Two Sweaters for My Father

Beyond the garments, scarves, blankets, and sweaters, knitting offers the kind of nonmaterial rewards discussed in these essays: the repetitive, rhythmic finger movements soothe, reduce stress, and bind a knitter to her community. Knitting's psychological dimension is celebrated in these personal accounts of one woman's experience knitting in the hospital, at a college reunion, and while making garments for her father and loved ones. These thoughtful reflections reveal that the real power of knitting has more to do with what goes on in the head and the heart than what happens with needles.

Library Journal

Klass is a pediatrician, mother, writer, and self-described "tight knitter who likes to wear loose clothing." This book contains no knitting patterns or instruction; instead, it is a collection of personal essays, originally published in Knitter's magazine or other publications. Whether she's relaying her bout with knitting-induced repetitive stress injury, knitting as a medical student studying to be a pediatrician, or writing about the knitting community's reactions to the events of 9/11, her essays will be a pleasure for lovers of knitting and good writing. For large public libraries. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Perri Klass, MD, is a pediatrician and medical director in the Reach Out and Read program. She is the author of Love and Modern Medicine, The Mystery of Breathing, and Quirky Kids. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.