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A Knitter's Home Companion: A Heartwarming Collection of Stories, Patterns, and Recipes
A Knitter's Home Companion is an illustrated collection of stories, patterns, and recipes from beloved knitter and essayist Michelle Edwards. This heartwarming title will appeal to knitters interested in not only stitches, yarn, and patterns, but also in the lives of other knitters, the lessons that can be learned from their craft, the ways knitting helps knitters cope during difficult times, and the role of knitting in family life. "Let [this book] keep you company when you need another knitter's voice beside you," Edwards writes in her introduction.
Like a good friend, A Knitter's Home Companion will inspire readers to laugh, cry, remember, be thoughtful, cook, and, of course, pick up their needles--sometimes to soothe, sometimes to celebrate, and sometimes to just pass the time. Divided into four chapters--Motherhood, Home, Community, and Legacy--stories range from "But She Doesn't Have Any Underpants," about the challenges of knitting for family to "Home Ec Workshop and the Mystery of the Indian Slipper," about finding community at a local yarn shop. Projects range from mittens and socks to a baby blanket and afghan.
Praise for A Knitter's Home Companion:
"This charming book is like reading a letter from your best friend . . . The recipes, beautiful drawings, anecdotes, and helpful hints on every aspect of our favorite craft . . . will bring a smile to your face and a comfort to your soul."
- Love of Knitting
"These reflections on knitting will resonate with knitters of all stripes. Charming stories supplemented by delightful patterns and recipes open a window to a knitter's inner life . . . From here, straight through to the end of the book you will feel a personal connection to this author who knits to celebrate, soothe and pass the time."
-Knitch Magazine"This is a charming and utterly alluring book that makes you want to cook and knit and have a little chat about the kids. I love Michelle Edwards' drawings, and the design of the book is an artwork in itself. This is a book you want to buy for yourself, and maybe to give to a few close friends, as well." Jane Smiley, Author of many novels and knitter of many sweaters
"A cozy and charming collection of essays about the joys of knitting --complete with lovely patterns and yummy recipes--to leave you feeling warm and inspired." Kate Jacobs, Author of Friday Night Knitting Club series and Comfort Food
"Michelle Edwards' writing remind me of a simpler time when I grew up in a small town where family was the center of everything. When I read her stories, I think about the legacy I am leaving to my daughter by teaching her the craft that I love so much and what a treasure a handmade gift really is. Beyond the delightful and heartwarming stories, the patterns, and the recipes is a wonderful message about what is really most important in life." Vanna White
"It was Edwards' love of knitting and her desire to find a nurturing community that led to her newest book, A Knitter's Home Companion, which is a love song that she's written to knitting and the process of forming a community around her lifelong passion of shaping strands of wool into hats, scarves, sweaters, socks, mittens, and even egg warmers."
-Wordswimmer.com
Like a good friend, A Knitter's Home Companion will inspire readers to laugh, cry, remember, be thoughtful, cook, and, of course, pick up their needles--sometimes to soothe, sometimes to celebrate, and sometimes to just pass the time. Divided into four chapters--Motherhood, Home, Community, and Legacy--stories range from "But She Doesn't Have Any Underpants," about the challenges of knitting for family to "Home Ec Workshop and the Mystery of the Indian Slipper," about finding community at a local yarn shop. Projects range from mittens and socks to a baby blanket and afghan.
Praise for A Knitter's Home Companion:
"This charming book is like reading a letter from your best friend . . . The recipes, beautiful drawings, anecdotes, and helpful hints on every aspect of our favorite craft . . . will bring a smile to your face and a comfort to your soul."
- Love of Knitting
"These reflections on knitting will resonate with knitters of all stripes. Charming stories supplemented by delightful patterns and recipes open a window to a knitter's inner life . . . From here, straight through to the end of the book you will feel a personal connection to this author who knits to celebrate, soothe and pass the time."
