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Knitting: A Craft and a Connection

Taylor & Francis
Issues in Mental Health Nursing
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... The scientific literature shows that knitting has proved to be beneficial in many ways in terms of health, psychological well-being and quality of life (Adey, 2018;Fields, 2014;Johnson & Wilson, 2005;Kenning, 2015;Potter, 2016). Numerous researchers have demonstrated that this activity provides relaxation (Burt & Atkinson, 2012;Collier & Claire, 2011;Croghan, 2013) and affects the mood (Burt & Atkinson, 2012;Corkhill et al., 2012;Riley et al., 2013), contributing to an increase in personal confidence (Griffiths, 2008) related to the act of creating an object with one's own hands (Pöllänen, 2013;Riley et al., 2013). ...
... Different researchers have identified a wide variety of reasons as to why knitters take up and maintain this activity (Adey, 2018;Burt & Atkinson, 2012;Collier & Claire, 2011;Corkhill et al., 2012;Fields, 2014;Johnson & Wilson, 2005;Kenning, 2015;Myzelev, 2009;Potter, 2016;Riley, 2008Riley, , 2011Stannard & Sanders, 2015). These reasons can be grouped into three large areas: personal motivations, group effects (of knitting with others) and knitting for others. ...
... Fields (2014) highlighted the relationship among the motivation for knitting, the improvement of self-concept and the incentives related to devoting time to oneself. The relationship illuminates that knitting allows participants to disconnect from their problems (Kenning, 2015;Potter, 2016), as they submerge in an automatic activity (Adey, 2018). Other researchers have found that the motivation for knitting can also be related to the feeling of being productive (Burt & Atkinson, 2012;Collier & Claire, 2011;Myzelev, 2009;Riley, 2008Riley, , 2011) and bringing a sense of self-satisfaction regarding the created item (Howie et al., 2004). ...
Article
Knitting is an activity that generates well-being and that can be undertaken in a group. It is characterized by the creation of a final piece, which may have different purposes. The aims of this study were to explore the effects of knitting in a natural group, as well as examining the impact that the purpose of the piece created might have on the motivation to knit. A mixed methodology was used with one group of knitters, under two conditions: knitting for oneself and for others. The data was collected through a volitional questionnaire, personal diaries and semi-structured interviews. The participants expressed that knitting gave them a sense of well-being and relaxation. Carrying out this activity in a group also enabled them to have the possibility of learning and teaching. Knitting for others is more meaningful than knitting for oneself because they knitted for people they cared for.
... In the present day, women might meet in knitting cafés for the same purpose (Corkhill et al., 2014). Group knitting can be a place for learning and creativity, and can influence individuals' sense of belonging, increase self-efficacy, and provide group members with an opportunity to socialize without any demands in an environment characterized by acceptance, humour, inclusion, and friendship (Palmer & Kawakami, 2014;Potter, 2016;Prigoda & McKenzie, 2007). ...
... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
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Full-text available
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
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Full-text available
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
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... My therapist advised me to use it as a means to practice mindfulness and to manage the anxieties and insecurities I was feeling. Her suggestion echoed studies that discuss the benefits of knitting to people's mental health and well-being (Brooks et al., 2019;Potter, 2017;Riley et al., 2013). Using my hands for an activity other than typing and producing usable knitted goods at far greater speed than my dissertation gave me a much-needed sense of accomplishment. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Feminist scholars such as Donna Haraway ( Modest_Witness@Second_Millennium. FemaleMan©Meets_OncoMouse™: Feminism and technoscience , Routledge, 1997, Making oddkin: Story telling for earthly survival, YaleUniversity , 2017, a/b: Auto/Biography Studies 34(3): 565–575, 2019) have been using storytelling in their research, challenging dominant thinking and writing practices in academic work. To counter dominant knowledge practices, storytelling interweaves a plurality of voices and knowledges which speak to one another in order to move toward the imagination and creation of new words, therefore new worlds. Our chapter explores the rich opportunities and challenges that narrative approaches provide for feminist research. We discuss what we could learn from the varied engagements with storytelling as an alternative methodological approach. To do so, creatively and in a dialogue, we bring together literature and insights from feminist narrative studies. At the same time, we ask each other questions, thinking through and reflecting on the use of this method.
