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KNITTING AS THERAPY

We've all heard recently that Knitting is the New Yoga. Many of us have returned or are new to knitting, seeking out this pastime as the antidote to our stressful workaholic lives. The technology of today although responsible for all this is also our means to a knitting detoxification. The yarns we have to choose from nowadays are lush in textures and available in a profusion of colours, patterns inspire us....

WE NEED YOUR HELP:-

Click here to write in and tell us your thoughts on and experiences of the beneficial effects of knitting

Knitting and Eating Disorders. This is the first time that I've seen any research into this complex type of illness, but if it helps, I want everyone visiting this page to benefit from reading the article. The research has been carried out in British Colombia in Canada. Please get in contact if you know of any similar research in the UK.

Click here to read "Knitting And EDs" written by Harriet Brown (03.06.09)

Tina Bragagalia has lost several members of her family to Cancer and started knitting to try and combat the effects of severe stress. This year, despite being disabled herself, she managed to complete the Race For Life in London on 6th May, spurred on by members of Stitch and Bitch London, many of whom knitted as they ran!

Click here to read how Tina came to take up knitting as a hobby

Click here to read about her success in completing The Race For Life event

If hypnotherapy and acupuncture haven't helped you to give up smoking, take a leaf out of Denise Pettitt's book and take up crocheting (11.05.09)

I just wanted to add my story about giving up smoking. I did it by crocheting!  I found it easier to crochet a few trebles when I would normally have had a cigarette and started a ‘granny’ blanket.  I had my last cigarette at 9pm Saturday 7th March 2009 as I was going into hospital to have an operation on my leg.  
 
At the beginning of 2008 I decided to take up some form of enjoyable exercise.  As I used to ice skate regularly when I was a teenager and enjoyed it I decided this would be the one.  5 years previously I had broken my wrist but decided that it was a freak accident and it would be unlikely to happen again.  I started skating and was doing fine – no major injuries just small lumps and bumps!  For my birthday in March I received skating lessons and was progressing well working towards my grade 3 Skate UK certificate.  After the lesson on week 4 I was practising the moves ready for the exam in 2 weeks time when I felt a bit wobbly.  I stopped what I was doing but while standing still, I dropped to the ice with my lower leg at 90 degrees to my upper leg!  I had somehow managed to shatter both the tibia and fibula of my right leg.  I had an operation to insert a 32cm ‘nail’ in the tibia and began the healing process.  By November, no bone had grown around the nail and the break remained.  It was decided that the nail would have to be removed and the bones plated together to try and get the healing process restarted.  There was no real explanation as to why the bones did not grow back, the only thing that may have contributed was the fact that I smoked 12 cigarettes a day.  When I broke my wrist I was smoking 20 a day and the break healed extremely well so I wasn’t convinced that this was the case with my leg.  Anyway, my husband hated me smoking, I had tried about 7 times already to quit, including hypnotherapy and acupuncture, without success.  The longest I had gone smoke free was 5-6 weeks.  I decided that I had to quit smoking to give my leg the best chance to heal following the surgery.  By picking up my crocheting each time I wanted a cigarette and doing a few trebles I have managed to be smoke free now for 9 weeks and the leg appears to be healing well.  It is too early to tell if there is new bone growth just yet so fingers crossed!!  
 
I learnt to crochet when I was about 12 years old but never really got on with it. I knitted when I was expecting my children and for my nieces and nephews but then stopped again.  Now I have a knitting project and a crochet project on the go at the same time and this definitely helped keep my hands busy and away from the cigarettes!

The Boston Globe has run an article on the benefit of knitting. Written by Irene Sege, there are some interesting thoughts on how knitting not only helps delay any kind of dementia, but also keeps your mind alert and receptive to new challenges well into old age.

Click here for article May 2009

A recent study in America has confirmed the benefits of knitting in helping to combat dementia

Click here for video of CBS news coverage (April 2009)

Click here for article (February 2009)

For more reading on the benefits of knitting, 'About knitting.com' recommends you dip into "Zen And The Art Of Knitting"

Click here for write up

Ann Hood has recently published her book "The Knitting Circle" which tells her journey of recovery, from loosing her young daughter, through the special therapy she experienced from joining a Knitting Group.

Click here for video of the author reading from her book

2009

We're not all academics, but some of us shine when it comes to making things with our hands. That's why knitting can be so important when helping us to realise our self worth, as Liz Goodacre has written to tell us:

"As a child (I am now 54!) I learned to knit with my mother and at school.  My mother was a very accomplished knitter and dressmaker; her two sisters were not good at crafts but were more academic. My mother said that when she was growing up her father referred to her as the 'daft' one for  not being interested in school etc. This was a label that hurt her - she often told me about it later in her life. But she did know that she was a brilliant knitter and dressmaker and as late as her 70s and 80s would say to me "they may have been clever, but they couldn't knit like I can!".  She was always dismayed by my lack of interest in knitting for myself but regularly produced masterpieces for me and my children.  When, after 53 years of marriage, my dad died we feared for her wellbeing; she was totally bereft.  Her failing eyesight had meant she had not knitted anything worthy of her talent for a few years.  However, a friend's daughter ran an interior design shop and was looking for people to knit interesting cushion covers. My mum was encouraged to pick up her needles again, and together we chose colours and designs.  She produced endless covers, beautifully knitted which sold like hotcakes. I truly believe that that knitting project was a life saver for her, not just by keeping her busy but because it proved to her she was needed and could still produce somethng that someone else wanted. Her love of all things knitting has obviously had more efect on me than I realised. After a particularly stressful year of family illness and mature student study, the minute my final peice of work was submitted, i was down to the wool shop for the pleasure of choosing wool and pattern. My spirits lifted when I knew that at the end of a working day I could pick up my knitting rather than my text books. It's not sophisitcated stuff I am making, but is a sheer delight and makes me feel relaxed and happy. How much is that worth?"