-Knitch Magazine"This is a charming and utterly alluring book that makes you want to cook and knit and have a little chat about the kids. I love Michelle Edwards' drawings, and the design of the book is an artwork in itself. This is a book you want to buy for yourself, and maybe to give to a few close friends, as well." Jane Smiley, Author of many novels and knitter of many sweaters
"A cozy and charming collection of essays about the joys of knitting --complete with lovely patterns and yummy recipes--to leave you feeling warm and inspired." Kate Jacobs, Author of Friday Night Knitting Club series and Comfort Food
"Michelle Edwards' writing remind me of a simpler time when I grew up in a small town where family was the center of everything. When I read her stories, I think about the legacy I am leaving to my daughter by teaching her the craft that I love so much and what a treasure a handmade gift really is. Beyond the delightful and heartwarming stories, the patterns, and the recipes is a wonderful message about what is really most important in life." Vanna White
"It was Edwards' love of knitting and her desire to find a nurturing community that led to her newest book, A Knitter's Home Companion, which is a love song that she's written to knitting and the process of forming a community around her lifelong passion of shaping strands of wool into hats, scarves, sweaters, socks, mittens, and even egg warmers."
-Wordswimmer.com
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
69 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 27, 2018
This was 3 and a half stars for me, but I am rounding it up to 4 stars. I am not fond of books that use recipes, and/or knitting patterns as fillers. I normally don't read this type of knitting book. In their Mason Dixon blog, Kay Gardner and Ann Shayne recently praised this book, so I got myself a copy. Edwards is a wonderful writer. She writes about her life, her family and her knitting heritage, and the meaning of knitting in our lives.
She describes her mother's way of knitting : " ...she knit like a Russian Jew, with her yarn in her left hand, yarn wrapped around the second finger, opening the stitch and pulling it through with her right -hand needle. It's a quick and efficient way to knit...". Funny enough, this is how I knit. I learned to knit from my Irish American mother, but in college learned to knit "continental" from a friend. I am often questioned, criticized, and have even been chastised for the way I knit. I know have a frame of reference. I knit like the author's immigrant mother.
She describes her mother's way of knitting : " ...she knit like a Russian Jew, with her yarn in her left hand, yarn wrapped around the second finger, opening the stitch and pulling it through with her right -hand needle. It's a quick and efficient way to knit...". Funny enough, this is how I knit. I learned to knit from my Irish American mother, but in college learned to knit "continental" from a friend. I am often questioned, criticized, and have even been chastised for the way I knit. I know have a frame of reference. I knit like the author's immigrant mother.
March 22, 2017
This little book really was very charming. I enjoyed it and have found inspiration.
September 12, 2021
A cosy read but the patterns were not very appealing.
February 15, 2011
[apologies to anyone who read an earlier version of this--I pushed the wrong button and made it public before I was done with it.]
I got an advance proof of this book from ALA Midwinter. When I picked it up I was rather skeptical about whether I needed a book of "heartwarming stories, patterns, and recipes," but it was free, so I took it. My major question was: does this kind of book have any value for me when I have Ravelry at hand and any number of heartwarming knitting blogs and posts and gazillions of other pattern books at hand?
I believe that it does earn a place in my home because it is a book that I'd pick up again--to reread the quest for the magically formed Turkish slippers or about the Mitten Ladies, or more likely to use one of the patterns in it. The patterns are very practical and ordinary, which means that they are ones you might turn to if you needed a basic, workaday pattern for a quick gift, or to use up a bit of stash. No special yarn is needed. There are patterns for first socks, for wristlets and a scarf, dishcloths, a playtime cape, a zigzag afghan. I made one of the dishcloths--it was exactly the pattern I needed to finish up a gift for an elderly aunt. A plus is that the special techniques needed are explained at the back of the book. I can't speak to the recipes, though they are of the same ilk: spaghetti sauce, roasted root vegetables, frosting; all ordinary foods you might need to make on short notice. A final feature of the book is the author's book recommendations, which are mostly knitting-themed.
I've tucked the book into my knitting bag to remind myself that the patterns are available.
I got an advance proof of this book from ALA Midwinter. When I picked it up I was rather skeptical about whether I needed a book of "heartwarming stories, patterns, and recipes," but it was free, so I took it. My major question was: does this kind of book have any value for me when I have Ravelry at hand and any number of heartwarming knitting blogs and posts and gazillions of other pattern books at hand?
I believe that it does earn a place in my home because it is a book that I'd pick up again--to reread the quest for the magically formed Turkish slippers or about the Mitten Ladies, or more likely to use one of the patterns in it. The patterns are very practical and ordinary, which means that they are ones you might turn to if you needed a basic, workaday pattern for a quick gift, or to use up a bit of stash. No special yarn is needed. There are patterns for first socks, for wristlets and a scarf, dishcloths, a playtime cape, a zigzag afghan. I made one of the dishcloths--it was exactly the pattern I needed to finish up a gift for an elderly aunt. A plus is that the special techniques needed are explained at the back of the book. I can't speak to the recipes, though they are of the same ilk: spaghetti sauce, roasted root vegetables, frosting; all ordinary foods you might need to make on short notice. A final feature of the book is the author's book recommendations, which are mostly knitting-themed.
