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Conscious Crafts: Knitting: 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands
In Conscious Knitting , co-founders of the Black Girl Knit Club unpick the meditative nature of the knitting process and its empowering skill set for creating, well-being and mindfulness.
Making is mindfulness made practical, and knitting is an iconic craft proven to have a therapeutic impact on well-being. The co-founders of the Black Girl Knit Club , Sicgmone Kludje and Vea Koranteng, have curated 20 modern makes , ranging from plant pot cosies to throws and snoods, to introduce the basics of knitting . Covering fundamental stitches and techniques including casting on, knit, pearl and moss stitch, Sicgmone and Vea show how these can be adapted for different projects as well as repurposing used textiles into your own upcycled yarn, all whilst embracing the restorative benefits of craft.
Packed with inspiring ideas and practical guidance , Conscious Knitting gives you the simple skills to get started with this fulfilling craft, and explores how the joy of creating your own unique makes can nurture your well-being . Clean photography , contemporary step-by step illustrations and mindful mantras are neatly knitted together to celebrate the art of knitting for a handmade future.
The tea cup coasters; desk and bathroom mats; cushion cover; mug holder; throw; wall hanging; plant pot cosy; festive reef; head band; mittens and scarves with tassels; snoods; clutch and purse bags; phone case holder.
The moss; sticking; rib; knit; purl and arm kitting. Upcycled yarn.
The Conscious Crafts series places mindfulness and well-being at the heart of making. Picking out proven meditative crafts and bespoke authors, these practical, contemporary guides are an inviting introduction to reconnecting head, heart, and hands. Also available from the Conscious Crafts Pottery , Quilting and Whittling .
Making is mindfulness made practical, and knitting is an iconic craft proven to have a therapeutic impact on well-being. The co-founders of the Black Girl Knit Club , Sicgmone Kludje and Vea Koranteng, have curated 20 modern makes , ranging from plant pot cosies to throws and snoods, to introduce the basics of knitting . Covering fundamental stitches and techniques including casting on, knit, pearl and moss stitch, Sicgmone and Vea show how these can be adapted for different projects as well as repurposing used textiles into your own upcycled yarn, all whilst embracing the restorative benefits of craft.
Packed with inspiring ideas and practical guidance , Conscious Knitting gives you the simple skills to get started with this fulfilling craft, and explores how the joy of creating your own unique makes can nurture your well-being . Clean photography , contemporary step-by step illustrations and mindful mantras are neatly knitted together to celebrate the art of knitting for a handmade future.
The tea cup coasters; desk and bathroom mats; cushion cover; mug holder; throw; wall hanging; plant pot cosy; festive reef; head band; mittens and scarves with tassels; snoods; clutch and purse bags; phone case holder.
The moss; sticking; rib; knit; purl and arm kitting. Upcycled yarn.
The Conscious Crafts series places mindfulness and well-being at the heart of making. Picking out proven meditative crafts and bespoke authors, these practical, contemporary guides are an inviting introduction to reconnecting head, heart, and hands. Also available from the Conscious Crafts Pottery , Quilting and Whittling .
- GenresKnittingCraftsNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
Published April 12, 2022
8 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 4, 2022
3.5☆ Would Make A Lovely Gift.
Conscious Crafts Knitting was a great book especially if you love Knitting.
You don't necessarily have to have lots of experience as the book gives you the basic stitches such as knit, purl, casting on and binding off. How to sew up ie mattress stitch, how to add fringes etc..
However some of the patterns require stitches such as rib and moss stitch so it can become a little tricky.
You Tube has amazing videos so don't give up!
My reasons for 3.5☆ was because the illustrations in my copy of the book were awful and blurred. Which is a real shame as the pattern matches the illustrations step by step to help guide you.
But if I'm barely able to see the pictures then it's pretty much useless to me.
However that is just my particular copy and I wouldn't want that to put others off as I think a print version would be a real treasure.
The patterns are great, not overly difficult if you have experience of Knitting.
They consist of things such as fingerless mittens, blanket, bath mat, cushion cover, wall decoration, pom poms, scarf, phone case to name a few!
So as you can see there is a really good selection.
Each pattern gives you the wool you need & how much, needle sizes ( as there are so many different sizes ), equipment you need ie stitch markers, techniques used and tension guides.
Overall a great Knitting book that would make a Beautiful Gift for someone who loves crafting, wants to start Knitting or who loves discovering New patterns.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Conscious Crafts Knitting was a great book especially if you love Knitting.
You don't necessarily have to have lots of experience as the book gives you the basic stitches such as knit, purl, casting on and binding off. How to sew up ie mattress stitch, how to add fringes etc..
However some of the patterns require stitches such as rib and moss stitch so it can become a little tricky.
You Tube has amazing videos so don't give up!
My reasons for 3.5☆ was because the illustrations in my copy of the book were awful and blurred. Which is a real shame as the pattern matches the illustrations step by step to help guide you.
But if I'm barely able to see the pictures then it's pretty much useless to me.
However that is just my particular copy and I wouldn't want that to put others off as I think a print version would be a real treasure.
The patterns are great, not overly difficult if you have experience of Knitting.
They consist of things such as fingerless mittens, blanket, bath mat, cushion cover, wall decoration, pom poms, scarf, phone case to name a few!
So as you can see there is a really good selection.
Each pattern gives you the wool you need & how much, needle sizes ( as there are so many different sizes ), equipment you need ie stitch markers, techniques used and tension guides.
Overall a great Knitting book that would make a Beautiful Gift for someone who loves crafting, wants to start Knitting or who loves discovering New patterns.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 7, 2022
Extremely basic design knit book. Maybe great for a beginners. Nothing jumped out to me that I needed to knit right away. In some of the pictures the knitted item was wonky looking.
June 10, 2022
3 stars
A nice collection of knitting projects for beginners (or if you want to knit up something small in a short time period).
[What I liked:]
•The patterns are mostly for useful objects (coasters, cozies, etc.) which are always nice for giving as gifts!
•The projects are small & don’t require many advanced techniques, so if you want to finish something in a short time period or start with something small if you’re a beginner, these patterns might be for you.
•There are lots of pictures, both of finished projects & what the pieces are supposed to look like while in progress.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•I personally wasn’t interested in any of the projects (I don’t particularly want to make knitted coasters or a planter cozy), but that’s just me.
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A nice collection of knitting projects for beginners (or if you want to knit up something small in a short time period).
[What I liked:]
•The patterns are mostly for useful objects (coasters, cozies, etc.) which are always nice for giving as gifts!
•The projects are small & don’t require many advanced techniques, so if you want to finish something in a short time period or start with something small if you’re a beginner, these patterns might be for you.
•There are lots of pictures, both of finished projects & what the pieces are supposed to look like while in progress.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•I personally wasn’t interested in any of the projects (I don’t particularly want to make knitted coasters or a planter cozy), but that’s just me.
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
April 8, 2022
This is a lovely basic knitting book from the co-founders of the Black Girl Knit Club. It will work well for those who are brand new to knitting and who want simple projects to start. There are lots of photos and instructions on how to do a variety of knitting techniques and then projects for the home (like coasters and bathmats) and to wear (like fingerless gloves). It's very basic but great for those new to knitting, and yay for representation.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
April 22, 2022
This is a really fabulous book for both beginners and anyone who just want an item to knit and relax. I have always found knitting very calming and enjoyed it whilst making item for the home and family.
This wonderful book has an excellent start with basic how to knit stitches, sample swatches which move onto very simple items such as coasters, dishcloths to items of clothing such scarves, bags and even how to make your own yarn.
Love this book - love the simple projects and the easy to follow instructions, which are excellently illustrated.
This wonderful book has an excellent start with basic how to knit stitches, sample swatches which move onto very simple items such as coasters, dishcloths to items of clothing such scarves, bags and even how to make your own yarn.
Love this book - love the simple projects and the easy to follow instructions, which are excellently illustrated.
April 12, 2022
A short, but on point, book about how mindful knitting is. The projects in the book are suitable for beginners and can be knit up in a few hours, which is very satisfying.
May 24, 2022
A good beginners knitting book with lots of info on the basics, including helpful illustrations and a handful of projects. The projects included weren't really my style, hence the 3 stars from me, but overall not a bad book.
April 26, 2022
I enjoyed this knitting book. It was very grounding and a good starting point for beginner knitters.
The projects are easy to understand and quick to knit due to them being chunky.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The projects are easy to understand and quick to knit due to them being chunky.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
November 18, 2024
A really good book for beginners
March 28, 2022
Conscious Crafts: Knitting 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands by Vanessa Koranteng; Sicgmone Kludje
Book starts out with table of contents where patterns are listed.
Colorful pictures throughout the book Introduction discusses the authors and their passion for knitting.
Tools and equipment along with basic stitches also discussed in detail along with diagrams and pictures.
Geared to helping black women this book can be used for any one. Love the explanations of the stitches and swatch that is included, in color.
Each pattern starts with a name and to far left are equipment you will need, needles, yarns, and other items along with finished size and stitches used.
To middle section summarizes the project then instructions, row by row along with pictures and diagrams of each and every step.
There are so many projects to keep you busy for a while, to spruce up a table, your work area, etc. Great as gifts also in the receiver's favorite colors.
Going to try twist head band in chunky which I've never used and have some here.
Fingerless mittens are also a hit around here with photographers. Fringed scarf would also make a nice gift, I never think to add fringe!
Love the section on making your own yarn, so many useful ideas in this book. Acknowledgements end this book.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press, Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ConsciousCraftsKnitting #NetGalley
Book starts out with table of contents where patterns are listed.
Colorful pictures throughout the book Introduction discusses the authors and their passion for knitting.
Tools and equipment along with basic stitches also discussed in detail along with diagrams and pictures.
Geared to helping black women this book can be used for any one. Love the explanations of the stitches and swatch that is included, in color.
Each pattern starts with a name and to far left are equipment you will need, needles, yarns, and other items along with finished size and stitches used.
To middle section summarizes the project then instructions, row by row along with pictures and diagrams of each and every step.
There are so many projects to keep you busy for a while, to spruce up a table, your work area, etc. Great as gifts also in the receiver's favorite colors.
Going to try twist head band in chunky which I've never used and have some here.
Fingerless mittens are also a hit around here with photographers. Fringed scarf would also make a nice gift, I never think to add fringe!
Love the section on making your own yarn, so many useful ideas in this book. Acknowledgements end this book.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press, Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ConsciousCraftsKnitting #NetGalley
April 27, 2022
Be happy. Knit a square. That’s this book in a nutshell.
April 17, 2022
I requested this book off NetGalley, so I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. As an avid knitter, I thought this would be a fun book to review, maybe get inspiration for my next project and give a book a good review.
Unfortunately, I cannot do that...
Conscious Knitting markets itself as a part knitting and part mindfulness book. There are many studies that have come out about the calming benefits of knitting and its repetitive motions (This is after you've learnt to do it. I've taught a few friends and I can say that initial learning and first few rows are anything but calming).
The book description mentioned a few things that I don’t think were found in the book or were over represented. I'm just going to go point by point by the order of the book description:
Basics of knitting: This part may be the only part of the book I enjoyed. The graphics and photos for each step by step in the tutorials were really nice. Although, I think the samples used in this section section could have benefited from blocking before the photos got taken. I assume it was an aesthetic choice to leave the samples as is. But blocking helps square the item, even out tension of stitches and makes the stitches clearer to see. All things that I think would benefit a photo tutorial.
There were also graphics throughout each pattern of how it should look after each step, which again was nice and would be helpful to a new knitter. The graphics are the only reason this book is being given one star.
Repurposing used textiles: The fact this is on the back of the book is very misleading to anyone that may be interested (especially since it's listed more than once). There is one tutorial on how to cut up a t-shirt and turn it into yarn. There isn’t even a project that uses said yarn. Or even photos of any projects in the book but made with recycled yarn.
Mindful mantra: There's a self-help type slogan at the bottom on each page. Ex. "There is meaning in everything I create", "Today is filled with endless possibilities". It would have been nicer if there were longer passages related to mindfulness, maybe guided meditation or a tutorial on deep breathing. The book has so much white space, so it's not like there's wasn't the space to add a bubble of text.
The Projects: All of them are squares or rectangles. Maybe some are stockinette, maybe some of ribbed. Every project is square, and some of them are sewn at the end so it doesn't look like a square.
And you might argue the book should have easy patterns cause its purpose is to be mindful and not cause stress by adding lots of complexity. Still, throw in a basic hat, or simple socks. Add variation in experience levels so this book can grow with its owner as they develop their skills.
The description also mentions arm knitting, That's a straight up lie. There's no arm knitting in this book.
If it wasn't clear, this book was a massive disappointment. If these project were shown as a listicle I randomly found on Pinterest I would still be let down but this is book is selling for over $20CAD. If you are looking for beginner friendly projects, Ravelry is filled with thousands for you to discover. If you want a guide book on how to learn to knit, there's amazing tutorials on Youtube, or the Vogue Knitting book which is an extremely detailed resource that you can use a reference at any experience level.
Unfortunately, I cannot do that...
Conscious Knitting markets itself as a part knitting and part mindfulness book. There are many studies that have come out about the calming benefits of knitting and its repetitive motions (This is after you've learnt to do it. I've taught a few friends and I can say that initial learning and first few rows are anything but calming).
The book description mentioned a few things that I don’t think were found in the book or were over represented. I'm just going to go point by point by the order of the book description:
Basics of knitting: This part may be the only part of the book I enjoyed. The graphics and photos for each step by step in the tutorials were really nice. Although, I think the samples used in this section section could have benefited from blocking before the photos got taken. I assume it was an aesthetic choice to leave the samples as is. But blocking helps square the item, even out tension of stitches and makes the stitches clearer to see. All things that I think would benefit a photo tutorial.
There were also graphics throughout each pattern of how it should look after each step, which again was nice and would be helpful to a new knitter. The graphics are the only reason this book is being given one star.
Repurposing used textiles: The fact this is on the back of the book is very misleading to anyone that may be interested (especially since it's listed more than once). There is one tutorial on how to cut up a t-shirt and turn it into yarn. There isn’t even a project that uses said yarn. Or even photos of any projects in the book but made with recycled yarn.
Mindful mantra: There's a self-help type slogan at the bottom on each page. Ex. "There is meaning in everything I create", "Today is filled with endless possibilities". It would have been nicer if there were longer passages related to mindfulness, maybe guided meditation or a tutorial on deep breathing. The book has so much white space, so it's not like there's wasn't the space to add a bubble of text.
The Projects: All of them are squares or rectangles. Maybe some are stockinette, maybe some of ribbed. Every project is square, and some of them are sewn at the end so it doesn't look like a square.
And you might argue the book should have easy patterns cause its purpose is to be mindful and not cause stress by adding lots of complexity. Still, throw in a basic hat, or simple socks. Add variation in experience levels so this book can grow with its owner as they develop their skills.
The description also mentions arm knitting, That's a straight up lie. There's no arm knitting in this book.
If it wasn't clear, this book was a massive disappointment. If these project were shown as a listicle I randomly found on Pinterest I would still be let down but this is book is selling for over $20CAD. If you are looking for beginner friendly projects, Ravelry is filled with thousands for you to discover. If you want a guide book on how to learn to knit, there's amazing tutorials on Youtube, or the Vogue Knitting book which is an extremely detailed resource that you can use a reference at any experience level.
January 22, 2022
This post first appeared on: https://saschadarlington.me/2022/01/2...
Conscious Crafts: Knitting by Vanessa Koranteng and Sicgmone Kludje has an intriguing premise of merging knitting and meditation mindfully. I suspect that those of us who have been knitters for a while probably meditate, perhaps unmindfully, while knitting anyway. Regardless, I like the thesis but just wish that more of the book actually focused on the meditative character of knitting and integrating more mantras.
Instead, Conscious Crafts: Knitting is a beginner’s knitting guide, which is fine, but as a true guide it’s rather scant in the information it imparts, especially in comparison to other beginner’s knitting books on the market. The pictures showing how to do stitches don’t really appear to me to be that helpful and a newbie would probably be better off seeking out some YouTube videos. And there’s a huge information dump at the beginning that might have been spread throughout the book a bit more, introducing a technique in the section in which a project actually uses it. For drop stitches, the authors mention that they come in two forms (knit and purl) but don’t say why the drop stitch is being used at the beginning of the row (to make a nice edge) which I would certainly want to know as a newbie.
The projects are basic and well-tuned to a beginning knitter, offering variety, attractiveness and usefulness in the final object.
Conscious Crafts: Knitting is useful; I just wish that it had provided more in the way of mindfulness and knitting.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Conscious Crafts: Knitting by Vanessa Koranteng and Sicgmone Kludje has an intriguing premise of merging knitting and meditation mindfully. I suspect that those of us who have been knitters for a while probably meditate, perhaps unmindfully, while knitting anyway. Regardless, I like the thesis but just wish that more of the book actually focused on the meditative character of knitting and integrating more mantras.
Instead, Conscious Crafts: Knitting is a beginner’s knitting guide, which is fine, but as a true guide it’s rather scant in the information it imparts, especially in comparison to other beginner’s knitting books on the market. The pictures showing how to do stitches don’t really appear to me to be that helpful and a newbie would probably be better off seeking out some YouTube videos. And there’s a huge information dump at the beginning that might have been spread throughout the book a bit more, introducing a technique in the section in which a project actually uses it. For drop stitches, the authors mention that they come in two forms (knit and purl) but don’t say why the drop stitch is being used at the beginning of the row (to make a nice edge) which I would certainly want to know as a newbie.
The projects are basic and well-tuned to a beginning knitter, offering variety, attractiveness and usefulness in the final object.
Conscious Crafts: Knitting is useful; I just wish that it had provided more in the way of mindfulness and knitting.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2022
Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.
I received a free copy of Conscious Crafts: Knitting from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you are interested in knitting and are looking for some easy patterns that you can use either around the home or for yourself then Conscious Crafts: Knitting is here to guide you into this new world.
Before you are introduced to any patterns, an entire chapter is dedicated to how to knit. This includes how to cast on and bind off, the knit and purl stitch with their congenital variations, how to do some basic stitch patterns like the garter and stockinette stitch, as well as how to change colour in a project.
The patterns in Conscious Crafts: Knitting are separated into two different sections. ‘I am grateful for the home that I have’, this section covers patterns that are for general around-the-home items. These include cushion covers, place pot cozies (like the one on the cover of the book), dish clothes and knitted blankets. ‘my confidence is my best accessory’ has patterns that are for wearables. Patterns such as fringed scarves, basketweave bags and rib twist headband are some of the patterns that you can make for yourself.
While the selection of patterns included are good, nothing has stood out for me to make aside from the plant cozies, and unfortunately I do not have any indoor potted plants to make any for. If you do find any of the patterns within interesting then I am sure that you will find this book helpful.
