The mission of New England Knits is to build a community of fiber art lovers and makers.

Whether you’re a passionate knitter with a closet full of handmade items, a connoisseur looking for the perfect baby shower gift, or just someone who loves textiles and wants to browse some art/receive a cool newsletter… you’ll be in luck here.

Knitting had its origins in the Middle East. It was brought to Italy and Spain via the Silk Road, spreading to the rest of Europe and eventually to New England in the early 17th century.

Something I love about knitting is that in certain places in time, it’s something all members of the community did. In the 17th century, the Island of Jersey in the Channel Islands passed a law making it illegal to knit during the harvest season. Apparently, everyone’s knitting was out of control, and there wasn’t enough harvesting getting done. To be fair, knitting was more profitable.

Instances of entire communities having textile knowledge emerge when hard work and intense weather come together to create a need for comfort. New England is no exception, and that knowledge still permeates our culture today.

First of all, I am so excited you’re joining our newsletter. My name is Mackenzie. I’m the founder of New England Knits, and I love to write, so hopefully we’re all in for a treat.

These newsletters are full of knitting inspiration, book recommendations, cooking, so much miscellaneous art, and open submissions from anyone in the Knitting Circle who has something cool they want to share (including you).