... Según la percepción de los participantes de diferentes grupos, hacer punto dentro de un grupo, ayuda en momentos difíciles, aunque no sea para tratar específicamente los problemas, sino por el simple hecho de realizar una actividad que permita desconectar de los asuntos personales (20,36) . La afirmación positiva de los otros mejora la autoestima, aporta confianza (22) y aumenta la motivación para desarrollar habilidades (25) . ...
Article
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Resumen Objetivo: analizar la literatura científica sobre motivos, efectos y beneficios terapéuticos de la actividad de hacer punto desde el año 2006 hasta la actualidad. Método: se ha realizado una búsqueda bibliográfica entre 2006 y el momento actual, en bases de datos nacionales e internacionales: PubMed, Cochrane, ISI Web of science, Dialnet, Scopus, Ebsco, OTseeker and Google scholar. Resultados: se obtuvieron un total de 4539 referencias, de las cuales se seleccionaron 13 para hacer el análisis de la literatura. No existen ensayos clínicos que demuestren los beneficios que subyacen a la actividad de hacer punto. No obstante, existen numerosos estudios que analizan los beneficios desde la perspectiva del propio/a practicante de la actividad, identificando tanto beneficios personales como sociales. Se identificaron tres líneas de investigación predominantes: los motivos por los cuales se hace punto, los efectos que produce la actividad de hacer punto y posibles aplicaciones terapéuticas. Conclusiones: los estudios realizados hasta la actualidad se han centrado en examinar los beneficios de la actividad de hacer punto, desde una perspectiva subjetiva, en la percepción de salud y bienestar. Para futuras investigaciones se plantea realizar estudios aleatorizados para obtener una visión objetiva de los beneficios terapéuticos de dicha actividad. Summary Objective: the main objective of this work was to analyse the scientific literature on reasons, effects and therapeutic benefits of the knitting activity from 2006 to the present. Method: a bibliographic search was carried out between 2006 and the present moment, in national and international databases: PubMed, Cochrane, ISI Web of science, Dialnet, Scopus, Ebsco, OTseeker and Google scholar. Results: a total of 4539 references were obtained, of which 13 were selected for the literature analysis. There are no clinical trials that demonstrate the benefits that underlie the knitting activity. However, there are numerous studies that analyse the benefits from the perspective of the practitioner, suggesting both personal and social benefits. Three main lines of research were identified: the reasons for knitting, the effects of knitting and possible therapeutic applications. Conclusions: studies to date have focused on examining the benefits of knitting, from a subjective perspective, in relation to the perception of health and welfare. For future research, it is proposed to carry out studies with a control group to obtain an objective view of the therapeutic benefits of this activity.
Chapter
This chapter focuses on a knitting group community that has been established within an independent local shop in Glasgow Southside. Emerging from the rising popularity of crafting in the UK, this research explores what underpins the convergence of this knitting community. To do this, the chapter draws upon crafting literature, where craft has offered therapeutic space for wellbeing, as well as being an outlet for creativity. Adopting social constructivist methodology, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 12 participants who attended the wool shops ‘Knit and Natter’ group. Data were thematically analysed, which led to the development of a conceptual framework that recognised community engagement formation that offered escapism from the stresses of everyday life. The participants reported the importance of a sense of belonging and shared interest through knitting, as well as improvements in their wellbeing. While the shop offered a central hub for connectivity, it was the group members that provided support for skill development and for life experiences. The chapter ends with recommendations on how this knowledge can contribute to advancing the sustainable fashion agenda, through carving out value and meaning from production and investment in community commodity creation.
