​

Every stitch you make is a demonstration of love.

Every stitch you make is a piece of you.

Could that be a song? ;)

Think about it (not the song part); it is your time, your hands and fingers, your focus, your energy…

In the world we live in, where so much is virtual, it feels essential, every now and then, to ground ourselves (in a comfy chair) and MAKE something. Something you can touch, feel, and see growing before your own eyes. Something that will last for as long as you want it to.

From a very concrete, down-on Earth perspective, knitting is affordable. You don’t need a lot of equipment; you can knit anywhere and at any time of the day. 

There is no battery, no energy but yours, no screen, no plug, and no adapter.

You can knit on the train, on the plane, or the bus, in a café, at home, or on the beach…

You can also join knitting circles and clubs to turn your hobby into a social gathering and meet fellow knitters, and find inspiration.

 

In case the above did not convince you, did you know that?

 

Knitting is good for your health! I will not write a full paper, and here are the key aspects. You can look that up; I promise it is all over the internet. I have not even seen any controversy on the topic – which says it all since even the shape of the Earth is questioned…

If you want to know more, I recommend the article on the health benefits of knitting (www.happiness.com). 

 

It reduces stress and anxiety (welcome to the “zone” where undivided attention takes your mind away from other worries).

It improves cognitive function as it stimulates brain function by keeping the brain cells active. Some studies suggest that it helps reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

It boosts self-confidence and helps with depression: Making something with your own hands brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, and it is a healing force from within. Serotonin is up, and depression goes down. It does not replace professional help, but a little project can do wonders to accompany you (or a loved one) in this battle.

Dopamine kicks in, too: feeling good, proud, and more confident, and it helps to relax, sleep better, improve your mood…

Heard of "medknitation'? I didn’t come up with it. Focusing on the repetitive flow of knitting, one stitch at a time, you ground yourself in the “here and now,” the present, and whether you realize it or not, you practice mindfulness.

 

Ever thought of a digital detox? Ever lost 2 hours scrolling on the wild world of nothingness? Add the guild, shake it… sounds familiar?

Suppose you’re interested in reducing screen time and general digital activities. In that case, knitting is a great alternative and companion: you keep your hands and mind busy: with fewer distractions, snacks, and phones… it even helps with addiction issues!

And if you still need some add-ons, some people say they listen more deeply to music, audiobooks, and podcasts while they are knitting.

Knitting is an activity in which you are in control. Yes, mistakes happen, and they can be frustrating, but you are in full control of what is happening. You might decide to start over or accept the imperfections, but that’s between you and you. You say when, where, and for how long.

You express yourself, even when you follow a pattern with all the detailed instructions: the tension you use, the colors you pick, and the shape of what you decide to knit is an expression of yourself.

The basics are four moves: cast-on, knit, purl, and cast-off.

Everything else is a matter of variations and combinations from those. Once you have those, you open the door to an infinite world of possibilities.

The 7 keys in music make all the music in the world, the 26 letters in the alphabet make all the poetry and literature, and the 3 primary colors make all the paintings and sunsets.

 

To me, knitting is also a tribute to the ones before us, who were not knitting because it was trendy or cool but because it was essential. Knitting is an activity that connects me to my roots, values the family origins and traditions, the transmission across generations, caring for the well-being of loved ones, and being my authentic self.

 

Your turn!

We would love to hear from you about what knitting is to you.