In the rhythm of the needles, there’s music for the soul
Since the Covid-19 virus introduced the lockdown in March, I took out my knitting needles (which I last used about 20 years ago) to busy myself in the “down” time. Like me, my daughter has migrated from synthetic to fully organic cotton and pure wool clothing which gave me the perfect excuse to knit a 100 % wool sweater for her. I have knitted three for her already during the social distancing time and just completed this mustard, cable knit in a gorgeous New Zealand Shetland pure lambswool yarn yesterday (see photo).
I am so glad to be clicking my needles again because apart from producing a beautiful woollen creation from two bamboo sticks and some yarn, knitting takes me to my happy place. I am an introvert by nature (not in the quiet, shy sense but more like preferring my own company)The repetitive motions of knitting centres you like meditation does. While repeating the same pattern over and over, you stop thinking about other things and you’re brought right into the present moment - a peaceful state of mindfulness where you are not pre-occupied about the past nor fretting about the future.
Like the monotonous metronome which swings to and fro, the rhythmic,repetition of the knitting stitches which a member from one of my knitting groups so aptly described as “stab, strangle, scoop and throw”, helps to calm the breathing and lowers the heart rate by doing the same stitch over and over again. One can say it is similar to effecting the yoga asanas(poses) time and time again. This tactile craft forces me to be present there in the moment and to pay full attention. It’s humble and repetitive, challenging and meditative. While yoga is known to have restorative powers, the act of knitting does too but goes one better by producing a tangible work of art at the end.
It is said that Albert Einstein knitted to clear his mind and Ryan Gosling, the movie star revealed that his perfect day would include yarn and knitting needles. He learnt to knit from a room full of old ladies who taught him the craft while he was filming the movie, “Lars and the Real Girl”. Kaffe Fassett, the American born textile designer who is world renowned for his colourful knitted designs, thinks that knitting is “the most therapeutic thing in the world”. Other famous celebrities that knit all the time are silver screen actresses, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, queen in waiting, Kate Middleton and actor David Arquette and many more.
When you really think about it, knitting is akin to a modern day miracle. For those of you that are not yet into this captivating textile art form, did you know that all knitting is made up of just two stitches, plain and purl? Can anything be more simple than that? The jaw-dropping Aran jumper with its labyrinth of cables, the sheer, silky gossamer shawl, the colourful, Intarsia work cardigan, the intricate colour work of the Fair Isle sweater, the pretty lacework of a summer singlet, the stitch sampler of a bed throw or just the humble socks, scarves and hats are made up of just two stitches: a plain stitch that is done through the back of the needle and a purl stitch whose loop is made by bringing the needle in front. From these two basic stitches, a whole array of knitted masterpieces are designed and created. Mind boggling, isn’t it?
At the alternative Waldorf School based on the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner, first graders learn to knit before they learn to read. Steiner favoured handiwork because it “introduces the world of mechanism and brings movement, while on the other [hand] it trains in the power of attention.” Knitting helps the brain create neural pathways that connect what the eyes see and what the hands feel. Therefore, essential skills like hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor skills, visual discrimination, sensory perception and spatial awareness are all practised in a fun way through a pair of sticks and pretty string.
While knitting can become quite addictive, the irony is that it has enjoyed such transformative benefits by getting rid of other destructive addictions. In Australia, there’s a Knit to Quit group for smokers, I read an article about a psychologist using knitting with a group of women suffering from eating disorders and another of a counsellor using knitting with inmates to reduce feelings of anger, depression and frustration. There is a large body of research that shows that knitting regularly, keeps dementia at bay. Also, keeping the fingers moving with knitting is great for maintaining mobility for those suffering from arthritis. Knitting, because of it’s binary nature, is all about counting, multiplying, measuring, and patterning, which are great for all math and coding skills.
Today, like in the ancient times, knitting is a social activity and creates a sense of community. There are thousands of knitting pages, groups, podcasts or blogs that you can interact with. One knitting page that I follow is called Knitting Bartender and is run by a talented, American knitter called Keenan Goldsmith. He is a big, burly hunk of a man who mesmerises his followers with the most complicated cable patterned sweaters and his enthusiasm for knitting is so infectious.
Unlike grandma who sat inside her home and knitted on her own, nowadays you can get so much of help, hints, advice, tips and tricks from like-minded people who make the most amazing knitted creations one stitch and one row at a time. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is, YouTube is bursting with tutorials to teach you how to knit anything from the simplest scarves to the most complex cardigan. A popular podcast on Youtube called The Grocery Girls, hosted by two Canadian sisters, Tracie and Jodie, share their passion for knitting and fibre and are a delight to listen to as they discuss various topics that interests knitters. The pandemic has been instrumental in jettisoning this craft which goes back to the 5th century where it first originated in the Middle East to new heights in popularity with sales going through the roof in yarn, needles, patterns, knitting accessories and knitting kits.
I usually have two knitting projects on the go at any one time: a simple pattern where I can knit mechanically without really focussing on my work like when I am watching the footy, tennis, cricket, Netflix or talking to a friend on the phone. The other piece of work could be a complex design where I need to be highly focussed on the task at hand which involves counting stitches like in cable work. In both instances, however, my mind is free from stress and in an harmonious state of flow where nothing else matters. Knit one, purl one, breathe in, breathe out, stitch by stitch like counting on a rosary bead or a mala and at the end there’s a beautiful creation that bears the stamp of your sense of accomplishment and creativity.
Knitting, the modern day yoga, is an activity that stills the mind and destresses the body. So, if you’re stressed, fighting an addiction, looking for a way to connect with other people, or make someone’s day by gifting them your knitted creation, what are you waiting for? Learn to knit! You will discover the therapeutic benefits of knitting - because the fact is, “Beautiful things come together, one stitch at a time” while at the same time leading you to a place of love, quiet and peace.
So, quit knit-picking and become part of a tight-knit group; I assure you, you will be hooked in no time.
Have a fabulous week, Folks!
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