Anchorage Daily News

The season is more one of politics than spring weather, and everywhere I turn I am reminded that it's an election year. You might think that as knitters and crocheters you don't have to bother yourself with such ordinary and boring stuff. Well I found that our fellow needle enthusiasts are far from quiet when it comes to politics.

Probably the most ambitious project ever undertaken by needle workers, including knitting and crochet devotees, is the Tikkun Tree Project. Billed as "a community art project: growing peace stitch by stitch," it was inspired by the courageous efforts of Jewish and Palestinian citizens and activists in Israel and diaspora striving for peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.

Organizers plan to create a peace tree that will be covered with handcrafted doves, leaves and olives to represent the destruction of hundreds of olive trees during conflicts in that region. They hope this project will foster thoughtful dialogue about the need for peace and the urgency to end occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. They call their work knittivist advocacy, a type of activism that encourages peaceful social justice without regard for one's religion or country of origin.

All types of needle art will be used in the creation of these elements of peace, including the creative expression of sewing, quilting, tatting, embroidery, knitting and crocheting. Individual creativity will allow for artistic expression and examples of the contributor's personal sentiments on this issue. The Tikkun Tree's foliage will be so thick with doves, olives and leaves that a canopy will be created to protect a candlelight vigil held with knitted or crocheted candles.

This is not only a remarkable community peace project, but it is timely as Israel soon celebrates its 60th anniversary as a country. If you would like to read more about this effort, visit www.thetikkuntree.wordpress.com. You can also find patterns for leaves, doves and olives while learning more about other aspects of the conflict in the Middle East.

In March a group of knitters spent the day plying their needles and thinking about peace and dignity for people throughout the world, including those who live in Darfur, Tibet, Israel and Iraq. Started by an American who lives in Sweden, the group calls itself Knit for Peace. Its manifesto explains that "knitters radiate peace," and the materials and techniques used to make socks, mittens, hats and sweaters bring together different countries and their contribution to the art of knitting. Wool from the Andes, knitting stitches from Turkey or Russia and a pattern from Iceland are made into a harmonious wearable item of clothing as a metaphor for world peace.

I have previously mentioned the wonderful charity work of Afghans for Afghans in other columns, but it is one of the most successful humanity efforts for peace in the needle arts community. Ann Rubin, its founder, has been sending clothing and blankets to Afghanistan since 2001 to help foster international peace and goodwill. Planeloads of hand-knitted and crocheted clothing are shipped to poor children in Afghanistan to ease the ravages of that war-torn country. XRX and Knitters Magazine honored Rubin in 2006 as Knitter of the Year for her socially responsible work toward peace and justice.

The flower children of the '60s might have marched in peace demonstrations, but today these same activists can sit and ply crochet hooks or knitting needles to make their statements about peace, justice and human rights.

Catherine Hollingsworth, interior designer, artist and professional knitwear designer, has lived in Alaska for 18 years. She is interim president of the Alaska State Yarn Council and past president of Knitters of the North. To reach her, e-mail twosticks@adnmail.com.

PEACE KNITS: Learn more about socially conscious needle enthusiasts.

knitforpeace.wordpress.com

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