Knitting Into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry

by Susan S. Jorgensen and Susan S. Izard

"This is an awe-inspiring book about a very meaningful spiritual practice."--Spirituality and Health

Knitters--there are 53 million of them in the United States alone--are part of a long and quiet tradition that's both plainly practical and deeply spiritual. With needles clicking, they weave together not just garments to warm the body but also comfort and companionship to nurture the soul.

This tradition is flowering...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0819219673
• ISBN13: 9780819219671
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Length: 147 Pages
• Weight: 1.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Book

Knitting into the Mystery is a very thoughtful and though-provoking book. There are stories shared, prayers - and of course - directions for knitting and crocheting the shawls. More than just a how-to book, I enjoyed reading about the origins of this ministry and how others have come to be a part of it too. The authors have included insights from their Christian backgrounds as well as prayers from other faiths. This book has been helpful to me personally and also as I try to share this ministry with others in my church and community.

Inspiring !!

Absolutely lovely ! This book gave spiritual meaning to my knitting and so much added enjoyment. It provides basic instructions on how to make a prayer shawl using K3,P3 pattern and the rest of the book is a real joy to read. This book would be a wonderful gift to any knitter!!!

A Spiritual Knitting Guide

A wonderful book, chock full of inspirational quotes and stories, detailing the use of hand knitted shawls as medium of prayer for knitters, and as healing gifts for loved ones or strangers. A warning - this is not a pattern book or a technique book, it does not teach how to knit or provide intructions for any shawls. This is a book about the process of making shawls to help and comfort others in times of need, in times of celebration, or simply to mark the strength of the relationship between the knitter and the recipient. To me this book translated into words something I think most knitters instinctively know - knitted gifts provide comfort and warmth beyond what the materials alone of the garment would be able to provide. They carry with them the love and the warm wishes of the knitter. This book provides interesting suggestions for adding some sort of religious ritual to the process of knitting and gift-giving. Even if you're not into organized religion, you'll still be inspired. A great gift.

Spirituality and Knitting--Finally

This book is the first I have seen that really emphasizes the spiritual quality of knitting. As someone who has long appreciated knitting, and the giving and recieving of knitted goods,as a meditative, healing process, it is wonderful to see my sentiments expressed so eloquently. I have given several shawls to both friends and strangers in need of the warmth and caring they provide, and I can assure you that I have never seen a gift so appreciated. There is something about the love and time put into a shawl, combined with their sheer, tactile beauty, that embues them with an intangible strength. If you are not yet a knitter, this book is an excellent introduction, and the shawls are an perfect beginning project. If you are an advanced knitter, the template provided is a blank canvas for your creativity. This book is a beautiful celebration of the joys of creation and the power of caring.

This book is a gem.

Whether you are new to the knitting ministry or are already knitting shawls, this book has much to offer. You will want to purchase more for friends and family and with Christmas approaching, what a wonderful gift idea.