Knitting has Health Benefits!

Knitting and crochet enthusiasts are smiling because their hobbies may have the added benefit of helping their minds and bodies

Manhattan, New York - August 17, 2007 – Have you ever wondered why people who craft yarn into garments always seem to be smiling and happy? It turns out that the repetitive actions needed for knitting and crochet can bring the mind and body to a state called a "relaxation response" that is quite similar to what people experience with techniques such as repetitive prayer, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and other relaxation disciplines.

Research at the Harvard Medical School Mind/Body Institute has found that when an individual is knitting her heart rate can drop 11 beats a minute and her blood pressure drops as well. These results can have significant health benefits for people who knit and crochet.In the U.S. many institutions are taking advantage of these health benefits by incorporating knitting and crochet into the activities that they provide.

Gilda's Clubs which offers family cancer support in locations across the U.S., now provide knitting to help with the emotional upheaval of dealing with cancer. At the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, knitting is used to lower stress for its clients. Children and their parents are seeing the benefits of knitting and crochet as well. Grade schools from Oregon to New Jersey have incorporated knitting into their curriculum, not only for the health benefits, but to help build creativity and improve math skills."Knitting benefits an individuals emotional and physical health.

Knitting can reduce stress in an individual who is trying to manage the severity of their chronic illness. It can also help reduce stress in individuals who lead very hectic lifestlyes."said Gary Scholar, Health & Wellness Consultant to the employees of the American Hospital Association. "I have incorporated knitting classes in my Health & Wellness programs for employees because of the health benefits. I would like to see implemented at Children's hospitals a program to teach sick children how to knit so they have something to keep their minds occupied and be proud of what they have made if they are in the hospital for an extended time,"

A new children's book ANGORA, I'm Knot Just Fluff I'm Always Enough was recently published by Scholar about a bunny who is taught by her mother and grandmother how to knit using magic carrot knitting needles to give her self esteem to dance in her dance recital.

"For many years we've heard stories and witnessed how knitting and crochet have positively affected people’s lives. We once asked our customers to share their stories of how knitting and crochet have changed their lives on our website, and to date, we’ve received over 500 touching and personal submissions " said Ilana Rabinowitz of Lion Brand Yarn. "It has only been in recent years that studies have brought to light the mental and physical benefits that crochet and knitting enthusiast can look forward to while participating in this wonderful hobby."

For more information on learning to knit and crochet, visit the Lion Brand Web site at http://www.lionbrand.com

Or if you are in St. Louis, leave a comment. Or if you are visiting and staying at The Westin, they have guest knitting supplies and join the knitting group that meets on Thursday nites, 5-7pm in the Clark Street Grill bar area will teach you how to knit.

What happened to July....

Where is the time going??? Here it is the middle of August already and I've not been good about posting. July weather was absolutely beautiful. Even got to turn off the AC for many days. Now we're in the 2nd week of this record-breaking heat wave. I learned that our digital indoor/outdoor thermometer really goes above 100 degrees last Sunday when it showed 102. Today the temp reached 105!! The meteorologists are saying we will have a cold wave Friday & Saturday when the temp is the the 80s and 90s. HAH!

We spent Tuesday evening at the Lafayette Swim Club celebrating a dear friend's birthday. Here is one of the items she was gifted.....

I'm so glad they fit! This is Lorna's Laces Flamingo done toe-up. It is the last pair of sox I knit toe up. I just can't get a decent stretchy bind-off. These are just okay in my book.

The other item was Fetching from Knitty knitted with Paton's SWS Natural Denim. Fetching is such a fun pattern to knit. I've made several pair as gifts in SWS, Malabrigo and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. I like the Cashmerino Aran the best. Haven't taken any photos. Must remember to do that. Found some other fingerless patterns I'd like to try.

Am working on Cookie A's Monkey sox from Knitty with Trekking XXL for my Mom for her birthday. She brought the yarn back from Germany for me and I wasn't wild about the orange color, but she said she really liked it. Hopefully, I'll get them done by Sep 12 when we leave to visit her in PA.

Also have a Scrawl OTN.....

I'm using Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace in the Shadow colorway. Love this yarn. Have moved on to the circulars but am struggling with the Addi Turbos. Waiting on the Knitpicks Options (a birthday gift from my Mom) to arrive to see if they will work better.

Well, 2 posts in 1 day. I really need to post more often.

Be Happy!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday