of such a variety of authors. While knitting is the thread that ties the stories together, not all are by, about, or in praise of knitting. Still a fun read for knitters of all levels.
December 28, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories. They did not all discuss knitting in a positive light, but they were all true. Very good.
July 15, 2018
When I read the first anthology out out by Ann Hood about knitting (Knitting Yarns) I left it feeling rather dissatisfied. The essays were about knitting, but somehow missed touching on the parts of the craft I really wanted to read about.
I picked up the second anthology with higher hopes, but it turns out this was a second helping of the first.
The part that really got my goat in this particular analogy was that there were so many essays by writers who either did not knit, or who flat out hated knitting. Some of the writers were skilled enough to make this funny, but mostly the writings of the authors who had no practical experience were somewhat grating. I wonder why so many of these essays were included. I imagine most of the people who bought this book are knitters, and therefore love knitting, and it feels a little hurtful and annoying to keep turning pages and finding yet another essay about how someone else hates your hobby.
So, once again, not quite satisfied with the contents of this anthology.
Maybe I will leave the next knitting anthology I come across alone.
I picked up the second anthology with higher hopes, but it turns out this was a second helping of the first.
The part that really got my goat in this particular analogy was that there were so many essays by writers who either did not knit, or who flat out hated knitting. Some of the writers were skilled enough to make this funny, but mostly the writings of the authors who had no practical experience were somewhat grating. I wonder why so many of these essays were included. I imagine most of the people who bought this book are knitters, and therefore love knitting, and it feels a little hurtful and annoying to keep turning pages and finding yet another essay about how someone else hates your hobby.
So, once again, not quite satisfied with the contents of this anthology.
Maybe I will leave the next knitting anthology I come across alone.
September 4, 2020
A fun entertaining yet at times emotional read for sure ... thanks to Ann Hood. Each of the pearls in this book is a remembrance by an author of knitting and the role it has played in his or her life. Most but not all of the writers are knitters themselves. Some, like Jodi Picoult, had a grandma who was a prolific knitter supplying her with multiple garments throughout her knitting years. Jodi's memory is more of her Grandma and the beautiful items she produced from that ball of yarn than seeing a challenge to match Grandma's talent with her needles. This is the second book of this nature by Ann I do wonder how many more she could publish. There are so many folks out there who's lives have been touched by knitting.
July 8, 2017
A collection of essays by writers, about knitting. Some of the essays were funny, some sweet, others not so sweet. Mostly enjoyable.
From "Positive Capability" by Maile Meloy:
Knitting, I've come to think, is not about working in the dark and doing what you can, or doubt being your passion. Writing is about that. Knitting is about having a good light and a good friend to fix your mistakes. It's about setting aside time to think about the new baby, or the beloved wooden ship, or the man who will unstuff the stocking, while you work. It's tangible evidence of love, manifested through time, stitch by stitch. At least that's what it is for me, now, and all it needs to be.
From "Positive Capability" by Maile Meloy:
Knitting, I've come to think, is not about working in the dark and doing what you can, or doubt being your passion. Writing is about that. Knitting is about having a good light and a good friend to fix your mistakes. It's about setting aside time to think about the new baby, or the beloved wooden ship, or the man who will unstuff the stocking, while you work. It's tangible evidence of love, manifested through time, stitch by stitch. At least that's what it is for me, now, and all it needs to be.
Read
December 9, 2020Ok so now I’ve finished this book. I do admit I skipped a few paragraphs along the way that got too deep into the knitting, but the stories that were told came from deep inside every author. Knitting seems to be a type of quiet therapy that you never know when you might need it. So, my mind will stay open to the prospect that I may at some point (ha! I’m 66!) want to learn, who knows! I thank all the authors who contributed, for some it had to be extremely difficult, and for others, a fond memory. It may put some people off thinking they wouldn’t be interested, as it did me, but I’ll tell you it was worth the read.
December 29, 2022
Do you ever find a book at the library and think “they found me! *I* am the exact target audience for this book?”
That was me when I ran into this darling essay collection. Talented writers writing about knitting? SAY LESS!!! This year (and especially the last few weeks) have been a nonstop reading/knitting roll for me, and this was a lovely way to celebrate my two favorite hobbies!
The only issue is that now I have a real hankering to write an essay about writing and reading and of course, knitting. Hmm….in the meantime, I’m off to continue knitting—this TSwift-inspired cardigan isn’t going to knit itself!
That was me when I ran into this darling essay collection. Talented writers writing about knitting? SAY LESS!!! This year (and especially the last few weeks) have been a nonstop reading/knitting roll for me, and this was a lovely way to celebrate my two favorite hobbies!
The only issue is that now I have a real hankering to write an essay about writing and reading and of course, knitting. Hmm….in the meantime, I’m off to continue knitting—this TSwift-inspired cardigan isn’t going to knit itself!
