It’s Saturday, and time for another Amish Myth Buster.

Myth Buster #4: Knitting

This week’s question is from one of our blog readers, Karen.

What I would like to know is do Amish women knit? I never see knitted items for sale or read about their knitting skills – just quilting. But everyone needs mittens and hats, so I have to think that at least at some time in the past they were knitters.

What an awesome question. I was a little worried when I read Karen’s question because A Simple Amish Christmas had women knitting, and I’m pretty sure I had knitting going on in Falling to Pieces. It’s just natural for me to put knitting needles in a woman’s hands. But then, like Karen, I started trying to remember if I’d actually SEEN any knitted or crocheted items for sale in any of the Amish communities I’d visited. I started worrying even more!

So I emailed a few friends. Kathy Kuderer, owner of Down a Country Road, answered right away.

Yes, they knit and crochet.  I don’t see a lot of it  however. I do have some little baby bibs here that are knitted and I have some crocheted hot pads.

Great! I felt better about the scenes I’d written. Then I heard from my friend Mary Ellis, author of The Miller Family Series.

Yes, to my knowledge they do. I’ve seen Amish-made items for sale in Berlin, OH. Mainly small things, like you said.

And finally, I received an email from Chris who works at D’Vine Gallery Yarn & Beads in Shipshe. 

Yes Amish women Knit and Crochet sweaters, hats, scarves, lap blankets etc.  They are all in dark colors for the cloths, but their blankets and baby items are bright and colorful.

Okay. I’m relieved. Myth busted! And if I hear back from any of my other friends, I’ll pop their answers in the comments. If you happen to have seen any knitted or crocheted Amish items, we’d love to hear from you as well.

DISCLAIMER: We’re BUSTING MYTHS to celebrate the upcoming launch of my series set in Shipshewana, Indiana (9-27-11). I certainly had a few preconceived notions about the Amish community before my first visit to this small town, but like most of us … stereotypes don’t always fit! Remember though, my experience may be different from yours or from other books you have read.

V~

p.s. please remember to be in prayer for our country and those affected by the events of September 11th this week.