Knitting the Threads of Time

December 15, 2008
Each stitch matters is one sentence from Minnesota author (of the short story collection Twelve Branches, 2003) Murphys ruminations on personal and historical knitting, and itsums up this comfortingbook. Whether novice or professional knitter, or simply an admirer of handcrafted textiles, the reader will understand and warm to the included stories: the progression of a project, of the seasons, and, yes, of life. The book begins with her son Evans request for a sweater and the starts and stops, mishaps and wonders, of knitting a multicolored flame-designed garment. The narrative is interwoven withhistorical notes, from tales of the Hmong people from Vietnam and their pa ndau embroidery to the various natives of Africa with pieced, stitched, dyed, and appliqu'd cloths. Her personal stories also act as the warp of the book, introducing artist friends Betty and Janet, her work as a grant writer, and family activities during holidayswith happy and disappointed moments chronicled. A sweet, unassuming memoir thats quietly inspiring.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)