It's interesting that so many fibromyalgia suffers are visiting the website - we hope that we have inspired you to continue with knitting as a means of coping with this condition. We have also heard from Connie Bowes in Ontario, Canada

"I have fibromyalgia and CFIDS and cannot work anymore. I do sit and watch a lot of tv. To feel more productive when I am too tired or sore to move I knit. At the end of the day I have something that I can look at and see that I have accomplished. It makes me feel productive again even though I can't do as much as I would like."

Fibromyalgia Awareness Week: 8th - 15th September 2008

Janice Hanna, from Northern Ireland also has fibromyalgia and has written to share her experiences of how knitting can help with this debilitating condition:
 
"I too am in constant pain with this illness, although I am fortunate enough to still be able to work reduced hours. I started to knit when my sister was expecting her first baby twenty years ago, but it is only since I developed FMS thirteen years ago that it has become a lifeline to me. I have also learned to crochet and enjoy it equally well.
 
All my knitting and crochet is for charities - I do blankets, baby clothes and teddy bears – and I go to a ‘stitching’ club in Banbridge on Wednesday evenings with a number of other equally enthusiastic women. I also make bits and pieces for sale at local craft fairs.
 
Unfortunately wool shops in Northern Ireland are steadily losing the battle to stay open, due to the crippling carriage prices applied by the manufacturers on the mainland. It is already almost impossible to buy yarn in Belfast city centre!
 
I would recommend that anyone with a debilitating illness gets the needles out and takes up this wonderful hobby. The satisfaction of time well spent and the knowledge that items produced will benefit someone even worse off than oneself can go a long way to alleviating the pain and depression when all seems hopeless!"

Margie Wilson is an inspiration to fellow fibromyalgia sufferers, as she knits to take her mind off the pain:

"Hi fellow knitters, I have always loved crafts, particularly knitting and needle-point. When my children stopped wanting hand knits I went on to do needle-point. I am fortunate enough to have had a clever grandmother to teach me also embroidery and crochet. I suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome now and as I feel ill and in pain constantly I have taken up knitting again. This takes my mind off the pain. It also helps to keep my fingers from seizing up. I can't do needlepoint now as I am unable to bend my neck over the project. Fortunately there are some lovely trendy knitting patterns now and my family are once again pleased to be wearing hand knit garments. I now have two grandsons and they are benefitting from the hand knits too. I also love to knit dolls clothes and toys which I donate to the local primary school for their fetes. "

Maureen Fylan sees knitting as a much needed distraction from the problems we all face in everyday life:

"Knitting is a thread of continuity It is something that must be done so therefore it takes ones mind off ones troubles so that one need never even mention them, least said - soonest mended. Therefore the time that one would or should have spent talking about ones troubles can be put into knitting time. Making oneself find time for knitting makes one spend less time on cooking eg which might be a good point now that gas prices might be going to rise once more."

Cherrie Carnaghi writes from America about her involvement in knitting and crochet as art forms and the role they play today in personal self esteem:

"Knitting and crocheting are art forms.  I teach grown ups as well as young adults to crochet and will be starting freelance classes soon in knitting.  This is not only my love but my passion. Although there are some who fear this form of expression may lose interest soon, I say it is up to us to re-educate the world on the importance of this art of expression.
 
There are so many health benefits associated with knitting and crocheting. And as with any art form there is a point of losing oneself in the science of eye and hand expression.  
 
This area of art (for I know knitting and crocheting is not only an industry for survival in some countries but it is indeed an art form) is one of the few where groups become communities.  It also creates a sense of accomplishment but more than that, what other source of self experession can be so healing?"

Joan from Essex is concerned that knitting is a dying art, (although we are sure this is not the case) and puts forward a strong case for teaching knitting in schools:

"My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 5 years old. Only sqaures at first. She used to knit blankets for the British Legion to send abroad.  That was almost 53 years ago. I have knitted ever since. My Daughter has just given birth to a beautiful baby boy. When she was pregnant she said she would like to knit a cardigan for the baby. I found her some wool, a pattern and some needles and she started. I am extremely proud of her as she knitted two cardigans, the second one she started on her own. This was made all the harder as she is left handed and I am right handed. I love hand knitted things, they wash better and always look better on. I wish knitting was still taught in schools. I am the only one in my family that knits. My daughter and her cousin were both preganant at around the same time, so I had double of everything to knit. This is going to be a dying art form if we are not careful. I hope the younger generation see how relaxing and therapeutic it can be. I forget all my cares when I am knitting, and then things don't seem so bad."

Ann obviously loves knitting and gets great satisfaction from knowing she is helping others:

"I have been knitting for the babies in African coun tries for save the children which Paul O'Grady asked for people to do and got the knitting pattern off the web page. I have sent off 54 hats so far for 'Save The Children' and have sent another ten off to Great Ormond Street baby premature unit, have started again just love knowing that I am helping someone in need."

Bev writes not only of the satisfaction of passing on a skill to the next generation, but also the thrill of taking a strand of yarn and creating something useful:

" I think knitting is such a great craft. A lot of people today just pop to the shop and buy a jumper or cardigan. Why not, it's so cheap, but the work that goes in to a hand made anything, only a knitter could understand. Many years ago I taught my daughter to knit. Just the basics and now she has reached 19 years and wanting to knit a baby outfit for her boyfriends sister-in-law. The pleasure I’m getting from guiding her from one row to the other is unreal. I feel this is a knowledge I learned from a fantastic aunty of mine and now I can pass this on to my daughter and I’m hoping one day she will pass it on to a loved one."

2008

Lyn has written from Brisbane in Australia to tell us how knitting with a friend has helped her begin her recovery after a series of accidents and how this gave her the confidence to join a charity knitting group and can now help others:

"I suffered an injury to my neck, upper back and shoulder about 2 and a half years ago which was then exacerbated by a car accident almost 2 years ago. My doctor told me that knitting would be good therapy for the type of injuries I sustained - which would have been great if I were able to knit. A friend then suffered a like injury a bit over a year ago and I told her of my doctor's advice. Between us we worked out how to cast on knit til we ran out of yarn cast off and call it a scarf. I still do not understand knitting patterns but have always been a keen dressmaker so have been able to work out a few items by shaping to a pattern - hardly scientific but it works.
It has not cured my injuries but it has been a lot of fun and more so since I recently joined a charity knitting group which now gives me an outlet for what I knit - the family has enough scarves and beanies to last the rest of their lives!
Through the charity knitting group I am also learning to crochet and recently crocheted a blanket of which I am quite proud - I have attached a pic - it looks somewhat distorted as it is draped across the sofa and ottoman but it is in fact one blue row short of square - ran out of yarn but I am sure that one of Brisbane's needy will enjoy its warmth next winter.
It was actually through one of the charity group members that I came to visit your website.
I had originally thought my doctor was joking when she suggested knititng but if that is the case there seems to be a lot of funny doctors out there"

Vicki Edwards didn't think anything of running four miles a day until an injury to her back made her almost completely housebound. Fortunately knitting has helped Vicki to view life positively:

"I'm a 43 year-old registered nurse, and I have been disabled with a severe back injury for the past year and a half.  Previously, I was very active (ran 4 miles per day), but now, due to my injury, I can't even walk to the mall without pain.  I've been knitting since I was 8 years-old, but it went to the wayside with working full-time as a labor & delivery nurse and raising 3 teenagers!  However, since my injury, I've been unable to keep up with any of my usual activities, so  I've  happily started knitting again!..  That's been the one positive thing about my injury.  Because of all the time I have available now, I've been able to take my knitting to a whole new level, & learn so much more about yarns and garments.  Additionally, it's the only thing that's kept me out of severe depression.  

I do have an interesting personal little story regarding the calming effects of knitting.  Since I'm scheduled for a back fusion in the fall, my anxiety level is at an all time high, therefore, my blood pressure is usually through the roof when I have a doctor's appointment.  I always take my knitting, however.  After getting a high blood pressure reading say 158/112 (was the latest), the office staff will let me knit for awhile then retake my blood pressure.  After knitting for approximately 40 minutes, my blood pressure read 120/70!!  Who need blood pressure meds...just knit!

I'm a true believer in knitting as therapy.  Not only did it help me physically, it makes me feel better emotionally.  I'll NEVER stop knitting...I LOVE IT!!"

Depression can hit anyone at any time, coupled with a debilitating illness makes life even more hard to bare. 'Enter' the magic of knitting, it can take us out of ourselves and give us back a sense of self worth as Ruth Fryman found:

"I took up knitting again when I was recovering from severe depression. I had knitted in the late 80's but stopped when I had a young family. I was worried I wouldnt be able to follow a pattern with poor concentration , but I was immediately hooked and now it is my passion! Finishing objects has given me greater self esteem and when someone admires your work and asks you to knit them one it really boosts your confidence. I now have Fibromyalgia and have limited mobitlity and am in constant pain. Knitting when I am sat alot of the day stops me from just sitting staring at the telly , sliding into depression and gives me a sense of purpose. I suffer from poor concentration and poor memory so tackling lace has boosted my self esteemm and confidence no end. I have made friends on Forums world wide. Knitting helps me forget my pain for a while and I am so stuborn I work through the pain in my hands!!.
Summing up I would recommend knitting as the best form of hobby therapy (if there is such a term) in the world.

It's always a difficult time trying to cope with the bereavement of a parent. Anne Kenlon has written of her experience of how knitting the simplest thing helped her through this difficult time:

When I was about six years old, my older cousin taught me know to knit - it was fun, but I was never really interested in it after I grew up. In February of 2001, my mother died. I was in the process of moving from Texas to New York at the time, and was living in temporary housing until my husband could join me and look for a house. After Mother's funeral, I returned to my new job in New York and was facing many lonely winter nights in a rather dismal corporate apartment. I couldn't concentrate on reading and was in no mood to watch TV. But I needed something to do!

I stopped by a craft store after work one evening and bought some knitting needles, a ball of cotton yarn and a book on knitting dishcloths. I re-taught myself how to knit and started churning out dishcloths -- stacks and stacks of them. The simple, repetitive task gave me something to focus on while I reflected quietly not only on my mother's death, but on her wonderful and inspirational life. Within a few weeks, I began knitting lap afghans for senior citizens in my new community. Both my parents had always been active community volunteers, and as I worked on these small, pretty afghans, I began to feel very close to both of them again. It was a tremendously comforting realization to know that, even if my folks were both gone, I could help
bring a little comfort to other people in the way they had always done.

I have continued to knit and sew for service projects and consider it a very special privilege to do this in my parents' memory.

Click here to visit Anne's blog

As with any major health problem, one of the best roads to recovery is the sense of achievement gained from being able to do 'normal' things again. Jane Wheeler tells us how important a part knitting has played in her recovery:

"I have just started knitting again, three years after suffering from a stroke. Prior to this time I was undertaking an embroidery course which had to fall by the wayside, as I can no longer hold a needle for any long period of time.  Not so with the knitting needles.  I initially started at Christmas, just to keep my hands from the sweetie tin.  It worked, not only can I knit (I am on my fourth item), but it has kept me sane and I have managed to loose a stone.  Not bad, considering it is March now.   I am glad to say that I am really well after the stroke (and a long period of rehabilitation), but knitting certainly helps."
 

Dee Sinclair has been going through a very stressful time of late and has found therapy in rediscovering the joys of knitting which has provided her with a calm oasis in her life:

"I was off work for six months before leaving and am now in the process of taking my former employer to an Employment Tribunal. As you can imagine this has all been very stressful and I have felt very 'down' as a result. I rediscovered knitting, mainly because my son and his wife are expecting a baby and they wanted me to knit a shawl. After finishing the shawl I then went on to knit a cardigan, a couple of jumpers and I have also knitted a blanket and also crocheted a blanket.

This has raised my spirits so much and I am now looking for some further patterns as I have found myself to be much happier and much more calm when I have a 'knit' on the go. I thought that young people wouldn't want hand knitted things but my son and his wife are so pleased with what I've knitted. Knitting has really perked me up and has kept me busy and lifted my spirits so much."

Julie Williams has found her own creative way of coping with an autistic child. All the negative aspects, like being kept awake and being on call 24 hours a day have been approached in a very positive way:

"I've always enjoyed knitting having learnt from my Mum and Granny at an early age. Three years ago our son (aged 2 then) was diagnosed as severely autistic. Life with autism in the family is very hard and I truly think that without my knitting I'd have crumbled years ago! My son started at a severe learning difficulty school last september and I decided to try and make a small amount of money from my beloved hobby. I started a blog which is now visited by over 300 people daily and am now selling my own designed knitted toys and novelties to both individuals and several shops.

Knitting has kept me going through the rough spots. It gives me something of mine in my life - I don't go out or have other hobbies. I can knit anywhere and any time - my son regularly wakes in the night for 2-3 hours and this is made bearable by knitting and a cuppa while he runs around and lets off steam. I knit while he's in the bath, at the park or bouncing for hours on the trampoline in the garden. On my blog I say that I knit to stay sane and it's the truth!"

Click here to visit Julie's blog

2007

Gwyneth Lewis and Betsan Corkhill recently took part in a broadcast on BBC Radio 4 entitled 'How to Knit a Poem'. Gwyneth, who is a poet, looked at the links between knitting, poetry and the wider world.

Click here to listen to a repeat of the programme (15 minutes)

Now for a slightly different email. We've all heard of Stephen Fry and how his struggle with depression saw him quit the play he was in and how Spike Milligan used his depression to fuel his comic genius. Lesser known, but still famous in her own sphere, is Gwyneth Lewis who was the first Welsh Poet Laureate. Here Gwyneth tells of her own experince of depression and the benefits of knitting:

"I met Betsan Corkhill of Stitchlinks (see bottom of this page) as I was making four programmes about knitting for BBC Radio 4. I'm a poet, and the series is called 'How to Knit a Poem'. They'll be going out on Radio 4 from 11-14th of December 2006 each day at 3 45 pm. The second programme in the series (the one being broadcast on 12th December) deals with knitting and depression. I suffer from depression myself, and have published a book called 'Sunbathing in the Rain': A Cheerful Book on Depression, which has just been reissued by Harper Perennial. Our family have a history of depression and it struck me suddenly that it was no coincidence that both my mother and grandmother are excellent knitters. I'm not very good, but I find just the action of knitting hugely soothing, especially when I'm feeling low. I have included one of my poems from the radio programme. (Please credit BBC Radio 4)."

Hypnosis Knitting

A day of wordless misery,
thorns in the heart
that refuse to budge.

No matter, I'm keeping company
with myself, though hurting,
redeeming time that was torturing me.

My grandmother's craftwork,
I suddenly see,
was self-medication,

her fanciest knitwear
anti-depressant hosiery:
a stance against her melancholy.

This pattern wants only rhythm from me:
no judging, no knowing,
just moving on

into a future. I'm working three
axels. First a new personality
made from my patience.

Second, a scarf
composed in calm,
a respite from my usual self-harm.

The third is my finest.
Look! I've unpicked
myself from my worry, a delicate stitch

into the present. No one can see
this last. Mindfulness charges the air,
arrays me in intricate gossamer.

Gwyneth Lewis

Bev Cattell had major surgery and suffered a debilitating stroke, but found that knitting has been of great help on her road to recovery:

"Three years ago I had to have an aortic heart valve replacement and during my operation I suffered a stroke - I was 49 at the time. While I was recovering, my mum got very sick and died. As you can imagine - I was devastated and went into a deep depression. I struggled on with my speech and physiotherapies and after two years managed to get back to work and to driving. I had to relearn the alphabet and get my left hand and arm working again. I've been left with no feeling in my left hand and my concentration was a problem. My boss at work is having a baby in February and I thought it would be nice to knit her some baby clothes. I learned to knit when I was 8 years old - taught by my mum's two sisters. Mum knitted left-handed and didn't have the patience to teach me. My very first complete project was a GONK in about 1963, made with oddments of wool. - I wonder what happened to him. I had him years.
I didn't know if I could still knit after my stroke. I can't seem to remember how to do my bobbin lacemaking. Anyway - I thought I'd try a baby cadigan in basket weave pattern and mint green DK, just something not too difficult.. Well, that went brilliantly and I've since made a DK lacy matinee coat, a DK crossover bobble cadigan and a 4ply lacy polo shirt - all for the new baby. I'm even sewing a cot quilt on my sewing machine.
I have been so relaxed while knitting, I've always knitted very loosely and use smaller needles : 11 and 9 for DK and 13 and 11 for 4ply and am amazed that the young girls at work have no idea how to knit. I have a son and I taught him to knit and sew when he was very young, he's 32 now and not interested in crafts. Oh, to have had a daughter."

