Knitting has become hot, and in some circles it is being called "the new yoga." Those who take it up talk about it as an art form, a creative outlet, a refuge from daily frustration, a means of nurturing themselves, and a way of serving others. In her debut children's book, author and illustrator Julie Jersild Roth uses the character of little Nell to salute the spiritual pleasures of knitting.
Nell doesn’t talk very much and spends most of her time alone. She is always knitting. Sometimes she knits in the park so she can listen to the trees. Other times, her friends stop by to chat, and she just listens while she makes things for others: a blanket for her aunt's new baby; socks and hats and mittens for The Children's Home and for people in a far away country whose leaders are at war; matching scarves for Grandma and Grandpa; and scarves for Mom and Dad and her brother. Just for fun she makes herself a sweater and enters it in the country fair. Nell is a sterling role model for those who want children to regularly put service of others ahead of their own needs and desires.
A related website, goodscarfproject.org promotes the idea of doing good while having fun knitting. Individuals and groups are invited to knit a piece of a "virtual" scarf, with each piece dedicated to something like peace, or no bullying, or best friends, and other good things. Visit the site to view the good scarf and learn how you can submit a section.
