With every knit, the author tells a story; with every purl, readers weave a little of themselves into the tale. Beyond Stitch & Bitch explores through essays the emotional and spiritual aspects of knitting. Although the book is targeted to knitters, any craft person will appreciate the passion and affection that these essays communicate. Readers laugh at the author's inability to reduce her yarn stash in "The One Who Dies with the Most Yarn Wins." Every hobbyist will recognize herself or himself in "A Knitter's Life," as the author confronts her mortality while knitting hats for her young nephew. Afi-Odelia Scruggs, a knitter for over forty years, has written a book that is engaging, appealing reading for anyone who has fallen in love with a craft.
This book is a series of essays on knitting, life, and spirituality. It is full of wonderful stories about all the things that make knitting such a meaningful activity for so many people. The author explores family, spirituality, and social activism and how knitting fits into all of them. For those looking for a quick, light read, you need look no further. (One thing to keep in mind is that this book is not part of Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'n Bitch series. The title caused me a little confusion.)
a treasure
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I started this book late last night, and finished it first thing this morning. The writing is lovely. This book opened new ways of seeing my passionate love of knitting, and also sent me off looking at my life, and seeing ways to live with more meaning. I recommend it to all knitters, or people with an artistic, sensual passion and a desire to make things of beauty. If you also enjoy reading, this book will be a joy. I look forward to more of this author's thoughts.
very good book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is honest and thoughtful. The book itself is short and easy to read. The author covers many aspects of knitting and spirituality without getting preachy. This book would make a wonderful gift for any person interested in knitting or needlecrafts.
Not just another 'how to knit' book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Beyond Stitch & Bitch isn't just another 'how to knit' book: it's a gathering of informed and informative of essays writing about the craft, hobby and joy of knitting and exploring the emotional and spiritual satisfactions of knitters. As such, Beyond Stitch & Bitch makes the perfect inspiration gift for that beginning knitter with a needlecraft oriented self-help focus to life.
A nice take on knitting and life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
I really enjoyed the essays in this book. It was a quick read with a good overview of the authors life as it related to her love of knitting. Anyone who is a knitter will recognize the themes running through these essays. I especially loved the essay about the "new" knitters and how we can actually make a political statement with our yarn. I would recommend this to new knitters as well as people who have been knitting forever. It certainly has something for everyone.The patterns were really neat and seemed very well explained. I am a newish knitter so I can't really say with certainly if they were easy or hard. Hopefully a more experienced knitter will post a review!
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