July 26, 2022
As I re-engage with the craft of knitting after decades of a more off-than-on relationship with it, I have been seeking out both fiction and non-fiction on the craft. This collection of essays was delightful to read as writers explore their relationships with yarn and knitting. The writers' take on knitting ranges from devotion to frustration, and some write of cherished memories while a few write of painful ones. Many share their disastrous first project which must be a requirement for knitters.
July 20, 2025
A wonderful collection of knitting stories and essays featuring works by such writers as Robin Romm, Nick Flynn, Clara Parkes, Jodi Picoult, and Bill Roorbach, each one exploring the author's relationship with yarn, crafting, and family dynamics. Whether a gifted knitter, practiced unraveler, or someone who'd rather get a root canal than pick up needles and yarn, readers will find humor, humility, healing, and honesty within the pages of this book, not to mention several tried and true knitting patterns should the urge to learn or return to the craft moves you.
February 27, 2021
This was given as a birthday present years ago, and finally started reading it when needing some “support” while trying to knit and FINISH my first sweater. In that regard, it was a smashing success.
Authors sharing short essays of their experiences with knitting either firsthand or just the memory of others knitting and the metaphors that arise from this craft. A slow read.
Not for the non-knitters I don’t think.
Authors sharing short essays of their experiences with knitting either firsthand or just the memory of others knitting and the metaphors that arise from this craft. A slow read.
Not for the non-knitters I don’t think.
November 23, 2023
An lovely anthology for yarn-lovers in both senses of the word. Ann Hood has gathered together 25 stories of knitting, family, love, loss and relationships, with knitting at its heart. It made me laugh, think and cry. The most relatable bits, for me, - I’m in it for the stuff (all the twinkly needles and glorious skeins of yarn) and when times are really bad, knitting allows you focus on small, precise actions and so forget the wider picture of awfulness.
March 9, 2025
2.7 stars- I absolute adore knitting! If I could only have one hobby (other than reading) it would be knitting! I saw this book and thought, “how perfect!! The wedding of my two loves!” I had previously read and loved the humorous prose of Stephanie Pearl McPhee- so I was anxious to dive into this one. I did not enjoy it near as much as I had hoped. I enjoyed a few phrases and quotes(and enjoyed the Jodi Picoult essay), but over all even if you love to knit, this is one you can skip.
June 7, 2017
This book is a series of essays by a variety of authors, about how knitting has impacted their lives. Some of these authors are knitters, while others are not. I enjoyed most if not all of the essays, some more than others. Interspersed amongst the essays are a few knitting patterns. Well worth reading, especially randomly choosing one essay whenever you have a few minutes to spare.
July 18, 2017
Too many essays about why people refuse to knit or will never knit again, or hated the gifts someone made for them (the one where his mother's sweater symbolized their difficult relationship and he abandoned the quilt his sister made was particularly irritating). The pieces by Perri Klass and Jared Flood were much more enjoyable and, along with a few others, redeemed this collection.
September 3, 2018
This was really a hit or miss collection. A few anti-knitting essays, that are, I guess, fine, if a miss for the intended audience, but that are of such lackluster quality they fade into kvetching. A few decent essays. I was looking for something with a strong voice, like Stephanie Pearl McPhee, but perhaps with more depth and art and insight than she uses.
I did not find it here.
I did not find it here.
March 6, 2019
A series of essays / letters from writers about knitting and the knitting world. A little bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Do not need to be a knitter or even a crafter to understand these personal stories.
Bonus: for knitters, the different sections are broken up with actual knitting patterns. A couple of the descriptions made me sad I do not know how to knit.
Bonus: for knitters, the different sections are broken up with actual knitting patterns. A couple of the descriptions made me sad I do not know how to knit.
December 27, 2019
A collection of varied stories about each writer's experience with knitting, or with knitters. I enjoyed the various voices and stories. Some lighthearted, others pensive, all charming in their own way.
A good read to pick up, put down, and come back to again. ALSO (take note knitters!) several patterns are sprinkled throughout the book.
A good read to pick up, put down, and come back to again. ALSO (take note knitters!) several patterns are sprinkled throughout the book.
August 25, 2022
Nice collection of writers' thoughts on knitting, ranging from those who do to those who haven't a clue. Including Jodi Picoult, Diana Gabaldon and others. Especially enjoyed Steve Almond's Clothes for the Living, Perri Klass's The Museum of the Lady with only One Neck and Caroline Leavitt's The Dinosaur Sweater.
Good short reads, easy to pick up when you only have a few minutes.
Good short reads, easy to pick up when you only have a few minutes.
May 3, 2020
A collection of essays by professional writers (some very well-known) about the role knitting played in various events in their lives, some bitter and some sweet. The book is a very calming read, much like the process of knitting itself.
July 7, 2021
The essays were fine, but I'm not sure why they bothered to include knitting patterns. No knitter will even think about knitting a pattern that does not have a photo or even a basic description of what they will be making. Weird, and irritating to me as a knitter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews