Knitting As Therapy

[CraftyCath]

I did crochet when I was pregnant but haven't bothered since. I do cross stitch and tapestry and make my own cards (I draw and paint too see post 'get your art on). I guess that's why I'm called CraftyCath! LOL i've got lots of unframed work too and I'm fast running out of wall space!

 

[ClairBear226]

Another knitter here! I also used to do cross stitch and Hardanger embroidery, but haven't picked up either of those in quite some time. I think I must have a short attention span for a knitter, though. I haven't made a lot of scarves, but have made loads of mittens, gloves, hats, socks, and little stuffed animals. I think it helps to focus on something tactile. Sort of maybe a grounding thing? I also play bagpipes, and find the same to be true there too, especially when learning a new piece of music. Have you found knitty.com? They're my favorite spot for freebie patterns, and always have new stuff.

 

[broken_one]

Oh yes, I love knitty patterns!!! BAGPIPES! Wowwie! That is amazing!

 

[ClairBear226]

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff11/index.php

Here ya go - my favorite source for patterns! Check out the pattern library, as well as the newer "issues". It's sort of a magazine format. I haven't been knitting alot over the summer, but there's a pattern for fingerless gloves that I've made several pairs of for my piper friends for the cold. I've also bought an occasional pattern on etsy.com. Once you pay, they send it to you in a PDF file, and you print it out. There's some really cute stuff. Are you making garter stitch scarves, or have you tried a pattern? I have one scarf pattern that I've made several of, even though I'm not a big scarf person. They have a very easy chevron lace pattern at either end, and then in the middle it's all garter stitch. So you get a chance to stretch your skills a bit without it being too much.

Yea, I'm a piper. I played for awhile when I was in high school, then put them down for 25 years. I picked it back up about 2 years ago now. It was good for me to take on a challenge. It put my efforts into something constructive.

 

[amethist]

2 of my latest creations. The "Hello Kitty" is for my granddaughter, this is the first time I have done this one. The Elephant if for a friends 18 month old little girl, which I have done so many times, for my own 2 girls when they were small, and for many children since. I just change the pink to pale blue for the boys.

 

[CraftyCath]

They are so sweet amethist - clever girl!

 

[atl22]

When I was child, I loved to watch my grandmother knit sweaters and blankets for family members. She would let the person she was knitting for choose the colors and pattern. She really poured tons of love into those blankets and sweaters. Each person that received a blanket considers it to be a special treasure and an heirloom.

Anyway, I just wanted to say "much respect" to all you knitters out there. It is a very special craft. I think that is is quite wonderful that you have found something which helps you through life's daily struggles while making art which can be shared with others.

 

[Dizzydays]

I love to crochet. I have been meaning to begin knitting again but I will wait until winter comes. It's too hot to hold yarn right now. You definately have me excited about it though.

 

[broken_one]

I don't care what the weather! We have a/c so I have continued to knit through the summer, even thought it's been one of the hottest on record ;) I have found cotton and other lightweight novelty yarns to knit with. I've even noticed myself knitting in my sleep.

Dizzy, I hope it brings you comfort as it has me. It's like a drug for me now. I have to have yarn for my next 3-4 projects otherwise I get up, jittery. Jonesing for yarn, could be a lot worse ;)

Even though I only learned in February, I've made several gifts. All scarves, because that's all I can do at the moment. I have a friend who recently suffered a miscarriage (which I know the pain of only too well). I made her a scarf and sent it to her. I told her it was a portable hug and her security blanket.

I also read someplace that each stitch is like a prayer. Maybe that is why knitting (and crocheting) are comforting.

I've also read about a lot of actresses (and actors) who knit between takes as a way to keep their brain busy on a low grade level.

Also, for me, being OCD, I take some weird comfort in counting. (freak) What can I say? I have PTSD.

 

[amethist]

Has anyone ever used a computer program to chart up a picture for either cross stitch or to use as a knitting pattern.

I have just used a trial one to test if it would work on 2 Buzz Lightyear pictures for my grand son, to use on the front of a jumper for him. I am amazed how well it has worked. Just have to adapt the colours now to what I want to use. :D

These are the 2 I have just charted up.

 

[Froggie]

I used to knit and crochet a lot when I was younger and when the kids were young. Reading this post is really giving me the urge to take up my knitting needles. It is a real therapy, that's for sure. I was more than impressed to see the works you gals have done. Amazing.

 

[broken_one]

Here are a few of my scarves:

Sorry, I tried again and it's not letting me post photos of my scarf.

Maybe someone can just delete this post ;) Thanks