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Every little stitch helps

Betsy Greer knitting on her porch.

Photo: Jeff Israel

Armed only with a ball of yarn and a pair of needles, Betsy Greer has turned her unassuming craft into a hotbed of activism. Greer believes knitting is a great way for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities. In Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch, the North-Carolina-born craftsperson explores ways to cut conspicuous consumption (make your own scarf), help out in the neighborhood (make hats for the homeless) and get knitting out of the living room and onto the streets ­­­(make ­cozies for street signs). The book takes readers through the personal stories of friends and other craftspeople/connoisseurs, weaving in knitting patterns throughout. Greer’s website, craftivism.com, blends knitting tips with suggestions for making a difference by, for example, making items for charity. Knitting for Good! connects people, encourages community and supports activism—stitch by stitch.