City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

The power of knitting, stitching together our lives in a fractured world, Loretta Napoleoni

eng

Includes bibliographical references (page 197)

illustrations

no index present

non fiction

The power of knitting

bibliography

Loretta Napoleoni

stitching together our lives in a fractured world

An economist and life-long knitter reveals the hidden power of the purl and stitch mantra, a powerful metaphor for life that empowers, heals and reconnects us to each other and ourselves. Purl and stitch, Empowering, healing, and reconnecting us to each other and ourselves In a fractured world plagued by anxiety and loneliness, knitting is coming to the rescue of people from all walks of life. Economist and lifelong knitter Loretta Napoleoni unveils the hidden power of the purl and stitch mantra- an essential tool for the survival of our species, a means for women to influence history, a soothing activity to calm us, and a powerful metaphor of life. This book is a voyage through our history following the yarn of social, economic and political changes - from ancient Egypt and Peru to modern Mongolia, from the spinning bees of the American Revolution to the knitting spies of World War II, and from the hippies' rejection of consumerism to yarnbombing protests against climate change. For the author it is also a personal journey of discovery and salvation, drawing on the wisdom her grandmother passed along as they knit together. Revealing recent discoveries in neuroscience, The Power of Knitting offers proof of the healing powers of knitting on our bodies and minds. Breaking through societal barriers, even nursing broken hearts, and helping to advance cutting-edge science, knitting is still a valuable instrument for navigating our daily lives. As a bonus, the book includes patterns for ten simple yet iconic projects that reflect the creative, empowering spirit of knitting, with complete instructions

Introduction: knitting the patterns of love, politics and economics, pattern of the pussy power hat -- Why do we knit? Pattern of wig hat -- Opening the yarn cage, pattern of World War II service socks -- Knitting for the revolution, pattern of the French Revolution phrygian cap -- Feminism's love-hate relationship with yarn, pattern of a knitted bikini -- Wool is cool, pattern of a Rastafarian hat -- The magic of the knitting networks, pattern of rib stitch poppy -- Knitting in the age of neuroscience, pattern of a knitted brain -- Let's knit together, re-stitching society, pattern of unisex vests -- Epilogue: all you need is love, pattern of a knitted heart