After four long years, I am very pleased to say I have completed my doctorate! On Thursday, April 27, 2023 I defended my dissertation titled “Stitches of Progress: Knitting, Consciousness, and the Changing Power of Black Women’s Work and Leisure” and passed with distinction. My dissertation was all about Black women who knit and share their images on Instagram and what a knitter looks like in society today. It will be published in the Proquest dissertation database and then I plan to break it up and submit it to journals for publication since my next task is to get published and secure tenure. I have also spoken to an academic publisher about publishing a book around my study too. So hopefully there will be a time where you can also read it in its entirety or in a book!
For now, I’m wrapping up my teaching semester and then it is graduation. I also plan to rest because I need it. This has been a long year.
Thank you to still following along with me, encouraging me and always wanting to read what I write, it definitely has helped to push me forward in this quest for my Ph.D.
Yards of Happiness 
I am so excited for you!! Your dissertation sounds fantastic — totally original. Throw yourself a knitting party to celebrate.
Congratulations My Dear and audience awaits all that’s next from you ♥️
Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment.
Congratulations! I am so excited for you! Would love to read either your dissertation or book when it comes out. I’ll bet the puppies are proud too.
Oh wow..congratulations!!!! You are such an inspiration to so many!! Can’t wait to read the papers or books…enjoy some r and r..with a little knitting on the side
congratulations!! this is a wonderful achievement, and you are placing clear evidence and information on the growing impact and role of Black women in the creative and maker worlds. all of the writings and photos you have shared with us over the past few years have been important in elevating, evolving and strengthening that role. Thank you, and congratulations!
Congratulations! It must feel great to be finished with that. I look forward to reading articles and/or book!
Congratulations! What an achievement! I look forward to reading your dissertation. Enjoy your well deserved rest.
Congrats, Doctor!!!
Wow! I don’t know you personally, but I feel so proud of you! Please do publish your work as articles or an illustrated book. You’ve created such a unique piece of work that needs to be seen. Congratulations!
Congratulations!! What a feat after all your health issues. Your voice is such an important one. I know you will be successful and happy — and always on your own terms. You are an inspiration. And happy knitting!
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Dr. Dana! You did it!
WWWWOOOOHHHOOOO! Congratulations, DWJ!! Great things are happening and it sounds like you’re making the most of it! Can’t wait to read the dissertation in either a book or through my University’s academic access pass! Soooo proud of you! 😀 😀 Wooohhhooo!! 🙂
Congratulations!! What an achievement. As a spinner and knitter and fiber lover in general I will be looking forward to reading your published articles/dissertation.
Thrilling news! I applaud all your hard work and look forward to reading your dissertation in article or – even more exciting! – book form. Congratulations and best wishes!
That’s so much work! Congratulations on the award of a well-deserved degree!
I still remember when you told us all that you were embarking (Embarking, ha!) on this journey, and I thought THAT was brave! Then you lost Cher and had to deal with your PE health crisis and probably dealt with many other challenges that you couldn’t share. The fact that you not only finished but also finished with distinction tells us all what true grit, resilience, and determination you have! You are one of my heroes, Dr. DWJ, and I’m so proud of you ( and your little family)!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations! I look forward to reading this one day. Happy knitting!
Congratulations! Well deserved. You did all the work. Reap all the rewards! So happy for you.
CONGRATULATIONS, DOCTOR!!! Agreeing with all the above. Am eager to read your work!! Please announce here, as it becomes available. It is very important for people around the world to know your work. Such good news💕
Congratulations. Receiving a Ph.D is a long and strenuous process. The subject of your dissertation is very interesting. Will you be sending a link for an opportunity to share your research
Congratulations
Congratulations!!! So proud of you and for you, Dr. DWJ – you deserve it all. Revel in the accomplishment!
Mazel tov! What a wonderful accomplishment! I hope you’ll give yourself a well-deserved break. I’m very happy for you.
This is a huge accomplishment, Dana. Congratulations! I look forward to reading your work. I hope you manage to get a well-deserved break.
Congratulations Dana, such a great accomplishment. Given the challenges you had to overcome, God helped and guided you thru with determination, tenacity, and perseverance. Yes, you deserve a long rest. Looking forward in reading your writings in book.
Brava, Dana! You have so much to be proud of—I’ll be so happy to read your book!
Time to rest is coming!
😘💕
How wonderful! Congratulations!! A PhD is no small feat!
So glad for you. You have surpassed the fiber PhD(projects half done). Looking forward to your next creations. I always enjoy your beautiful smile.
Simply the best, sis! Congratulations!!!
hurry, and congratulations! all best wishes as you move forward — after some rest. Jill Hall
HUUUUUGE congratulations, Dana!! It’s so wonderful to see the universe make sense! ❤️
Congratulations, that is so exciting! Beautiful photos in your cap and gown, looking so proud and radiant. 🙂
Congratulations, Dana! So happy to read about your success. Good luck with the next steps!
You are an incredible woman! I’m so happy for you. I know you’ve worked long and hard on this goal and what a feeling it must be for you;) Congratulations
Wow oh wow!!! CONGRATS!Dana, as a fellow knitter and pet parent to 2 dogs, I’ve been following you for quite a while (but I just about never post), well before you became ‘famous’. How very awesome that your dissertation is about Black women knitters!Yes, take a nice break to rest. Your health is number one!I look forward to some day reading your dissertation. Well, actually, anything you write. You have a very uplifting style. 🥰Denise
Beautiful. Congratulations! I look forward to reading anything you write. Thank you.
Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳
Wow, congratulations on this huge accomplishment! Hope you enjoy that well-deserved rest.
WOW!!!!Congratulations big time! Very proud of you!
I love seeing you in your regalia! My daughter also has a Ph. D and it is great for women in general and women of color that you are both out there. I have followed your daunting health issues so bonus congratulations for all you have achieved!
Congratulations!
You must be so proud, and rightly so. I hope you take time to enjoy your accomplishments!
Congratulations to you. Your success is glorious, having incorporated your knitting obsession into an educational goal and now a VICTORY! You are an inspiration to women, knitters, and many more. This “old lady” (75 years) is so very proud of you!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations!!!
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Congratulations! I look forward to reading any portions of your dissertation that you publish! Time to relax and do some knitting?
Congratulations. You worked so hard and under pressures, but you did it. Wonderful. I know I am not the only one that is so very proud of your accomplishments. 👏👏🎊🩷
A heart-felt and HUGE congratulations to you! What an accomplishment, and you did it while juggling a very busy life too!
Best always!
Please publish that book—I want to read it, and warmest congratulations on earning your PhD while simultaneously entertaining us (Jelly Bean & Kiwi) and inspiring us to knit fearlessly.
Congratulations on an impressive milestone!! Selfishly, I’m looking forward to being inspired by reading your posts again, Doctor Dana!