Knitting is more than a way to make things, though it is great for that. It’s also a great way to relieve stress, connect with other people and express yourself.
Knitters Sicgmone Kludje and Vanessa Koranteng, founders of the Black Girl Knit Club, explore the benefits of knitting and share 20 simple patterns for your home and accessories for you to wear or make as gifts in Conscious Crafts: Knitting.
The book goes over the basics of learning to knit and emphasizes mindfulness and positive thinking as you work on your projects. It’s sprinkled with affirmations amid the knitting patterns, which use simple stitches like Garter, Stockinette and Moss Stitch.
Some of the patterns are variations on a basic theme such as bath mat worked in a single color and the same project worked with stripes.
Patterns include mats for mugs and your desk, a washcloth, a plant cozy, a blanket, a cushion cover and a wall hanging. Accessories for yourself include a headband, fingerless mitts, a scarf, snoods and a couple of bags.
The photos that accompany the knitting instructions are somewhat small. If you are a completely new knitter it might be hard to see exactly what’s going on in some of them. But if you have a little knowledge of the basics, the patterns in this book are simple, soothing and fun to knit.
About the book: 144 pages, hardcover, 20 patterns. Released April 2022 by Leaping Hare Press. Suggested retail price $18.
