Posted on: March 23, 2007
Knit One, Soul Two
Both relaxing and creative, knitting is a popular way to escape the hustle and bustle of the technology age. It’s also a great way to give your love to friends, family and yourself
By Bev Bennett
CTW Features
Some people exercise when they’re stressed; others may have a drink or two before dinner. Still, others knit.
Amy Rea started knitting to calm herself during a trying period. Nikki Zarefsky, a lifelong knitter, uses her skills to bring solace to people in emotional crises.
Knitting, once a hobby for girls and grandmothers, has a newfound therapeutic reputation. More people are discovering the benefits of creating something with yarn and needles. And, if their goal isn’t to soothe themselves, people find great pleasure in giving their work to others.
Although free knitting classes have been popular in New York since the late 90s, it wasn’t until Sept. 11 that knitting became a healing tool there, according to Mary Colucci, executive director, Craft Yarn Council of America.
“When 9/11 happened, people became aware of the social aspect of the classes. People were looking for something to comfort them and bring them together with others,” says Colucci, who lives in New York.
But it’s not just the gathering of knitters that makes the craft beneficial. Although there’s little research on the subject, those who knit say the process is healthful, as well.
“Knitting can focus people and keep the mind clear,” says Colucci.
Rea, who learned to knit less than three years ago, agrees.
“If I’m working on something and am blocked I’ll pick up the needles for 15 to 20 minutes and I’m calmed and get over the block. It’s the repetitive nature; over and over; soothing,” says Rea, a freelance corporate writer and editor in Eden Prairie, Minn.
Knitting also is helping Rea become more forgiving.
“I’m more patient with knitting mistakes than with other mistakes. I want to carry the lessons to other parts of my life,” says Rea, who now writes a knitting blog.
Even though Zarefsky always had some project going, it wasn’t until she learned about knitting ministries that she became passionate about the craft.
She belongs to the Soul Stitchers at Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston, Ill. Members of the group knit shawls that contain a blessing for healing.
The knitters don’t know who will receive their work. Instead the shawls are distributed to congregation members by the synagogue’s rabbis.
“Knitting the shawls is like reaching out and giving someone an extra hug,” says Zarefsky.
Ideally the recipients will keep their shawls long after their crises and pass them along to others in need, Zarefsky says.
And, as long as there’s a demand for her efforts, Zarefsky is putting more effort into Soul Stitchers.
“I see this as something I’m totally invested in. I’m doing less and less other knitting and doing more shawls,” says Zarefsky.