I've tucked the book into my knitting bag to remind myself that the patterns are available.
April 15, 2011
This was a very enjoyable book. It is filled with stories about knitting, personal recollections about the craft of knitting, recipes and some easy projects.
The projects in the book could be made for personal use or for gift giving. There's a lacey scarf I want to make and a baby blanket. My friend in ireland just told me she's expecting so this pattern is going to come in handy very soon :)
The book itself is very nice with drawings for each chapter and beautiful photos of the projects to make.
Get this book for yourself and maybe one or two extra copies to give as gifts.
The projects in the book could be made for personal use or for gift giving. There's a lacey scarf I want to make and a baby blanket. My friend in ireland just told me she's expecting so this pattern is going to come in handy very soon :)
The book itself is very nice with drawings for each chapter and beautiful photos of the projects to make.
Get this book for yourself and maybe one or two extra copies to give as gifts.
March 7, 2011
This was absolutely amazing. I recommend this not only to knitters, but bakers, people devoted to their families, etc. This was a beautiful book! I can't wait to share it with the other knitters in my life and to read again!
July 10, 2014
Was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be a more general type of book with patterns and recipes but it's simply one person's viewpoints on life and her family. That's fine, but not what the title implies. I zipped through it in ten minutes, couldn't find anything of interest.
March 9, 2011
this book is just lovely! part story, part knitting stuff, part food. what's not to like?
it's also in a wonderful format and presentation.
can you tell i like it?
it's also in a wonderful format and presentation.
can you tell i like it?
April 26, 2011
A very good read, Like chatting with a friend who enjoys knitting as much as I do.
April 29, 2011
A cozy book. Made me want to curl up in a chair with a cup of tea and my knitting needles...reminds of all the best things about the art and craft of knitting.
February 4, 2019
This book was so wonderful to page through and read little bits here and there. I enjoyed reading all the essays on knitting. It was definitely like visiting an old friend or like having a cup of steaming tea on a cold day. If you are a knitter you will be delighted with this collection of short essays on the life and times of a knitter. I felt the author captured the way I feel about my knitting so well. Along with the essays the book also has several knitting patterns. I loved the Garter Zigzag blanket and am busy making plans and thinking about possible color choices. Not only are there essays and patterns but also recipes sprinkled through the pages. I’ve tried the Spinach, onion, sundries tomato, and feta quiche ( that’s a mouthful) and it was fabulous. I highly recommend this book to all my knitting friends out there.
November 29, 2017
I gave this book two stars because 1 star apparently means you didn't like something and 2 stars means it was OK. And that's what this was. Not wonderful, not terrible, just OK.
I guess my biggest question is, why is this even a book? It is a series of brief recollections by the author of knitting and what it has meant during her life. Which is fine, but it just doesn't seem like book material to me, having read it. I think the stories are lovely, the patterns are fine, as are the recipes. But I am just puzzled as to how she managed to have it published.
I've read other books where the author or authors talk about what knitting has meant to them, etc., and they have just resonated more with me than this one did.
I guess my biggest question is, why is this even a book? It is a series of brief recollections by the author of knitting and what it has meant during her life. Which is fine, but it just doesn't seem like book material to me, having read it. I think the stories are lovely, the patterns are fine, as are the recipes. But I am just puzzled as to how she managed to have it published.
I've read other books where the author or authors talk about what knitting has meant to them, etc., and they have just resonated more with me than this one did.
October 31, 2017
Although I'm a lifelong knitter, and i love knitting stories. This book is definitely worth a read. Easily read in bits and pieces. Relatable stories. Found myself nodding and smiling as I read. Includes recipes and patterns, win win.
December 23, 2017
This is a comforting read about knitting and family and all the loops we make that bring us together. It is also written by a woman from Iowa City, so many of the places she talks about are quickly recognizable.
May 23, 2020
The Comfort of Knitting
I loved the stories. The book describes very well what you get from knitting in addition to beautiful projects. I wish I could knit with the author. The recipes and patterns are icing on the cake.
I loved the stories. The book describes very well what you get from knitting in addition to beautiful projects. I wish I could knit with the author. The recipes and patterns are icing on the cake.