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While it is acknowledged that craftwork has the potential to generate well-being, relatively few empirical studies explore how this happens in practice. Some scholars have used the theoretical concept and phenomenological experience of ‘flow’ to analyse why craft-makers find their work satisfying and engaging. This article builds on such scholarship by empirically demonstrating how ‘flow experiences’ emerge. Drawing on anthropological fieldwork among Lulesámi craft-makers in Northern Norway, the article argues that ‘flow’ should not be taken for granted or seen as a straightforward and easily achieved benefit of craft. Instead, it is a skilful practice that requires learning, collaboration, time and repeated, embodied effort. It involves the transformation of the body through collaborative learning; something that makes ‘flow experiences’ not only learnt but deeply personal and communal at the same time. Through a detailed ethnographic account of how ‘flow’ emerges through the making of the gáppte (characteristic dress), the article provides important insights into contemporary Lulesámi craftsmanship at the same time as it speaks to the wider literature on craft, well-being and learning.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the elements of tie formation and group cohesiveness in a loosely organized group with no clearly stated goal, commitment, or purpose. We employed participant observation and personal interviews to discover factors related to group cohesiveness. With inductive approach based on our thick description of the study sites, such as meeting space and group conversations, we found the nature of relationships within these groups is affected by how each group was started and organized. Having an expressive leader may increase group cohesiveness in a loosely organized group, especially when the leader has a long history with the organization which confers authority as a leader. In addition, use of humor by an expressive leader enhances group cohesiveness. Finally, the arrangement of the group meeting space impacts group cohesiveness. The focus of previous studies was to examine group cohesiveness of task-oriented groups with measurable goals; however, this study compares two loosely organized groups. ©2014: Doris A. Palmer, Atsuko Kawakami, and Nova Southeastern University.
Article
Introduction There is increasing evidence that engaging in creative and meaningful occupation can impact positively on health and wellbeing. Much of the research in this area has concentrated on general occupational categories and less is known about the benefits of specific occupations. This study aimed to identify the benefits of knitting for individuals' personal and social wellbeing as a prerequisite to investigating its therapeutic use. Method An online survey was conducted through an internet knitting site. Responses were received from 3,545 knitters worldwide. Quantitative data were analysed statistically to establish relationships and differences among variables and qualitative data for key themes. Results Respondents came from a virtual community of knitters. The majority were female white adults and frequent knitters, who commonly reported knitting for relaxation, stress relief and creativity. The results show a significant relationship between knitting frequency and feeling calm and happy. More frequent knitters also reported higher cognitive functioning. Knitting in a group impacted significantly on perceived happiness, improved social contact and communication with others. Conclusion Knitting has significant psychological and social benefits, which can contribute to wellbeing and quality of life. As a skilled and creative occupation, it has therapeutic potential — an area requiring further research.
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This paper explains an experiential therapeutic technique that incorporated a knitting program within the context of a group therapy program at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for women. The knitting program has been successful in facilitating discussions and improving the milieu, and beneficial in providing a skill for moderating stress and emotions, both for inpatient and outpatient clients. This paper describes the program and outlines its benefits.
Article
Purpose The authors aim to apply a collectivist theoretical framework to the study of human information behaviour and the construction of meaning in a knitting group held in a branch of a large Canadian (Ontario) public library. Design/methodology/approach The research design was naturalistic and consisted of active participant observation of five knitting group sessions and semi‐structured interviews with 12 group members. Field notes were taken, and both observations and interviews were audio taped and transcribed. Field notes and transcripts were coded qualitatively. Findings Information practices and contextual factors are mutually constitutive. The location of the circle in a public library, the physical characteristics of the act of knitting, and the social meanings of the activities taking place within the group, including the significance of gender and caring, are integrally linked to HIB in this setting. Findings are described verbally and illustrated through a model. Research limitations/implications This study applies collectivist understandings to enrich concepts such as the “information ground” that have previously been studied largely from constructivist perspectives. As a small‐scale naturalistic study, results are context‐specific and must be applied tentatively. Practical implications This study provides an example of how programs in public libraries can provide opportunities for information behaviour and the construction of meaning for members of the community. Originality/value This study contributes a collectivist approach to research on everyday‐life information seeking and on the library as a place.