We asked whether knitting or crochet had ever helped you through a tough time in your life and we were incredibly moved by all the stories you submitted – thank you so much for your honesty! Below is Beth’s story and we’ll be sharing more over the months to come, so that these knitters’ and crocheters’ words can inspire you as much as they have us. (Click here to be taken to all posts in this series and here for the survey results.)
‘I always knew the basics of knitting from when I was a child and my grandmother would teach me how to knit and purl. I never finished anything, I just learnt the process, but it stuck with me all these years. To me the act of making something is far more exciting than the end result itself. The concentration involved doesn’t allow you to really think about anything, so you fall into a meditative state. When there is so much distraction in life and endless amounts of screens to stare at, it feels so refreshing to focus your attention on something that you can feel good about.
A few years ago, due to stress from my job, I developed a stomach condition that left me in a lot of pain and severely fatigued. This rendered me immobile for 90% of my spare time. I would have to lie in bed whenever I wasn’t at work, which was extremely frustrating seen as I’m a very proactive person. I became quite depressed. The medicine I was prescribed just wasn’t working and I had to relearn everything I already knew about diet and lifestyle. I could no longer go out with friends, eat the food I loved, or even have a G&T. It was a very alienating time.
There were very few activities I could carry out that didn’t leave me totally exhausted. And there’s only so many box sets I will happily sit through mindlessly, so I decided to pick up knitting again. I’d dabbled throughout the years with the odd scarf and hat but I wanted to pick it up a notch, so I bought the quarterback dress kit. I began knitting like a mad woman, and I really noticed an improvement in my mood. That sense of achievement, of creating something whilst being bed bound was a complete juxtaposition but also a huge relief. It no longer felt like I was wasting my time. All of my frustrations drifted away as the process would completely clear my mind.
So after a few more months of knitting in bed and a complete diet change, I managed to get myself off the medication and rebuild my life. Things have improved massively since. I now have the energy to go out, treat myself to something a little indulgent and I can even enjoy a G&T. But the change didn’t stop there and is still ongoing. Inspired by a restorative Yoga retreat in Italy, after much meditation, thought and a bit of knitting in the sun, I decided to change my career. I have become so passionate about health and the idea of being able to help others the way I helped myself that I’ve enrolled onto a holistic nutrition course. I think it’s important to look at everything in a positive light. Although this was a difficult time, ultimately I think this whole experience has put me on the right path in life, and it’s made me an excellent knitter to boot.’
What is the pattern shown in Betty’s story. Looks like a fun blanket to knot.
Hello! Beth is knittning up the Julia Sweater using moss stitch and our Shiny Happy Cotton in Nude Pink