Contemplative Knitting

by Julie Cicora

Learn how the meditative practice of knitting can evolve into a spiritual discipline.

One third (53 million) of American women know how to knit, and knitting is becoming increasingly popular with men as well. Many of these knitters belong to social knitting circles, charity knitting groups, or knit with others in churches, cafes―and even in bars!

This book shows how knitting creates connections and communities, and ties the repetition of knitting to the consistent recitation of prayer. It also compares the act of knitting to the spiritual journey, from starting something new to how we handle mistakes. Many people would like to incorporate a spiritual practice into their frenetic lives only to become discouraged and give up when they try. Those who knit are able to experience its calming effects and dedicate time to their craft each day.

Genres: Nonfiction, Knitting

168 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2021

About the author

Julie Cicora is an avid knitter interested in prayer and spirituality. After a 22-year career selling for Hewlett-Packard, Julie was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. She served 3 parishes, worked as Canon for MIssion and Ministry in the Diocese of Rochester and as a mission developer for St. Mark's and St. John's in a challenged neighborhood in the city of Rochester before retiring to pursue her writing.

Julie spends her time knitting, writing, and volunteering at the church. She has five sons, twelve grandchildren. She enjoys riding her motorcycle and traveling.

Julie also leads knitting retreats.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Although I found the reflections somewhat disjointed, the practical advice in here is great. Julie Cicora talks about how habits and tendencies in knitting can reveal things about your personality, and how you can apply that knowledge to growing in your spiritual life.

I thought the best part was where she discussed different types of knitters, specific ways they might find themselves getting off track as they develop a knitting and praying habit, and specific ways to get through those road bumps and start again. This was clear and compassionate and practical, and so much more helpful than general advice to start again when you stop.

I also loved her idea of knitting a baby blanket as an Advent project. I don't know if that's going to work for me this year, but if not, I want to keep it in mind for the future.

[Angie Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me at the beginning with a quote from Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, in the middle with thoughts of adding the Jesus Prayer to your prayerful knitting practice and at the end with a quote from St Seraphim of Sarov. I, too, have struggled with consistently praying because of outside distractions and buzzing inner thoughts. Having knitting needles in my hands helps quite a bit. I got this copy from the library and read it quickly; I plan to get my own copy to read and mark at a slower pace in the future.

[Amy Hotler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though repetitive in places and a bit disjointed, there are wonderful ideas here for enhancing the spiritual disciplines.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 bk 240. I started knitting as my "new thing to learn in retirement 2023". Along with my friend's guidance and Youtube videos, I have been picking up various books relating to knitting - history, etc. A friend of a friend suggested this as a way of combining craft and a faith life. The book met my needs in far more ways than I understood I needed. I wanted something that might tell me ways of using knitting to benefit others, and it has suggestions sprinkled along the way. But it also talked about knitting in conjunction with or in companion to a prayer and worship life in ways that are beautiful, simple, and easy to add to any busy person. This is good as a one person devotion - but also might be good as food for thought for a church knitting group in which turns are taken to read the small sections and ask the sometimes not so easy questions to answer. This merits an ovation of knitting needles clicking!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may be because I am more focussed on getting a puppy than on my knitting right now -- because whenever I ready about the spiritual disciplines and concentrations necessary for contemplative knitting I am wondering if there are any spiritual disciplines applicable to dog training. Some of course not -- but when I think of attention and consistency and love -- yes.

I'm pretty sure there is not such a thing as contemplative dog training but I'm pretty sure that dog training can be a spiritual practice.

Which is to say -- this also is a good book.

[Janet Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reverend Peter Faass recommended this book to me, out of the blue, unbidden. I sighed, thinking not another spirituality of knitting book. There are many. However, I bought a copy, fully intending to glance at the contents and return it. But no, I read the first chapter and I stuck with it. The author describes her knitting life and asks reflection questions that are worthy of thought. She also suggests many ways to bring the knitting practice to others.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is maybe the fourth that I have read about knitting, not fiction with a character who knits but about the art/act of knitting, and I have learned so much. I know what knitting does for me, but to read and have my feels affirmed has been a pleasant surprise, almost a vindication. One author recommended reading while knitting. I haven't yet mastered that skill! Praying comes easier!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A read for every knitter

I chose this book because it had knitting in the title. I loved this book. I have countless bookmarks and even more highlighted sections. The author Julie Cicora has written so beautifully words for everyone to live by. A definite must read if you are a knitter.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t get this book expecting a super religious book, because the title didn’t scream out Christianity. However, despite that fact and the fact that I’m not religious, I read this through to the end because it gave me some useful advice about handling anxiety and slowing down. So thank you for that, Julie, from someone somewhat outside your target demographic.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has much advice about knitting and incorporating prayer. It explains how projects can make us feel dependent upon the material, the pattern, the reason for knitting.
Passing knitting to generations is a great goal as it is peaceful meditative motion .
Groups often are formed in churches.
Loved how others respond to ones knitting in public places. We are approachable!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Christian-centered book is a blend of knitting stories and guided meditative prompts.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be thought-provoking and inspiring.