It's always good to hear from someone who has returned to knitting after a long break and has realised how much knitting has helped in their recovery from an illness. Mandy tells us:

"I took up knitting again after 11 years 'rest' in the summer. I was suffering with acute anxiety. My daughter started learning how to knit at Girls Brigade and I thought, I used to do that. I bought a scarf kit and knitted it in an evening. I then made a cardigan and have now got into it big time again. I found it very therapeutic. The rhythmic effect and the calming nature helps plus creating something was good. My friend said to find something constructive and creative and relaxing and I did. I'm so pleased that I found knitting again."

Knitting as Therapy has often been talked about, but not quite proved. This next email from Casey, (originally from Chicago and now studying at York University), consolidates what we have long thought about the benefits of knitting and shows how important this page has been to her:

"I wanted to say thanks, It was nice to know and really feel like I wasn’t the only knitter out there, that has used knitting to heal wounds and make things in their lives easier.  I love knitting, I have since high school. It helped me then deal with depression, and has been with me through a long series of abusive relationships. And now, free of said relationships continue to knit. After all the physical, mental, and emotional abuse, knitting has been such a solace. A connection for me to something soft and warm. I feel safe, and always feel productive. It has given me the chance to build back myself esteem, which was missing for so long. Of all the things I have done, and places I have been, knitting has been one of my best therapies, and I have had a lot of them. Not that they didn’t help, they did. But I believe knitting was a nice accent to it. I am not alone as a knitter, but it has always made me feel special. And it has helped me as well with panic attacks in particular of all the post traumatic stress and depression issues. It has always made my life better."

Sometimes conditions we develop can be very much improved by simply diverting our attention. Giuls Driver took her doctor's advice and is now on the road to recovery though knitting:

"I took up knitting shortly after being diagnosed with bulimia. My GP wanted me to try something that would distract me during the evenings so I would be less inclined to make myself vomit. I’ve always been a keen sewer and cross-stitcher but fancied trying something new so I could see if it boosted my confidence. I also wanted to try something portable that I could keep on me in case I had a panic attack when I was out.
 
I went to my local haberdashery one Saturday where a lovely lady called Beryl very patiently taught me how to knit and sold me an old Patons knitting book that had simple patterns that I could learn. I then became hooked.
 
Knitting has helped me because it keeps my hands and mind occupied, and I get something nice at the end of it. It’s slowly becoming more trendy so a twenty-something like me doesn’t often get laughed at whilst walking down the street clacking away at a project. If I do it on a bus or train, people often chat to me about it, which is a nice way of snapping me out of negative thinking. Knitting calms me down when I have a panic attack because it is repetitive and I have to keep counting, which slows my breathing down. Finally finishing a project always helps to boost my self-esteem, it’s something quantifiable as an achievement. And people are always impressed when they realise that you made the scarf you are wearing!
 
It’s great, it’s helped, and I rarely leave the house without my needles!"

Coping with depression and physical pain is never easy, but as a sufferer, Jenny Kendall sums up the benefits she receives from knitting:

"I suffer with bouts of depression, fibromyalgia and headaches, yet I find knitting a great source of relaxation. When you have completed something well and the person you knitted for loves it, you feel a great sense of personal achievement. I often make doll and teddy bear outfits and my own design scarves and shrugs. During the year I send them off to folk as presents. It keeps me in touch with my family and makes a light talking point. I find the vibrant textures and colours of the wools uplifting and love designing my own items.  I am a very fidgety person and would bite and chew my nails a lot more if it wasn't for knitting!. I enjoy listening to music or a drama whilst making things as it helps me settle down and chill. I prefer my own company when Im knitting but like the idea that lots of other people around the country feel much the same way as I do. However, my little Papillon dog gets very jealous and when Im in the middle of a row of knitting he often comes over and jumps up next to me and places his paw on my left arm . Its as if he is saying  ' hey put that down and give me a cuddle', or - 'lets go out for a walk.'  Its as if he thinks I should have a break!!"

Sarena Harrison suffers with Crohn's Disease and finds that having taken up knitting again, it helps to distract her through difficult periods. It has also strengthened her ties with her mother, now that she lives in Switzerland:

"Though my mother I have knitted off and on, I am currently at an 'on' phase, which I expect to last this time!  I fell ill with Crohn’s disease 4 years ago and found that knitting was an excellent way of keeping my mind occupied and distracted me from the pain that I suffer so often.  I think knitting, among other crafts, should be promoted to those with medical conditions that leave you unable to do much or those in pain as it really does help.  I also find that knitting when I am ill and able to do little else gives me a sense of achievement when I am feeling useless in all other ways.

I now live in Switzerland, away from my family, apart from my husband, and my knitting keeps me close to my mother as it gives us something else to chat about every day."

Nursing someone through any illness is a selfless task, so its heartening to hear of someone who has gained something through the true therapeutic benefits of knitting. Allie Dobbs writes of her experience:

"I have just started knitting again last year. Knitting helped me keep sane while nursing my dad during his last days of terminal cancer.  
My older sister was sat knitting which inspired me to borrow some of my mums needles, buy some fancy wool and started my first scarf. I have advanced since, to handbags and even dolls for my neice.
The house now has wool in nearly every corner!
I am a qualified nurse and have a degree in Art & Design. It would be fantastic to combine the two; using knitting to help in all aspects of health issues.
I continue to use knitting to relax me and to give me a positive outlook. Even though I have lots of projects on the go at one time (which my partner finds very difficult to understand!) they are all in progress! Many finished ones have found their way as grateful presents."

Many of us know the fun and companionship of belonging to a knitting group. June Jones has written of her excitement of being asked to set up a knitting group, but also her fears of dispelling the outdated image of knitting. If you have found yourself in a similar situation, please write in and give us your tips for running a successful group.

"I live in Kingston upon Hull and I have been ‘volunteered’ by a staff member of the women’s centre I belong to, to help her set up a knitting group. My first reaction was of course, “Try and stop me.” From personal experience I understand the physical and mental therapeutic value of knitting, (if addiction can be avoided!) but would value any advice you could give us on the best way to get things started. There seems to be an attitude problem regarding knitting, as if it should only be done in private by little old ladies. I would love to instil in others the joy that can be derived from knitting, the visual delight of colour and texture, the sensual pleasure of handling yarn and the sense of achievement from a completed project. Or, I would be very happy to sit, knit and chat with other women."

Erssie Major had major surgery to her arms which meant that she had to give up knitting for several years. Determination to return to her favourite hobby has played a key role in helping on the road to recovery.

"I have a disease called Behcets disease  which is similar to Lupus and Crohns disease and I have badly damaged  arms as a result of surgery going badly wrong.  It left me feeling  utterly useless, especially as I was a qualified Sign language  communicator.  I always knitted but due to the disability in my  arms had to give up for 5 yrs.  
  
 With the right sort of pain relief and recognition from my Pain  Consultant that knitting was not a luxury for me, it was a way of life  I have found it possible to do things again to quite a high standard  BUT it takes me ages to do.  As I can't knit/crochet very fast and can't produce a volume of work I wanted to be useful so I started  writing patterns for  a charity to use instead of knitting for them and  then had some patterns included in on line magazines.  I've also  been working on a crochet book with Castoff and contributed designs for  the book, and now I've been asked to work on other crochet books.  Crochet is becoming the 'new thing'. I think that people like to try to  learn a skill that not many other people know how to do and as knitting  is becoming more universal they are turning to other fibre arts like crochet, spinning and weaving to get that freshness and sense of achievement in producing original work.
  
Knitting isn't a silly hobby for my doctors to giggle over, its not a  luxury, the skills I have trained my hands to do help me in all sorts  of other ways when just over a year ago I couldn't brush my hair or tie my shoelaces! "

Carol Cox broke her wrist last summer and was amazed that knitting was much more effective in helping her to regain full use of her hand than physiotherapy.

"I broke my right wrist in August last year,very painful. After 4 weeks off came the plaster, that's when my problems really started. It was even more painful. I went for physio and for the first 3 weeks there was very little improvement. I suddenly hit on the idea of knitting, when I returned for my weekly session of physio my wrist had so much more movement and much less painful, my physio asked whatever have you been doing, to which I replied, knitting. I don't need anything for myself or family so I knit for charity. Whenever my wrist is aching or stiffens up out comes my knitting. I am now hooked. I am a very young 64,very fit, I swim and cycle, and hadn't knitted for years, I take it with me in the car and even on holiday."

Pauline Mountain is interested in setting up a support group for carers of people with Heart Failure. She aims to provide a support group, increase awareness and raise money for charity through this project. The group will be called: 'Hearts of Positive Energy' (H.O.P.E.)

"The Heart Cell Foundation, a charity set up to raise £6 million needed to allow trials to begin into heart cell therapy at Bart’s in London, has received the support of a Lincolnshire woman.  Pauline Mountain, whose husband Gordon is suffering with congestive heart failure, has pledged to get the good people of Lincolnshire to raise £1 million of that £6 million alone.  “My vision is two fold,” Pauline told us “firstly, I want a heart failure clinic of excellence in Lincolnshire.  Secondly, I’m setting up a support group to enable families and sufferers alike, to gain from a positive focus!”"    

Click here to contact Pauline. Pauline lives in the Lincoln area, but would like to hear from anyone who would benefit from a group like this

Stitchlinks will have a stand at the Stitch & Craft Show at Olympia from 23rd - 26th March and will be sharing a stand at the Vitality Show at Olympia from 30th March - 2nd April. Cardiff University Psychology department have designed a few research projects specifically for these shows and we need your help to take part. The main project will take 15-25 minutes and involve a questionnaire and some simple knitting. You can bring your own small project with you or we can supply you with needles and yarn. It will also be a great opportunity to meet those involved with Stitchlinks and Jeni Brown, psychology researcher, who will be carrying out the research.

Click here to contact Betsan Corkhill for further information ( scroll down page to read more information from Betsan)

Jo Young suffers from severe pain caused by fibromyagia and ostoearthritis. But for others like her she writes to recommend the benefits of knitting.

"I have been in severe pain for many years and suffer extreme exhaustion. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and early onset osteoarthritis in my hand feet and spine. I try to hold on to some semblance of normality and do volunteer work but find I can only do this part-time. I also became a grandmother rather earlier than expected, so I took up knitting again after many years one to make some little bit for my grandchild and two I was advised it may help with the arthritis pain.  I find it does help and I now can't seem to stop, I feel lost if I don't have at least one project on the go with at least another waiting to start.  Even when I feel at my worst and can only manage one or two lines at least I now feel I have achieved something during the day."

Su Douglas from Hayes in Middlesex writes to remind us of the simple joys of knitting to take our mind off the serious issues affecting our lives.

"I am in remission from Renal Cancer and have discovered that life can be all too short.  I found myself re-evaluating everything and saying yes to new experiences far more than no.
 
One of my "yes" moments was when my neighbour asked me over for a coffee and my new hobby was born.  She is an experienced spinner, weaver and dyer and of course knits beautifully as well. Whilst admiring her work she was saying there is nothing you can't achieve if you put your mind to it! So with that in my head I went to the shop and looked for something to knit! I brought Simply Knitting some needles and wool and away I went. I have just signed up for a 6 week knitting course and my friends and I are thinking about setting up a knitting circle in a local café.

Cancer robs you of a lot of things, peace of mind, and the ability to look forward.  As a sufferer you spend hours battling with "what if" in your head.  Knitting settles a lot of that clatter because counting stitches, reading patterns and just feeling the wool run through your fingers is the most soothing experience that I can find.
 
It is quite simply the best therapy I have found because once more I am able to look forward because my knitting has a start middle and finish."

Nicky Luke, from Redruth in Cornwall, has found that comments made to her about her knitting creations have done wonders to boost her self-confidence.

"I have found that knitting is such a relaxing sedative hobby.  I love to start a new project and see it completed.  I also like creating my own patterns.  The sense of pride and achievement you have when you were something that you have made which people comment on is incredible.
   
I recently knitted a very unusual floral scarf which is made up on loads of corsages on a spiral base.  Every time I wear it, I will have people ask me if I made it, or where I got it from.  It's a fantastic in road to social interaction with all sorts of people, not to mention the compliments which boost self esteem.  It also keeps you focussed, determined and busy.  You feel that you are achieving something instead of just watching tele.  It is also lovely to make things for other people.  I g  et an  enormous boost to see my daughter wearing something I have made and one of my friends regularly asks me to make things for her daughter, too.
    
It is highly addictive, like a drug and easy to accommodate into life because it is so portable.  I always have a bag of wool and one or two projects to take with me when I go away.  I always have a plan for what I would like to make next, or which yarn I would like to use next at least before I start the current project.
   
For all these reasons, I am hopelessly and wonderfully addicted and it has definitely given me something positive which has lifted me out of some low times."

2006

Mae Gardine from New York, like many of us has taken up knitting again after a long gap. She has also found that knitting has helped her cope with bereavement.

"Many years ago when my children were little I use to knit all their sweaters and have gotten many compliments how beautiful their sweaters were.  I had stopped knitting as they got older.  Now, with several grandchildren I have taken up knitting and much to my surprise can still knit and follow instructions.  My husband past away and knitting has really helped me fill my void in life."

Betsan Corkhill of Stitchlinks is currently involved with the research taking place at Cardiff University. From the research so far, they have found that it may be even more effective to do both knitting and cross stitching, choosing projects according to how you feel at the time.

"I've spent the last year researching knitting and cross stitching as therapies and it's very clear that they are highly effective tools for dealing with the complexities of stress, pain, depression and long term illness (mental and physical) on every level simultaneously. They also deal with the isolation and anger that many experience as a result of their illness, and are ideal for those trying to stop smoking and lose weight

On a practical level, stitching cuts across culture, language and intellect, comfortably engrossing the highly intelligent and those with learning disabilities. It's even being used to calm disruptive teenagers. There's no stigma attached, it's very affordable and highly portable, enabling stitchers to cope with pain on long journeys, hospital visits and at night. It's also effective for dealing with anxiety, panic attacks and pain spasms. In effect, knitting and stitching are keys to leading a more fulfilling life. A universal tool."

Click here to contact Betsan if you would like to know more about Stitchlinks

Karen Vradelis from Hillsborough, North Carolina has only been diagnosed relativley recently with an Attention Difficiency Disorder. Throughout her life, she has managed to contain her disorder best through her passion for knitting.

"I've knitted since the age of 5 or 6 (I'm the ripe old age of 46 for the time being) and come from a family of knitters... both of my grandmothers always seemed to have something going - it's amongst my strongest memories of them.

As therapy... I never quite thought of it that way - but it really is that for me. I always blamed it on my 'daydreamy nature' - which didn't really have a name until about 7 or 8 years ago when I was 'diagnosed' as ADD-inattentive type. It sort of makes sense - I've always been struggling not to be off in my own little world... and having something to occupy those 'busy' parts of my brain that run in 100 directions at once... makes it easier for me to pay attention to the things that I 'should' be paying attention to... i.e. to behave like a 'normal' person.

Knitting serves very well in this capacity. Not sure why - but even the most boring lecture/television program/church sermon seems more bearable/interesting/whatever when I'm able to sneak my current knitting project in with me to work on... My husband and daughters act quite ashamed of me... that I don't 'care' enough to pay attention in order to honor the value of whatever is going on... but no matter how 'important' whatever is... I find myself drifting off and fidgeting. With knitting in hand... the fidgeting/drifting doesn't happen as easily. It's not distracting in the least."

