Simple Designs for Meditative Knitting
Author: Barbara Breen
Knitting can be relaxing and calming, but it can also be exacting and tedious, depending on the pattern. When I want to knit to just be calm, enjoy the rhythm of my needles and just get lost in my thoughts, I don't want to be making something with numerous color changes or a complex chart. Often I knit on something that doesn't require a pattern or a memorized design....so I can just be in the moment.
This book gathers 19 designs with simplicity in mind, designed for relaxed, meditative knitting. The instructions are mostly simple knit and purl repeats -- easily memorized -- so that the knitter can just relax and enjoy the feel of the yarn and their thoughts.
These patterns would be great for car rides, airplanes, waiting rooms, etc as well -- any place you want to bring a spot of calm and something to do, but don't want anything complicated.
I've tried several knitting books that were meant for being calming and relaxing, but the patterns often involved circulars, double points, fussy color changes, charts for lace work.... I can't really calm it and be counting yarn overs and slips at the same time. For me, calm requires a gentle flow, a pattern that doesn't require me to be paying attention to it, and a well-known design that I already know so well I could do it (and have done) with my eyes closed. I want soft yarn, straight needles, and a constant rhythm. :) This book has some patterns and ideas that I'm going to tweak to fit my style, and try them out. A little variation in those times where I just grab up needles, some soft or pretty colored yarn and create something.
If you like to knit, and want to try some calm time with your needles, I definitely recommend this book. It's for beginners and experienced knitters alike.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Fox Chapel Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
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