June 4, 2020
Borowed from the library. This book is a collection of stories of how the author came to be a knitter. She has stories about other knitters. The patterns are nice made with affordable yarn. Recipes look promising. I enjoyed the book so much that I will find a used copy for my library.
May 16, 2017
Truly heartwarming as the title says. It was like a big warm hug with the added attraction of more knitting patterns!
April 11, 2018
I delightful book for those who love to knit and cook.
September 27, 2019
This is a lovely little book that does indeed warm your heart.
October 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. :-)
January 22, 2021
Very light reading, more inspirational than anything else.
December 4, 2022
A sweet collection of stories about knitting, with patterns and recipes mixed in. Light reading for any knitter to mix in.
December 23, 2023
This book is a sweet little thing- talk of yarn, of family, of traditions new and old, with a few little extras in it.
I liked it. Its a soothing read in a busy world.
I liked it. Its a soothing read in a busy world.
January 20, 2024
Read about 50 pages and decided to DNF. Simple patterns, lackluster recipes, essays that weren’t gripping me unfortunately. Not worth reading further, apologies to the author.
July 27, 2025
A cozy and charming read. Great to pick up and put down when you have a few minutes to spare.
February 24, 2012
A Knitter's Home Companion by Michelle Edwards
A Heartwarming Collection of Stories, Patterns, and Recipes
http://www.openroadmedia.com/authors/... book trailer
Love knitting as much as I do reading a book, so combining these two things puts me in heaven.
If I read a book on my pc I can also do charity knitting for the hospital or other local charity.
This book starts out when she got married and how knitting has always been in her life one way
or another. The birth of a new baby she made a zigzag baby blanket from the wool she got from her
honeymoon trip. The pattern is included.
Next was to teach her daughter how to knit, but the daughter had a surprise for her.
Other books and how they can relate to a knitter's struggle and triumphs.
Playtime Cape is another project for the children.
Many references to her mom and family in helping her with the knitting process when she started out.
Very good tips if you read the book through. Very nice heart warming stories about what brings knitters together.
A favorite knitter's chair is essential.
Knitter to the rescue around and outside of the house. Precious memories.
Loved the section on becoming a master knitter. I once wanted to and had started some swatching, not
knowing what was all involved. I know I can do the work. I still do challenge myself by working with 000 needles for knitting period costumes for a settlement in the 1800's.
Brings knitting into today's world of Lion Brand Yarn Co. site and also Ravalry.
Glossary and how to make certain stitches is at the back of the book, very informative.
Love the simple yet complex patterns for different items. Always like to test them out for myself and then I can give the item to the local nursing home for their Christmas bazaar.
Love sections on charity knitting and for a cause as I've knit for several of those and many others. It's just plain fulfilling. Love how she got her daughters to become involved also so they can teach it to their children as well.
A Heartwarming Collection of Stories, Patterns, and Recipes
http://www.openroadmedia.com/authors/... book trailer
Love knitting as much as I do reading a book, so combining these two things puts me in heaven.
If I read a book on my pc I can also do charity knitting for the hospital or other local charity.
This book starts out when she got married and how knitting has always been in her life one way
or another. The birth of a new baby she made a zigzag baby blanket from the wool she got from her
honeymoon trip. The pattern is included.
Next was to teach her daughter how to knit, but the daughter had a surprise for her.
Other books and how they can relate to a knitter's struggle and triumphs.
Playtime Cape is another project for the children.
Many references to her mom and family in helping her with the knitting process when she started out.
Very good tips if you read the book through. Very nice heart warming stories about what brings knitters together.
A favorite knitter's chair is essential.
Knitter to the rescue around and outside of the house. Precious memories.
Loved the section on becoming a master knitter. I once wanted to and had started some swatching, not
knowing what was all involved. I know I can do the work. I still do challenge myself by working with 000 needles for knitting period costumes for a settlement in the 1800's.
Brings knitting into today's world of Lion Brand Yarn Co. site and also Ravalry.
Glossary and how to make certain stitches is at the back of the book, very informative.
Love the simple yet complex patterns for different items. Always like to test them out for myself and then I can give the item to the local nursing home for their Christmas bazaar.
Love sections on charity knitting and for a cause as I've knit for several of those and many others. It's just plain fulfilling. Love how she got her daughters to become involved also so they can teach it to their children as well.
