Is knitting the new adult colouring for coping with stress?
On a recent shopping trip I sighted some knitting needles and wool. It immediately brought back nostalgic and fond memories of learning to knit a skill I was taught as a child by my mother and sister both of whom were very talented in this ‘art form’. I brought them on impulse and began re-igniting that skill. What I found was a deep sense of relaxation and focused mindfulness on the task at hand. I was knitting nothing in particular but the actions the clicking of the needles, the feel of the wool twirling round my fingers was strangely calming. In the same way the adult colouring books have taken off to manage stress. What was even more interesting was the reaction from my family they were most intrigued and comments such as “you look like a granny” were not uncommon.
It occurred to me they have never experienced me doing anything in a hands on creative way, except only to produce various meals, DIY and the occasional party invitations. Instead they were used to me sitting in front of a computer screen, reading or writing notes – yet I would describe myself as a very creative person. In contrast my mother was extremely creative with fabrics including wool, she was always sewing and making things either for us or for family friends. It was not unusual for her to be making 4 bridesmaids dresses, plus bake a wedding cake and tend to us all as kids. Although most of it was out of economic necessity, I’m sure she derived a lot of pleasure from some these activities and a much needed distraction from regular chores.
So I will continue to knit for the time being as a welcome distraction and a source of relaxation from my busy life as another tool for managing stress.