KNITTING………MORE THAN JUST A CRAFT

Do you have a time out space for WIP’s that have frustrated you?

I do. I started a summer shell several times before putting it in time out. I decided to work on a sofa blanket with some soft chunky yarn and rhythmic stitches. It really helped me relax. I thought about what was making the shell such a challenge. I’m an advanced knitter and it’s an easy pattern. I decided it was my current mood that was making it difficult. I had things on my mind. I needed something soothing that I didn’t have to think about. At other times, I need something that demands my focus and takes me away from thoughts that might be somewhat unsettling. This led me to today’s post about the mental, spiritual and physical benefits of knitting.

I taught myself to knit over 30 years ago. Of course there were no Google Tutorials to help me get started so I used a book. I’m a person who likes a challenge so the first thing I tackled was a Christmas Vest for my daughter when she was about three years old. I had to learn to read a pattern and change colors but I made it through. I recently found it when I was packing after selling my house. It was still in perfect condition

I continued to knit but decided to try a few other crafts. I tried counted cross stitch, appliqueing, hand quilting and crochet. I always gravitated to crafts that were transportable and allowed me to work anywhere I went. I never really took the time to think about what benefit I was getting out of the work I did other than a beautiful finished project to sell or make a nice gift.

It wasn’t until the last few years that I began to realize it wasn’t just the beauty of a finished project for sale or to gift that drew me to knitting. I began to pay attention to what I was feeling as I knit. I’m sure some of you have done the same thing. Knitting is more than just the end result; it’s the mental, physical and spiritual process that becomes part of the journey.

I began reading articles about the benefits of knitting which I’ll share in future posts. There’s research on this topic and they show how beneficial knitting is. People have found it helpful while undergoing physical therapy. I was also surprised to find that several private schools start their students in kindergarten and continue through elementary school with simple knitting projects. The benefits include learning focus, hand eye coordination, following patterns/instructions and more. This led me to the workshops I started doing on just this topic. This is also found in crocheting and other crafts but I’m a knitter so I can speak to that area.

I always have knitting with me. I always say the only place I haven’t taken knitting was a funeral. I have mindless knitting and complex knitting depending on what kind of situation I’m in. During my sisters many chemo and radiation visits, knitting was my peaceful friend. I was grateful for several things when the pandemic hit but two things in particular. I had an endless supply of yarn and access to a lot of patterns. I was introduced to Cassapinka and began with Breathe and Hope, a beautiful shawl. I used a color, yellow, that was so far out of my comfort zone but I enjoyed the work. I noticed several things that made the color a non-issue. First, the yarn was soft. I used Baah Yarn called La Jolla. Second, the rhythm of the stitches brought a feeling of peace as I worked. Finally, the Chiaogoo bamboo needles were smooth. I became a follower of Cassapinka and have completed about 10 of her patterns since March. I find her patterns have a peaceful rhythm and I always learn new stitches.

There are several things that must come together to help me find the peace and enjoyment I’m looking for in my project. First, I have to find a great pattern. The difficulty of the pattern will depend on my feelings at the time. I like a variety of stitches that come together with a gentle rhythm. Second, the yarn must be soft. My latest love is DK Tencel from BzyPeach Yarn and Crochet www.bzypeach.com. Third, I must have the right needles and for me that’s Chicagoo. I have bamboo and metal.

There’s so much more to say about all the benefits of knitting. I will continue to blog about it from time to time and share studies. What benefits have you found? Do you start to knit/crochet and find yourself drifting away to that peaceful zone? Some of my friends spin and weave. How does it affect your mood or physical well-being? Do you have a favorite designer or dyer? Share in the comments. Let’s get a conversation started.