I received a free copy of Conscious Crafts: Knitting from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you are interested in knitting and are looking for some easy patterns that you can use either around the home or for yourself then Conscious Crafts: Knitting is here to guide you into this new world.
Before you are introduced to any patterns, an entire chapter is dedicated to how to knit. This includes how to cast on and bind off, the knit and purl stitch with their congenital variations, how to do some basic stitch patterns like the garter and stockinette stitch, as well as how to change colour in a project.
The patterns in Conscious Crafts: Knitting are separated into two different sections. ‘I am grateful for the home that I have’, this section covers patterns that are for general around-the-home items. These include cushion covers, place pot cozies (like the one on the cover of the book), dish clothes and knitted blankets. ‘my confidence is my best accessory’ has patterns that are for wearables. Patterns such as fringed scarves, basketweave bags and rib twist headband are some of the patterns that you can make for yourself.
While the selection of patterns included are good, nothing has stood out for me to make aside from the plant cozies, and unfortunately I do not have any indoor potted plants to make any for. If you do find any of the patterns within interesting then I am sure that you will find this book helpful.
Read
April 12, 2022Conscious Crafts: Knitting 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands by Vanessa Koranteng; Sicgmone Kludje
Book starts out with table of contents where patterns are listed.
Colorful pictures throughout the book Introduction discusses the authors and their passion for knitting.
Tools and equipment along with basic stitches also discussed in detail along with diagrams and pictures.
Geared to helping black women this book can be used for any one. Love the explanations of the stitches and swatch that is included, in color.
Each pattern starts with a name and to far left are equipment you will need, needles, yarns, and other items along with finished size and stitches used.
To middle section summarizes the project then instructions, row by row along with pictures and diagrams of each and every step.
There are so many projects to keep you busy for a while, to spruce up a table, your work area, etc. Great as gifts also in the receiver's favorite colors.
Going to try twist head band in chunky which I've never used and have some here.
Fingerless mittens are also a hit around here with photographers. Fringed scarf would also make a nice gift, I never think to add fringe!
Love the section on making your own yarn, so many useful ideas in this book. Acknowledgements end this book.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press, Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ConsciousCraftsKnitting #NetGalley
Book starts out with table of contents where patterns are listed.
Colorful pictures throughout the book Introduction discusses the authors and their passion for knitting.
Tools and equipment along with basic stitches also discussed in detail along with diagrams and pictures.
Geared to helping black women this book can be used for any one. Love the explanations of the stitches and swatch that is included, in color.
Each pattern starts with a name and to far left are equipment you will need, needles, yarns, and other items along with finished size and stitches used.
To middle section summarizes the project then instructions, row by row along with pictures and diagrams of each and every step.
There are so many projects to keep you busy for a while, to spruce up a table, your work area, etc. Great as gifts also in the receiver's favorite colors.
Going to try twist head band in chunky which I've never used and have some here.
Fingerless mittens are also a hit around here with photographers. Fringed scarf would also make a nice gift, I never think to add fringe!
Love the section on making your own yarn, so many useful ideas in this book. Acknowledgements end this book.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press, Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ConsciousCraftsKnitting #NetGalley
March 31, 2022
This was a cute and fun book! Conscious Crafts: Knitting is a beginners knitting book written by Vanessa Koranteng and Sicgmone Kludje. I really liked the format of this book; it was simple and easy to read.
I consider myself more of an experienced knitter, so I was able to understand all of the instructions fairly easily. However, from my understanding these patterns are beginner friendly. The pictures are clear and easy to understand. The book also explains the different patterns that the stitches create. The patterns are also easy to understand, and they include pictures.
Overall this is a good beginners knitting book to read. I personally like knitting in a round and using circular knitting needles, so it may be too easy for experienced knitters. But I think that this is a good book to start knitting with.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
I consider myself more of an experienced knitter, so I was able to understand all of the instructions fairly easily. However, from my understanding these patterns are beginner friendly. The pictures are clear and easy to understand. The book also explains the different patterns that the stitches create. The patterns are also easy to understand, and they include pictures.
