Six reasons why knitting is good for you and good for the world!

Knitting, crocheting and crafting in general is no longer the necessity it once was.  From the days when everyone wore handknitted clothes on a daily basis, knitting and crochet is now a lifestyle choice.

Here are six ways that I can think of to bring these crafts back into every day life and maybe even do our bit to save the planet -

1             Knitting is a form of slow living.  You have to keep at it to see results but the joy of watching a garment unfold and grow is pretty special.  Of course not all knitting is this captivating!  Just make sure that nearly everything you knit is because you just can’t NOT knit it.

2             A loved hand-knitted garment is more likely to be worn for years than a mass produced garment.  In general, we knit to please our tastes, not blindly follow fashion.  I have a jumper that I knitted over 10 years ago.  It is my winter cover-up jumper which does the job of a dressing gown/blanket beautifully!  I’m lucky to live in a climate that doesn’t get freezing cold in winter, so wearing a woolly jumper and socks means I don’t have to have a heater on.

3             If you buy locally produced yarns, you are not only supporting local businesses, but you are also reducing the effects that production has on the environment.  Reducing the need for transport/large scale manufacturing etc is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint, while supporting the small business and retail sectors.  Even buying commercially produced yarn that is mostly sourced and manufactured in your country makes a difference.

 

         4  Learn to spin!  Buy locally sourced fleece, spin it up yourself and make a huge contribution to saving the world!  While you're at it, dip your creative feet into dyeing so you have created the whole package.

                   5  Teach your children/grandchildren/neighbours children to knit/crochet.  Passing on the skill keeps it alive and fresh.  Just look at what people make from yarn…knitting and crocheting is a great way to keep up with fashion trends.

         6    Knitting is a form of stress relief.  If you are not the type of person who can relax while running or exercising, maybe knitting is what you need.  The slow, rhythmic movements allow you to become lost in the stitches and give your stressed brain time to relax and repair.

What are some other benefits to you and the environment?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.