The Knitting Goddess: Finding the Heart and Soul of Knitting Through Instruction

by Deborah Bergman

Now available in paperback, this unique and creative book goes beyond the conventional how-to guides to get to the essence of the craft.

From Hollywood to fashion circles to knitting circles on college campuses across the country, knitting is the hippest new skill around and is practiced by millions of people.

Combining the best of two great worlds, The Knitting Goddess consists of 10 chapters, each offering a fascinating story of an ancient goddess, which is then applied to a basic knitting technique or simple pattern. Learn, for instance, about Isis, the mother goddess of Egypt, and knit a red stole that grants power to its wearer. Other stories and projects include Athene and a scarf called a smoke ring, Penelope and a warm beautiful sweater, and more. Wonderful for beginners as well as the more advanced knitter, this one-of-a-kind approach to knitting will teach readers not only how to master the craft, but will also entertain, inspire, and inform.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Goddess, Mythology

263 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Castiron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note to people writing how-to books for new knitters: If the first thing you’ve taught is garter stitch, and you’re following that with how to fix a dropped stitch, take the extra effort to explain how you pick up a dropped stitch in garter stitch rather than in stockinette. Note 2: Almost every gauge label I’ve seen on a yarn is for stockinette stitch; your gauge in garter stitch is almost certainly going to be different in at least one dimension if not both. It’s okay to mention gauge early, but when you’re talking about gauge on a yarn label, wait until you’ve introduced stockinette.

In other words, I absolutely would not recommend this book to a brand-new knitter looking for a learn-to-knit book; it’ll leave them thoroughly confused. And while the patterns seem simple enough, they call for some pretty darn pricey yarn — an experienced knitter will know how to substitute, or if they love the called-for yarn, will have the knowhow to make something that doesn’t waste their $50-$150, but a completely new knitter could end up with an expensive tangle.

That said, the retellings of myths are quite good, so if you’re a knitter with pagan leanings or interested in mythology, it’s worth reading for the stories. And I could see making the Athena cowl (though in a different and cheaper yarn), which might justify checking the book out from the library again sometime. But I don’t plan to buy a copy.

[Juicy_Groot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked reading the goddess stories but that's it.There is not one photo in this book of the knitting instructions or the patterns,just purple ink drawings.Read if you like fiberarts and mythology (and patterns without pictues),skip if you're looking for a knitting book.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, cute book for beginners, although I often wanted real photos of the stitches as opposed to illustrations.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this more because of my interest in mythology and folklore as they relate to the fiber arts, than for the patterns included in the book. Thoroughly enjoyed. Enriches my fiber arts experiences.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. I really enjoyed the retelling of the myths with how they relate to fiber arts. The patterns are creative in their simplicity. This, however, is not a book I would recommend to absolute beginners, unless they are just looking for an explanation of the emotions involved in knitting and the fiber arts. The instructions can be contradicting, so I would recommend some experience.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing for me.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating combination of knitting patterns and aesthetic sensibilities, mixed with some Earth Mother goodness, gently salted with wit and a beautifully silly sense of humor. There are numerous stories and fables, definitely old-fashioned in style. This is a book to read slowly, savoring each section and taking the stories and instructions and making them useful for yourself. It's really more a philosophy book than a knitting one, although there are several decent patterns here. Lots and lots of well-written instructions too.

Interesting amalgamation of Goddess worship (sort of) and knitting (definitely), flavored with a back-to-the-past/treasure-our-planet ethos that suited this aging hippie. YMMV.

[Braveharlot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it took a year (like many knitting related activities, sometimes things need a nice long break before they re-engage us again), this was a pleasurable read...once I started skipping anything having to actually do with knitting and just allowed myself to enjoy the goddess stories. The designs are not very thrilling, but the stories are worthwhile. So, if you are looking for a pattern book, look elsewhere. If you want to read about creative goddesses and heroines, please pick this one up.

[Dharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not really a knitting book, though I would like to make a few of the patterns in the book. It is a spiritual/mythical journey. Given where I am right now within myself and the other reading I am doing it was a great fit.

When reading the stories of the goddesses, the prose is smooth and soothing, I heard them as a soft oral tale, a grown up bedtime story almost.

[Shelia Timmons]

This book starts off really good and holds your interest, until about the third chapter. The projects are ok, but the author picks yarn that you cannot possibly find and if you did it would not be worth 30 dollars a skein to make a stupid shawl.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, really, really wanted to like this book. Lovely premise, beautiful cover...but you'll want to slap the author silly and you won't learn to knit. The stories about the goddesses even managed to be cheesey and too new-agey even for me.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My very first knitting book. No pictures, but simply lovely.

[Genabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

of course, i have YET to make even one of the patterns in here, but the stories are lovely and my INTENTION is to knit them all.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this some time ago and found a really pretty pattern in it. When I went to remake that pattern, I borrowed it again and reread it and discovered some more pretty patterns. Very nice book.

[Catness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is lots of fun. A bunch of cool goddess stories with a project and pattern to knit with each one.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for the goddess stories - not really a book for patterns or beginners as was mentioned in other reviews.

[Samantha Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok. The stories about the different women were really interesting but there were times were it felt like it took forever to read through a paragraph.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

not quite finished.