March 5, 2012
Are you a fan of knitting ? Do you just love to sit and browse through the hundreds of knitting books looking for your next challenge of creation ? Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who never inherited the knitting gene - I just couldn't get my fingers around it but my mum , aunties and Nana can all knit. This is the ideal present for the Knitting Lovers. The Knitting Companion though as other things that may interest you if you aren't a knitter and I loved the format that Michelle had written her book. Each couple of pages features a story about Michelle's life and after the ancedote - Michelle has provided one or two of three things that accompany the tale for your pleasure e.g a story about entering Motherhood had a pattern on how to make a zig-zag baby blanket, then further on another story followed a book for us to read and then after another tale had the recipe on how to make cupcakes -hmmmm mouthwatering. So next time , you are trying to decide readers what to get your mother , mother-in-law or nana as a present as we all know most of them have everything that they need. Head to your local bookstore and pick up A Knitter's Home Companion and this is also one book I will be letting work know to buy it as I know of plenty of customers at Greerton Library will enjoy this.
August 4, 2016
This book achieved exactly what it set out to do – it was in many ways like a good friend. Michelle Edwards shares tales of her knitting adventures and how knitting interacted with her daily life of being a wife and mother.
There was so much about this book that I loved. I’m a bit of a crafty person and knitting is one of those things that I’ve dabbled in. The patterns that are included are beautiful and well explained. I enjoyed the mix of recipes, book suggestions and knitting patterns that ended each chapter. The photos were lovely and displayed the homemade items off beautifully. I was slightly disappointed that there were no pictures of some of the things Michelle had made and written about – the scarf made with her yarn that reminded her of her mother, her daughter’s stray glove, the patched up green chair.
As someone who doesn’t have anyone to talk about my knitting exploits with, I loved the concept of this book. It is a book that can connect the reader to another who enjoys the art form and understands the lifestyle.
There are many things I will remember from this book – long after reading it. I’ve even used one of the tips – my cupcakes are now perfectly iced/frosted now thanks to Michelle’s tip.
There was so much about this book that I loved. I’m a bit of a crafty person and knitting is one of those things that I’ve dabbled in. The patterns that are included are beautiful and well explained. I enjoyed the mix of recipes, book suggestions and knitting patterns that ended each chapter. The photos were lovely and displayed the homemade items off beautifully. I was slightly disappointed that there were no pictures of some of the things Michelle had made and written about – the scarf made with her yarn that reminded her of her mother, her daughter’s stray glove, the patched up green chair.
As someone who doesn’t have anyone to talk about my knitting exploits with, I loved the concept of this book. It is a book that can connect the reader to another who enjoys the art form and understands the lifestyle.
There are many things I will remember from this book – long after reading it. I’ve even used one of the tips – my cupcakes are now perfectly iced/frosted now thanks to Michelle’s tip.
August 11, 2014
Interesting group of essays on knitting and relationships formed with those who knit. Patterns and recipes included.
Opening Lines:
Rody and I were married on a cold November evening--too cold to wear just my wedding dress and the shawl I had made, but that's all I wore anyway.
Interesting...
While working on a children's story about knitting, I found a historical note describing how loved ones, soon to be boarding ships, leaving hearth and home, possibly forever, held onto one end of a ball of yarn. The other end stayed with the aching hearts on shore. Unwinding as the boat sailed away, the ball ends were dropped when the yarn could no longer cover the distance. The wool was left floating on the water between them.
Perfect description of why I knit...
I have knit just to see the colors change. Just to feel the movement of my needles.
And this on knitting...
Knitting is formed by a series of loops pulled through loops to the end of time or to "desired length." ...Be grateful for this and don't expect any more.
~Elizabeth Zimmermann, Knitter's Almanac
Opening Lines:
Rody and I were married on a cold November evening--too cold to wear just my wedding dress and the shawl I had made, but that's all I wore anyway.
Interesting...
While working on a children's story about knitting, I found a historical note describing how loved ones, soon to be boarding ships, leaving hearth and home, possibly forever, held onto one end of a ball of yarn. The other end stayed with the aching hearts on shore. Unwinding as the boat sailed away, the ball ends were dropped when the yarn could no longer cover the distance. The wool was left floating on the water between them.
Perfect description of why I knit...
I have knit just to see the colors change. Just to feel the movement of my needles.
And this on knitting...
Knitting is formed by a series of loops pulled through loops to the end of time or to "desired length." ...Be grateful for this and don't expect any more.
~Elizabeth Zimmermann, Knitter's Almanac
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews