Hobbies 101: How and why to get hooked on knitting
Welcome to a series of articles to help you find your next hobby. Hobbies give us something to be passionate about, a creative outlet, and an alternative way to be productive. So stick around. Better well-being is just a lazy afternoon away.
Knitting
“It keeps me from killing people.”
That’s a response I got from an actual knitter when I inquired about his hobby. It’s true that knitting literally helps you unwind. But knitting isn’t just a way to relax. (Or the above case, to serve as a public service.) It’s a way to be productive, because at the end of each session, you’ve got a unique, maybe slightly misshapen, full-of-love project to keep or pass off as a gift. And you’ll join a bevy of celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, David Arquette, Ryan Gosling, and Amanda Seyfried who turn their cares to a pair of needles and yarn.
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Seriously, knitting promotes mindfulness through repetitive motion and rhythmic patterns. The effects can be similar to meditation. The movements your eyes make as you knit are thought to be a memory booster, and it’s a completely portable hobby that you can take virtually anywhere: the doctor’s office, the break room, a bar. No matter where you and your ball of yarn go, you’re sure to strike up conversation. “Watcha makin’?” Or in my case, “Do you have any anger management issues I should know about?”
If you didn’t get personal knitting lessons from grandma, don’t worry. A host of craft and textile stores are ready to help you get started on your next scarf, hat, shrug, or blanket.
614 Knit Studio | 4400 Indianola Ave.
A project-based approach (mittens, hats) to knitting for all levels. If you get hooked, join the Happy Hour Yarn Club!
Sew to Speak | 752 High St.
You’ll find beginner knitting for kids and adults (including finger knitting!) with suggested materials.
The Yarn Shop | 1125 Kenny Centre Mall
An assortment of leveled classes and projects.
Knitting Temptations | 35 S High St.
Knitting Temptations offers beginning and advanced classes in knitting and crochet, as well as groups that knit projects for charitable causes.
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