Overall this is a good beginners knitting book to read. I personally like knitting in a round and using circular knitting needles, so it may be too easy for experienced knitters. But I think that this is a good book to start knitting with.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
March 26, 2022
Mindfulness and Sustainability are at the heart of this book of very simple knitting patterns. It is completely beginner friendly, explaining everything you need to know to create stylish and well-finished items. The knitting patterns are all very simple, knitted flat (seaming is explained, don’t worry), mostly using chunky yarns and often with option to use multiple colours to add interest.
There are two sections - items for your home (plant-cozies are my favourite, but cozy cushion covers are hard to resist also) and accessories (headband, bags, phone cover, my favourites are chunky scarf and cowls, fingerless mitts are cute too).
Because the patterns are easy, they are ideal (apart from beginners) for meditative self-care. Anyone who has fallen in love with knitting will be able to vouch for the soul soothing meditative nature of the needles in your hands and a stitch you don’t have to think about or count out and that is what this book promotes.
There are two sections - items for your home (plant-cozies are my favourite, but cozy cushion covers are hard to resist also) and accessories (headband, bags, phone cover, my favourites are chunky scarf and cowls, fingerless mitts are cute too).
Because the patterns are easy, they are ideal (apart from beginners) for meditative self-care. Anyone who has fallen in love with knitting will be able to vouch for the soul soothing meditative nature of the needles in your hands and a stitch you don’t have to think about or count out and that is what this book promotes.
March 31, 2022
This is a cute beginning knitting book for those who are looking to make some smaller projects. The Black Girl Knit Club aims to use crafting as mediation and they do a good job of it in this book. There are very clear instructions on how to knit and 20 projects, most of which are very beginner. I especially liked the section at the end where they give you instructions on how to make your own yarn. This process is similar to making t-shirt yarn or "plarn" out of plastic bags, but they use fabric to make a super bulky yarn. I think that would be a great way to use up fabric and make a personalized project.. It would be nice if they included a super bulky project to use said yarn for, but it was an interesting way to use the previous models of making "yarn" and using a different medium.
March 25, 2022
Conscious Crafts: Knitting by Vanessa Koranteng; Sicgmone Kludje . A comprehensive beginners guide to knitting. Easy to follow instructions with each step clearly illustrated. A vary of easy projects to get started with mindful mantras to use during knitting the projects. Though I have been knitting a number of years, I did find a couple of useful tips and an interesting project to do (the wall hanging). The mantras were soothing and went well with the projects.
Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
March 30, 2022
This is a fantastic crafting book! The knitting patterns contain tons of pictures for each pattern, including pictures of the finished product and steps along the way. The pictures and instructions are clean and simple and easy to follow. All of the patterns are adorable and things people actually would want to make (or receive) and include various categories from plant cozies and rugs to scarves and mittens. This is a great addition for anyone who enjoys knitting and would some cute, fresh new ideas!
April 16, 2022
This book is not really meant for knitters like me, in that the instructions and patterns are really simple and basic. But if the whole point of the book is to create conscious crafts, where it's about process rather than the product, then I can see the value of this for newer knitters or those more interested in knitting as a meditation. The pictures are extremely clear and the instructions very detailed. I think the authors could have done more with considering how to actually knit mindfully, but I would hand this to a new knitter without trepidation.
April 18, 2022
I have always found knitting to be a relaxing and mindful activity so this book really resonated with me and really made me yearn for my knitting needles again.
I think it’s great the way it takes you through the very basics of how to knit so that even those who don’t yet know how would still be able to get the benefits that this book, and knitting, can offer.
The projects start from really simple and quick too, which is a real plus for very beginners or those who just don’t have much free time.
Overall a good book that I would recommend.
I think it’s great the way it takes you through the very basics of how to knit so that even those who don’t yet know how would still be able to get the benefits that this book, and knitting, can offer.
The projects start from really simple and quick too, which is a real plus for very beginners or those who just don’t have much free time.
Overall a good book that I would recommend.
April 21, 2022
Conscious Crafts: Knitting
20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands
by Vanessa Koranteng; Sicgmone Kludje
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent book for beginners and those new to knitting - the how to pictures and explanations are fantastic.
I really appreciated the mindfulness of the content presentation as well as the practicality of the patterns included. The end note of how to upcycle other unneeded items to use in place of traditional yarn was an excellent touch.
Great knitting book! 5/5
20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands
by Vanessa Koranteng; Sicgmone Kludje
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent book for beginners and those new to knitting - the how to pictures and explanations are fantastic.
I really appreciated the mindfulness of the content presentation as well as the practicality of the patterns included. The end note of how to upcycle other unneeded items to use in place of traditional yarn was an excellent touch.
Great knitting book! 5/5
May 5, 2022
This is a good, basic book of simple knitting projects. The patterns are well done, and I'm all on board with the idea of meditative knitting. Highly recommended if you're a beginner and looking for some solid, basic projects or if you want something simple to work on.
Much of the first part of the book addresses knitting basics. Do people learn to knit by reading a book these days? If you do, this material might be useful. But in my experience, you're better off learning to knit by watching videos. For this reason, I would have rather seen more patterns in this book and less instruction.
Much of the first part of the book addresses knitting basics. Do people learn to knit by reading a book these days? If you do, this material might be useful. But in my experience, you're better off learning to knit by watching videos. For this reason, I would have rather seen more patterns in this book and less instruction.
February 5, 2023
This took me all of 7 minutes to read through... I'm an experienced knitter so, luckily, I could dispense with all the intro stuff. Good thing, too, because if I wanted to learn to knit from this book, I think I'd be seriously frustrated. The how-to photos are so small as to be useless! Most projects were variations on a rectangle and with chunky yarn at that, making for quick work. Basic and inoffensive, though the Textured Wall Hanging and the Pom Pom Christmas Wreath were pretty fugly. The mindful text sprinkled throughout the book just served to annoy me that this book wasn't better.
November 13, 2025
I would say this is a good book for people new to knitting, it has simple projects and covers different sizes and changing colours.
It has simple instructions and images to help you see what to do. Some of the images aren’t as clear as they could be but they are helpful.
It isa simple book though. I only started knitting over the summer holidays and I’m sure I could make all of these items without too much trouble so if you are an accomplished knitter this would be teaching you to suck eggs.
That said there are several patterns I will be trying so worth it for me.
It has simple instructions and images to help you see what to do. Some of the images aren’t as clear as they could be but they are helpful.
It isa simple book though. I only started knitting over the summer holidays and I’m sure I could make all of these items without too much trouble so if you are an accomplished knitter this would be teaching you to suck eggs.
That said there are several patterns I will be trying so worth it for me.
April 30, 2022
A beautiful book on all things knitting and has some gorgeous photography , not to mention the patterns are clear and easy to follow, it goes in-depth into conscientious knitting that helps clear your mind while you are knitting
* a big thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review *
* a big thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review *
May 23, 2022
This would be a good book for people who haven't knitted before and need some simple projects to work through. I did like the mindfulness and affirmations throughout. That does add to the uniqueness of the book.
I received a free, time-limited eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free, time-limited eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest a review.
A great book with some fun and beautiful projects for beginners, I liked it and I'm working on some of these items which I found really easy to make.
A great book with some fun and beautiful projects for beginners, I liked it and I'm working on some of these items which I found really easy to make.
May 7, 2022
Easy step-by-step guide to knitting for beginners. As an experienced knitter I found the patterns too simplistic, but think they'd be good for someone new to the craft. I'm intrigued by the last pattern which is really more of a recipe on how to make your own yarn from fabric.
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