Mel Corkill from St Helens Merseyside was diagnosed with ME five years ago

"Just thought I'd drop you a line to let you know how knitting has helped me. Despite severe pain and tiredness I decided to pick up my needles (bamboo) and try a few lines. It was very slow at first, but now I'm knitting socks and charity items on a regular basis. Knitting really helps me to 'switch off' and relax as well as reduces the pain and disfunction in my hands. When I wake up I can tell when I haven't knitted the previous day.....the pain can be really bad. Knitting can improve any person's life as a relaxation tool."


 Betsan Corkhill of Stitchlinks has long studied the therapeutic effects of knitting. She is delighted that reasearch will now be carried out by a leading British University

"Cardiff University Psychology Department will be carrying out stage one of a research project into the effects of knitting and cross stitching on those suffering depression and chronic pain. The project will be overseen by Dr Ulrich von Hecker - an expert in depression - and carried out by Research Psychologist, Jeni Brown. I have been collecting anecdotal evidence for a number of months and would love to hear from anyone who finds knitting therapeutic."

Click here to tell Betsan of your own evidence of the benefits of knitting

Caroline has written to tell us how knitting has helped to find her self confidence again after a difficult time in her life

"Earlier this year I had a total breakdown and reactive depression following extreme stress at work. I saw an article in the Times newspaper in May about the benefical effects of knitting. The websites quoted rekindled my interest in knitting.

The article gave me the confidence to think about holding a very informal workshop during a youth camp in August. I succeeded in going and taught 50+ people to knit. I have continued knitting and tried new items such as Armwarmers, socks and more experimental knitting. I have just been helping at 'Relax n Knit' at Alexandra Palace.

Knitting has helped me regain my confidence by providing a focus and the postive comments that i have received has restored my self worth."
Mollie Tracy of Charleston, SC  USA writes about her thesis on Knitting in Art Therapy

" I graduated a year ago with a Master’s in Art Therapy. I interviewed knitters, art therapists and artist who were all knitters.  In my studies I found that knitting worked for a range of clients from anxiety disorders to dimentia.  Many occupational therapist have found that knitting uses both sides of the brain therefore it helped lessen the symptoms of dementia."

Click here if you would like to contact Mollie and ask questions or make comments about her thesis

Eve Franklin from Christchurch, New Zealand has written to tell us how knitting has improved a physical injury

"I am a self-employed gardener and find that I get very sore wrists, especially in winter when I do a lot of pruning by hand. My sister-in-law shamed me into knitting for my three new grandchildren who are due at the end of the year (she is always knitting for hers).I thought knitting would make my wrists worse but to my amazement, found that it definitely eases the pain. In the last couple of months, I have knitted six pairs of bootees, three jumpers, one cardigan and now am halfway through knitting another cardigan.
Apart from the pain therapy, I am getting a great deal of satisfaction from completing the garments. I'm also amazed that I remember all the techniques I learnt as a teenager."

Tonya Stewart writes from America and explains how knitting has helped her:

"My therapist last year said knitting is good for relieving stress and good for self confidence when knitting for the benefit of others...it is a great stress reliever for me and it gives me a sense of self confidence.
I learned when I was six but never really did more than knit scarves until my mid-twenties when I learned to make clothing...I haven't stopped since then and knit for charity.
I collect old english knitting patterns most of which are by beehive/paton yarns and sirdar they have classic patterns that are still popular today.
Emotionally, knitting is a release and also gives me a creative outlet as I often alter patterns to make them personalized to me."

Jo Middleton of Grimsby shares her thoughts with us:

"I've read in the Times recently (see 'Knitting Among US Teens'.. link below) that knitting is a stress-busting and cool activity for all age groups including young people with 'issues'.

I work with a community action group who are tackling problems in their neighbourhood by,among other things, getting young people involved in all sorts of activities.  they are putting on Junior Abba mania at our local Auditorium [financed by the local newspaper] at the end of the summer holidays, and will be creating the costumes during the hols.  

I love knitting and would love to see the craze spread, and if it does have a calming effect then this is just the target group we ought to try and reach."

Betsan Corkhill, writes of her experience:

"More and more people are discovering the therapeutic benefits of knitting and stitching and for those of us who regularly knit or stitch we just know it works, but is there any evidence?

As an ex-physiotherapist the use of knitting as a therapy is an issue that’s aroused my interest. There ‘s the obvious hand exercise it provides, but the most exciting discovery was the number people who use knitting to deal with problems such as stress, depression and pain relief.

I have been interested in research carried out in 2004 which proves, with the use of MRI scans, that the brain’s attention can be diverted away from interpreting pain. It’s so effective that some burns units are now using virtual reality games as a means of diverting attention away from pain and do not need to use as much medication. It’s now known that the intensity and unpleasantness of pain can be greatly affected by the amount of attention paid to it.

I believe that the concentration required to focus in on a knitting pattern is having a similar effect. It appears to be breaking the vicious cycle of pain, disability, depression and stress that it’s so easy to fall into. It also motivates people to go out and order new knitting supplies and read specialist magazines, which improves contact with the outside world, stimulating more positive thoughts. There’s less time to dwell on unpleasant thoughts and this in turn helps to lessen the secondary effects of pain, disability and stress. What’s more, knitting has many other properties that enable it to be used as an extremely effective therapy providing a goal and a finished article that is a source of praise from others. All this contributes to the feel-good factor."

Betsan will soon setting up a support network called Stitchlinks. Its aim is to support all those who use any form of stitching as a therapy.

Click here to contact Betsan and find out more about Stitchlinks