I wanted to read this book because the title was aiming for the one thing I was looking for the most in my knitting progress: simple, repetitive patterns that would allow me to let go of my thoughts and indulge in the act of knitting. This book delivered exactly what I had hoped for: no more and no less than that.

There are times where I want to challenge myself with complex patterns and unfamiliar techniques, but this book seems to embrace relatively uncomplicated patterns and basic techniques. I wouldn't call this a beginner's book as I think advanced knitters would feel inspired as well, but I do not see how it could deter beginner knitters who are willing to take their time with it.

The opening chapters does touch on knitting and meditation. It doesn't go too far in depth, but for something like meditation, I suppose that would lead to overthinking a relatively uncomplicated, calming process. I am glad to have read this book and I look forward to returning to it in the future to try more of the patterns, especially when in need of meditation or of a simple pattern to bring with me while on a long journey.

Beautiful knitting book with gorgeous pictures and wonderful patterns. She explains meditative knitting in an easy manner. The book is divided into sections that include supplies and a very detailed abbreviations and knitting terms section. Each pattern includes item measurements, yarn needed, needle size/type, and gauge. Patterns includes blankets, scarfs, mittens, hats, and mats. Some of the patterns are for children and men. I can’t wait to make the Lap of Luxury Throw and the Poncho.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own

I. Loved. This. Book. It isn’t the first book on mindful knitting I have read, but it is the first I’ve seen to include patterns which are truly simple and repetitive enough to be considered meditative, but interesting and beautiful enough for the owner to be proud to have them in their home or give as gifts.

The author starts out including the obligatory information on knitting necessities and instructions. This may be a personal preference, but I have never found written instructions as easy to follow as videos. It would be a valuable contribution to have videos that readers could connect to via a QR code.

For the patterns themselves, I especially appreciate that the author identified the yarns used for the samples, but also included the type of yarn if readers wanted to purchase their own choice. One of my pet peeves is patterns which call for “X yards of Susie’s Special Yarn.” Unsuspecting beginners may go out and purchase a specific yarn which is too expensive for their budget. My preference, though, would have been to expand the “Yarn” section on page 20 to explain to newbie knitters how to choose yarn, or at least what to ask the expert at the yarn store,

Those are quibbles. The patterns themselves are beautiful, well described, and practical. I think this would be a wonderful choice not only for individual knitters, but also for craft groups wanting to embark on a journey together.

Many thanks to Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Basic easy patterns, I don’t see how it more meditation than any other pattern. Nothing you really need a pattern for.

Barbara Breen's patterns are simple, lovely, and timeless; they would lend themselves easily to "mindless knitting" in front of a television or while otherwise distracted. What sets them apart is her attention to the practice of mindful, or meditative, knitting. Her writing on the topic is instructional as well as aspirational - if I hadn't been interested in the practice before, Breen's writing would have swayed me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.

Needle arts, including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, macrame, and more, have grown in popularity since the pandemic kept people at home. Designs are modern, and the threads come in a vast array of colors and textures to suit any personal preference. Barbara Breen shares some of her favorites, complete with patterns and instructional pictures, to ensure beautiful results, whether you are a beginner or more experienced. This is an excellent book to add to a collection or gift to someone interested in learning the arts.

Some really nice easy patterns that would be good for a beginner or for someone looking for some mindless knitting

Simple Designs for Meditative Knitting really lives up to it’s name. It’s full of no-stress patterns that are perfect for unwinding on the couch with a cup of tea. The projects are simple in the best way: nothing too fussy or complicated. With a focus on mindfulness these projects give you something peaceful to work on.
Definitely recommend for anyone who finds knitting to be a form of self-care.

This was a great knitting book with some simple, meditative designs. I enjoyed using it. I am a longtime knitter, but sometimes you just want to relax when you are crafting, and this is a good book of patterns for doing just that.

This lovely knitting book is full of simple, soothing designs perfect for mindful making. With easy-to-follow patterns, gorgeous photos, and peaceful quotes throughout, it’s ideal for beginners or anyone craving calm through creativity. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring collection that makes a wonderful gift.

Hello, avid knitter here!! I don't purchase a lot of knitting books but it didn't take long for me to decide that this is one I'll need to own. One of the very first patterns is a Lap Of Luxury Throw and I cannot wait to make one. This book is filled with simple yet beautiful patterns that any level of knitter can enjoy. Perfect for libraries, for crafters, and as a gift for your favorite knitter.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A terrific knitting book for those of us who aren’t interested in intricate patterns or sorting out gauge. Read this for ideas on how knitting can be meditative AND produce something beautiful. Patterns are simple, photos are pretty! Lovely knitting quotes interspersed. Big thanks to Net Galley for an early copy!

A collection of projects designed for beginners for for advanced knitters who want a "chill," meditative project to relax with. Most rely on garter stitch and are suitable for times when you want to knit and watch a movie, listen to an audiobook, etc and not have to count repeats or pay too much attention to your project. I appreciated the mix or projects: both wearables like hats and mitts and a small selection of home decor items.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for a digital review copy.

“It’s the kind of effortless knitting when all you need do is pick up your needles and knit one simple stitch over and over. The knitting becomes a part of you, like breathing: no effort involved.”

The author’s stated goal for this book was to create designs for all levels, with a range of soft yarns, using easily memorized stitch patterns, and producing beautiful results. I think she achieved her goal. The patterns are extremely simple and include blankets, scarves, hats, mitts, a poncho, a placemat and a bath mat. If you have a need for one of these objects and you want a stress free knitting experience, these patterns might appeal to you.

The instructions are clearly written and the illustrations are good. There are some basic knitting instructions. The book begins with instructions for meditative knitting. I confess that this did not read the interest me.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

This is a great book for all things knitting.

The designs are lovely and easy to follow. The set up of the book makes it easy to follow and while, I read this on a Kindle, which means no color photos, it does look as though everything is well photographed, enticing me to buy the actualy book.

We have precious few recent knitting books in our collection, so this will be a great addition,

Unlike previous years I’m reviewing these books without having tried a single pattern. I unfortunately don’t have the time. The author begins by qualifying the purpose behind the book and elaborates on the title. Meditative Knitting is not supposed to be the usual knitting with background noise and these almost single page instructions are supposed to ensure that.

A brief look at each of the patterns seems to show that it might just be possible to follow the author’s instructions easily – both to complete the pattern and to participate in the meditative aspect of things.

For people looking for something different in the experience and some reasonably simple but pretty designs, this book might be welcome.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

This book has very fun patterns that will definitely want to try someday soon! I learnt how to knit earlier this year and I am still leening but these patterns feel very beginner friendly!

As a beginning knitter, found these projects were right up my alley. Carefully curated and done with lovely yarn.

I like the approach, as knitting is very meditative for a lot of knitters, it's nice to have a bunch of patterns made with that state of mind. One thing just got me thinking a lot concerning the shawl pattern : there is no indication for wool size. Needle size is indicated but it's huge compared to the model's photo and there is no way to get gauge with that needle size and what looks like a fine wool. And there is no indication as to hold thread double... so... yeah, it got me thinking a lot ^^ it makes the swatch mandatory if you want to avoid a very very opened and loose fabric. Which potentientally breaks the meditation thing a bit...

I love the idea of simple knitting projects used as a form of meditation. I love to have my hands engaged, but don’t always want to think too nard about the project at hand. This is a great book!