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Why Do Knitting And Crochet Continue To Hook So
Many Fans?
Yarn crafter/author shares
four unexpected benefits.
Staff Report
(June 17, 2013)
The idea of "DIY" is definitely in vogue,
bringing an upswing in popularity of knitting and crocheting, and
there's no sign interest will wane anytime soon, says lifelong
craftswoman Betty Hechtman.
"Pinterest and Etsy are two of the hottest
websites online today, and they’re brimming with hand-knitted items,
from socks and scarves to purses and pretty much anything that can
be made from yarn," says Hechtman, author of Yarn to Go, (www.BettyHechtman.com),
the first in a new mystery series scheduled for publication in July
by Berkley Prime Crime Books.
"The hand-knitted caps and sweaters that might
have embarrassed us as kids are now a hip expression of artistry,"
she says. "Young adults appreciate originality and craftsmanship,
and they're an innovative bunch. They're doing amazing things with
yarn."
Surprisingly, she notes, crocheting is even
more popular than knitting. It’s #3 on the top 10 U.S. crafts list
compiled by the Craft and Hobby Association, with 17.4 million
devotees. Knitting comes in at No. 9 with 13 million needle fans.
"What's interesting is people say they're drawn
to yarn crafts because of the creativity," Hechtman says, citing a
Craft Yarn Council survey of more than 5,000 knitters. "But once
they get into it, they say they realize it also helps with stress."
That’s just one of the unexpected benefits of
time spent knitting and crocheting. Hechtman cites four more:
1. Knitting (and crochet) actually
produce beneficial physical changes. Spend enough time with your
needles or a hook and yarn, and you can strengthen your immune
system, lower your blood pressure, and change your brain chemistry
to reduce stress hormones and increase the natural "happy"
neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. These findings were
reported last year at an "academic study day" in England on the
therapeutic benefits of knitting.
2. It won’t leave you feeling groggy in
the morning. Having trouble sleeping? Instead of reaching for a
pill, pick up a yarn project an hour or so before bedtime. The
calming repetition of knitting or crocheting slows restless, racing
thoughts and helps us transition from busy day to quiet, restful
night.
3. Keep your hands out of trouble. Are
you trying to quit smoking and don’t know what to do with yourself?
How about biting your nails? Have you become obsessed with checking
your social media? Crocheting or knitting keeps hands busy – and out
of trouble – while you're traveling, waiting at the doctor's office
or sitting at your kid's soccer game. And, unlike smoking,
nail-biting and wasting time on Facebook, the result of knitting and
crocheting is a positive one.
4. Make new friends. An Internet survey
of 3,500 knitters found 90 percent made new friends through the
craft. One of the beautiful aspects of yarn work is that you can do
it alone or in a group. In fact, the opportunities to socialize seem
to be driving the strong interest from young adults, who meet at
bars, Starbucks, and office lunchrooms for a good stitch session,
according to the Craft Yarn Council. People who are alone much of
the time are more prone to depression and other mental health
issues, getting together for a knit with friends is good for you.
(Note: Betty Hechtman is the author of Yarn
to Go, the first book in the Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Retreat
mystery series, as well as the author of the Berkley Prime Crime
Crochet mystery series. The eighth book, For Better or Worsted,
is scheduled to be published in November.
xxx