Purls of Wisdom
Expand your store’s offerings by adding a few knitting supplies to the mix.
by Michelle Jones
Knitting is becoming more than a pastime – it’s a spiritual, meditative practice that’s catching on all across the U.S. New Age retailers can tap into this trend by carrying some basic knitting supplies in their stores and hosting knitting circles or workshops. Encourage your knitting customers who are looking for a special gift to purchase your yarn and knit a shawl or scarf infused with healing energy, peaceful prayers, protective mantras, or simply love. I also recommend coordinating with your local yarn stores to give classes in conjunction with an experienced knitter, on Reiki or meditation knitting. Below are a few items to help jump-start your own knitting corner.
- Yoga Sock Pattern
Mac & Me
978/255-1900, www.macandme.net
Perfect sock pattern for yoga or Pilates as these socks leave the heel and toe open for gripping the mat.
- Hemp Yarn
Lanaknits Designs Hemp for Knitting
888/301-0011, www.lanaknits.com
Itchy? No Way! Hemp is an versatile fiber that won’t shrink or fade. In fact, the more you wear and wash it, the better.
- Knitting the Threads of Time: Casting Back to the Heart of Our Craft
Nora Murphy
New World Library, www.newworldlibrary.com
Piecing together the threads of stories from knitters of diverse cultures and geography, this 208-page nonfiction narrative (9781577316572) simultaneously focuses on the story of one Minnesota woman finishing a project, even as it explores how the ancient art of knitting unites us all across time and space. Available February 2009.
- A-MAIZing - 100% Corn Fiber Yarn
SWTC
866/794-1818, www.soysilk.com
Yarn made from corn? What will they think of next? What’s amazing (pun intended) is that this yarn is machine washable/dryable and of course, much better for the environment than cotton.
 Knitting for Peace: Make the world a better place one stitch at a time
Betty Christiansen
Stewart, Tabori & Chang, www.abramsbooks.co.uk
This 132 page book (9781584795339) is filled with stories and easy-to-knit projects for various knitting-for-peace charities. Also includes information on how to start your own knitting-for-peace group.
- Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles
Denise
888/831-8042, www.knitdenise.com
Guess what? You don’t have to stock a wall full of knitting needles! Just sell these interchangeable needles and help support breast cancer research.
 Contemplative Crochet: A Hands-On Guide for Interlocking Faith & Craft
Cindy Crandall-Frazier Skylight Paths Publishing, www.skylightpaths.comAs with knitting, crocheting has become linked to spirituality. This aspect of craftwork is examined with joy and mindfulness in this title (9781594732386) from the author of Single Crochet for Beginners. She gives a thorough examination of the subject while providing projects and practices that are applicable to a number of different faiths.
Michelle Jones is a giftware reviewer for New Age Retailer. She has been an enthusiastic knitter for three years and recently began creating her own patterns.
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