Do you live to knit? Have you made finding that perfect shade of periwinkle yarn an obsession? Have you ever stayed up to the wee hours of the night just to see how a yarn pattern would knit up? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’ve caught the knitting bug. Never fear; you’re certainly not alone in your affection for knitting.

From New York City to Newton, Iowa, Americans are embracing this craft in record numbers. Knit cafes, local knitting groups, and online chat rooms have helped spread the craze and have made it easier than ever for knitters to meet other enthusiasts and swap knitting tips. It’s this universal sense of community and passion for knitting that is at the heart of For the Love of Knitting, an anthology that pays tribute to this popular pastime and to those who knit.

The wide variety of personal essays and stories celebrate the appeal and love of this age-old art. The funny, heartwarming, and sometimes sad tales by Jamaica Kincaid, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Melanie Falick, Meg Swansen, Perri Klass, Pam Allen, Naomi Dagen Bloom, Susan Gordon Lydon, Lela Nargi, and Teva Durham touch on all aspects of knitting, from shearing the sheep to knitting the first stitch; from knitting for the war effort to giving a finely knitted hat, sweater, or socks as a gift.

A stunning array of artwork, including current and historical photographs, vintage ads, pattern booklets, and paintings—featuring the artistry of Chris Hartlove, Solveig Hisdal, Debbie New, and Karen Searle—complements the text.