The concept of this book was very intriguing to me. As someone who loves to listen to audiobooks while knitting, I often find myself in need of simple, easy-to-follow patterns that help me relax. To that end, these patterns did not disappoint!

Each pattern consists of very few steps that make it easy to fall into a comfortable rhythm while knitting. They are clear, comprehensible, and accessible to all skill levels. Diagrams are included for every one of the stitches used, as well as for assembly techniques like joining/seaming.

The book itself is beautifully designed with pretty end pages/divider pages, and it’s filled with plenty of well-lit, colorful photos of finished products.

Would I actually use/wear/gift any of the items made from these patterns? Maybe. The real value here is process over product.

That being said, I personally would have preferred a little more variety as far as project type. There are 4 repeats (5 scarves, 4 blankets, 3 hats, and 2 mittens) and 4 that are more unique (1 poncho, 1 placemat/napkin wrap combo, 1 play mat, and 1 bath mat). All of the projects in this book are practical in nature, so I would be less inclined to recommend it to someone who prefers to create decorative/novelty-type projects.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I love a complicated lace pattern as much as the next knitter but often I want knitting that is relaxing, calming and doesn’t require memorizing a ten row repeat. These are functional designs for adults and kids. There is a lot of garter stitch as well as very simple texture designs. The instructions are clear. Everything here looks nice enough to gift while not requiring a PhD in knitting. Well done.

I love how simple this book is with the instructions! I crochet and sometimes wonder about trying my hand at knitting. This book gives me the basics needed to try it out! I did look into this book primarily with a friend in mind however now I may just keep it for myself!

A lovely collection of easy to follow patterns that produce beautiful results - I'm already itching to cast on the poncho and bath mat. Barbara Breen puts forward the idea that as well as providing a challenge, or being something to keep your hands busy, knitting can be an act of mindful meditation. It's a lovely idea and accesible to knitters of all levels.

Simple designs for meditative knitting - Barbara Breen

Brilliant! 👏 ❤️ 🧶 📖

I’m not sure where I’d personally place my skills beginner - pro? I know I’m far from pro, but I’m not a newbie beginner either. I learn things in knitting all the time, I enjoy seeing other people’s projects and find inspiration from others. Reading books like THIS one is exactly what I love about the craft.

This book is very informative with clear instructions, beautifully illustrated and inspiring quotes. I’d recommend this book for a beginner knitter knowing that they can learn a lot from it plus make a few of these projects with ease.

This book is great. The patterns contain simple and easily repetitive patterns that look sophisticated. I am already planning on making the bath mat that is in this book. These patterns are great for making while relaxing after a long day with their understated elegant designs. I also really enjoy the step by step instructions for the different stitches, which makes this book great for beginners. The book also contains many pages describing the mediative nature of knitting, which I enjoyed. I think like can be so hectic that it is nice to slow down and focus on the small details. I would highly recommend this book to any of my crafting friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for the eARC!
I already crochet and love doing it to relax so I was intrigued by the idea of a book about meditative knitting. I’ve always wanted to knit but haven’t had the patience (I can crochet much faster) so I thought trying it as a meditative practice might help. This book has a great introduction that talks about the practice and some beautiful patterns I’m excited to try! I’ve successfully knit a tiny square and I’d love to try the scarf pattern in this book. We’ll see if meditative knitting is enough to get me there. 😂

I’m VERY new to knitting, so I’m always looking for new patterns that are easy to follow. I was hoping that this book would have some that I could try out, but even these were above my understanding level.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy knitting but often just wing it and end up making random rectangles. This book offered some nice project ideas that were not too overwhelming. The patterns were mostly simple and readable. This would be a great starter book for a new knitter or a way to ease back in if it has been a few years. I was happy to get this ARC free from NetGalley but I would pay for a physical copy of this book to have these patterns on hand to use again and again.

What a beautiful title! I am an intermediate knitter and found these instructions to be simple and beautiful. The pictures were lovely and the patterns, indeed, can be meditative. I can't wait to make a hat for myself and maybe another item or two. It's a great way to amp up your knitting game as well as do some relaxing!

Definitely simple, definitely meditative, and a series of great designs that don't require a lot of brain power but still requires meditative actions.