Seasonal Slow Knitting: Thoughtful Projects for a Handmade Year

by Hannah Thiessen, Katie Starks (Photographer)

“Thiessen’s new book is all about promoting creativity at a slower pace, offering advice on finding the time and space to knit in a restful, calming way.” —The Knitter  Slow Knitting introduced crafters to a process of more mindful making through five basic source carefully, make thoughtfully, think seasonally, experiment fearlessly, and explore openly. Now, this seasonal approach encourages knitters to delve deeper into those concepts, applying them to everyday making through a series of essays, projects, and patterns that explore the life of a knitter throughout the year. Organized similarly to a seasonal planting guide or farmer’s almanac, each chapter and section is designed to identify and encourage small ways that knitters may begin to employ noticeable organizing your yarn stash, carving out time for knitting, and starting on that baby blanket in a timely manner. The ideas explored here add up to a fuller, more mindful year, all through the joyful experience that is knitting.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this unique book. Beautiful photography paired with great information and essays, this book was more of a “philosophy of knitting” book than a technique book. I’ve been obsessed lately with the idea of living seasonally, and I loved seeing that idea carried over to knitting. I read a copy from our library but will definitely add one to my personal collection.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Seasonal Slow Knitting, Hannah Theissen expands on her theme of Slow Knitting—that the craft should be savored and enjoyed at a slower pace rather than churning out the current “in” patterns using popular yarns. She organizes her latest book according to the seasons and includes essays, tips and a few suggested patterns for each season. I especially loved her essay on tea and knitting and appreciated her encouragement that it’s ok to unravel a project that you’re no longer enjoying and repurpose the fiber for something else.

[Lauren Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical and creatively inspiring, this is a refreshing, seasonal-focused knitting resource with beautiful patterns and detailed knitting advice. I really loved the design of the book layout and photos that beautifully reflect the same sentiment of Hannah’s writing style and encourage the idea of cozy, restful slowness in knitting and in the self-sufficiency of handmade clothing. Oh and she has great taste in yarn too!

[Andi Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the photography is beautiful, a few of the patterns are nice, and it’s filled with a lot of things like tea, a little sewing, and some interesting yarn and needle care, there’s more atmo than knitting (and I could likely find similar patterns on Ravelry). I thought there were going to be significant (even if they were simple or classic) patterns for each season, and although I did like the suggestions regarding rotating stash and attending fiber fairs, this is an expensive book for a lot of overlap in books I already own. Definitely worth a look from your library, though.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes beyond projects to an entire philosophy of knitting. But the projects are great, too! Truly a lovely read.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a day when I wanted something soothing to read and it was just what I needed. It’s thoughtfully planned out and organized into sections based on seasons, featuring well-designed (size inclusive!) patterns and truly lyrical essays about knitting as a craft and as a purpose. I loved reading Hannah’s thoughts on having and dealing with a yarn stash, planning your handmade wardrobe, and how to simply enjoy the experience of knitting in your surroundings (and how they vary from season to season). The photography by Katie Starks is just stunning, and I’m definitely feeling inspired by her to up my photography game and create more artistic and moody scenes for my knits.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Objectively this is a nice book, but it just wasn't my taste. The author divides the book into 4 sections , 1 for each season. In each, she shares some personal musings, some ideas of what to make, ways to make knitting more enjoyable, and a pattern for a project. Some parts, like what kind of tea goes best with knitting, felt a bit silly. But other parts, such as her recommendation to avoid working with certain fibres in the hot summer, are appreciated. Overall, a good book and a nice read, just not for me.

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so wonderful. It really puts you in the mood for setting intentions, as well as provides some lovely patterns to get you inspired for crafting in the season ahead. I also love that I'm learning all about other aspects of caring for my knits (like darning and how to properly repurpose yarn from an old garment), as well as other really nice things to think about each season. I highly recommend every knitter reads this book, it's such a wonderful addition to my library.

[Lisa Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, in-depth read for knitting enthusiasts. Truly embraces the slow concept and is a thoughtful, contemplative study, covering many topics. Does include patterns, but these are more of an aside to the narrative, rather than being the primary focus, necessarily. I enjoyed it.

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with a charming yarn craft ethos. There aren't a lot of patterns in here, but at least there are a variety of objects compared with the sweater-heavy first volume. And it's not really about the patterns, more about breathing in the seasonality of life.

[Jenny Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a meditation on creating and living a fiber filled life than a craft book. It's beautiful - the earthy tones in the photos and gentle essays create at atmosphere of calm. It isn't what I was expecting (I anticipated more knitting projects and less words) but I enjoyed the read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book for anyone who is a beginner knitter but wants to be mindful and aesthetic about it

I preferred the first book, but I did read a few of the knitting patterns this time around as they interested me

[Gretchen Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy blanket of knitting thru seasons

A lovely book with knitting at its heart, that takes the craft and lifestyle thru the four seasons.Patterns for knitting as well as making other things that encourage creative and quiet pursuits in a busy distracted world

[C2015 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous gorgeous book. I liked every project though not the keenest on socks. I learned something just getting an overview of the book…superwash means lightly plastic coated!!! And not as warm. Dang, that’s a lot of beautiful colors out the door for me

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the idea of this book based on seasons - I did like some the projects although none enough to get me completely into this book. perhaps I should read it when I have a bit more energy.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will check this out again and reread it.

[KnittaPhd · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of extraneous non-knitting related information.

[Dawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written. I love these nice cozy knitting books for the fall nights with a good movie. Hannah is one of my favorite designers and I always enjoy her writing.

[Falyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired to make changes in my knitting and frog and reknit garments that fit me better

[JustLetMeRead · Rating 1 out of 5]

So disappointed

Stupidly bought kindle version without reading the reviews. There are only blank pages where the patterns should be as other reviewers have stated.
Amazon please fix this!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous knitting book that's also so much more--essays on the seasons, craft projects, knitting information and tips....wonderful!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy Thiessen's ruminations and tips on the seasons and on knitting... And, it would have been nice to be able to buy the patterns separately..