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Knitting helps Tom Daley switch off. Its mental health benefits are not just for Olympians

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-oshea-457947">Michelle O'Shea</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gabrielle-weidemann-91497">Gabrielle Weidemann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p>Olympian Tom Daley is the <a href="https://www.teamgb.com/athlete/tom-daley/3y6lj3NwM4u2dORkh8DkXo#:%7E:text=Tom%20Daley's%20medals&amp;text=Tom%20Daley%20was%20the%20first,Paris%20with%20a%20first%20silver.">most decorated diver</a> in Britain’s history. He is also an avid knitter. At the Paris 2024 Olympics Daley added a fifth medal to his collection – and caught the world’s attention knitting a bright blue “Paris 24” jumper while travelling to the games and in the stands.</p> <p>At the Tokyo Olympics, where Daley was first <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/27/tom-daley-knits-a-tea-cosy-holder-to-keep-his-gold-medal-safe-from-scratches">spotted knitting</a>, he <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/07/29/nx-s1-5055677/tom-daley-olympics-2024-diving-knitting">explained</a> its positive impact on his mental health.</p> <blockquote> <p>It just turned into my mindfulness, my meditation, my calm and my way to escape the stresses of everyday life and, in particular, going to an Olympics.</p> </blockquote> <p>The <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228">mental health benefits of knitting</a> are well established. So why is someone famous like Daley knitting in public still so surprising?</p> <h2>Knitting is gendered</h2> <p>Knitting is usually associated with women – <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02614367.2019.1579852">especially older women</a> – as a hobby done at home. In a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077?casa_token=Y-MLTtrt_o4AAAAA:7c1Y6DSAd0XH19q0N-FBqqws68JFpgXYx5DACMMw24D3AuoqLkh0VVKMh7M6GNchmQpWSj1KR9tzCFw">large international survey</a> of knitting, 99% of respondents identified as female.</p> <p>But the history of yarn crafts and gender is more tangled. In Europe in the middle ages, <a href="https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/articles/nb82_knt.pdf">knitting guilds were exclusive</a> and reserved for men. They were part of a respected Europe-wide trade addressing a demand for knitted products that could not be satisfied by domestic workers alone.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/articles/nb82_knt.pdf">industrial revolution</a> made the production of clothed goods cheaper and faster than hand-knitting. Knitting and other needle crafts became a leisure activity for women, done in the private sphere of the home.</p> <p>World Wars I and II turned the spotlight back on knitting as a “<a href="https://theconversation.com/one-million-pairs-of-socks-knitting-for-victory-in-the-first-world-war-30149">patriotic duty</a>”, but it was still largely taken up by women.</p> <p>During COVID lockdowns, knitting saw another <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/02/well/family/pandemic-knitting-election-stress.html">resurgence</a>. But knitting still most often makes headlines when men – especially famous men like Daley or actor <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/01/ryan-gosling-hobby-knitting-interview">Ryan Gosling</a> – do it.</p> <p>Men who knit are often seen as <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-17/men-who-unpick-knitting-stereoptype/11516016">subverting</a> the stereotype it’s an activity for older women.</p> <h2>Knitting the stress away</h2> <p>Knitting can produce a sense of pride and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228">accomplishment</a>. But for an elite sportsperson like Daley – whose accomplishments already include four gold medals and one silver – its benefits lie elsewhere.</p> <p>Olympics-level sport relies on perfect scores and world records. When it comes to knitting, many of the mental health benefits are associated with the process, rather than the end result.</p> <p>Daley <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wwXGOki--c">says</a> knitting is the “one thing” that allows him to switch off completely, describing it as “my therapy”.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wwXGOki--c?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The Olympian says he could</p> <blockquote> <p>knit for hours on end, honestly. There’s something that’s so satisfying to me about just having that rhythm and that little “click-clack” of the knitting needles. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t knit.</p> </blockquote> <p>Knitting can create a “flow” state through rhythmic, repetitive movements of the yarn and needle. Flow offers us a <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-32525-014">balance</a> between challenge, accessibility and a sense of control.</p> <p>It’s been shown to have benefits relieving stress in high-pressure jobs beyond elite sport. Among surgeons, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37150722/">knitting has been found</a> to improve wellbeing as well as manual dexterity, crucial to their role.</p> <p>For other health professionals – including oncology nurses and mental health workers – knitting has <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228">helped to</a> reduce “<a href="https://cjon.ons.org/cjon/20/1/impact-knitting-intervention-compassion-fatigue-oncology-nurses">compassion fatigue</a>” and burnout. Participants described the soothing noise of their knitting needles. They developed and strengthened team bonds through collective knitting practices.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dTTJjD_q2Ik?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">A Swiss psychiatrist says for those with trauma, knitting yarn can be like “knitting the two halves” of the brain “back together”.</span></figcaption></figure> <p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1062001/full">Another study</a> showed knitting in primary school may boost children’s executive function. That includes the ability to pay attention, remember relevant details and block out distractions.</p> <p>As a regular creative practice, it has also been <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228#d1e1860">used in the treatment</a> of grief, depression and subduing intrusive thoughts, as well countering chronic pain and cognitive decline.</p> <h2>Knitting is a community</h2> <p>The <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077">evidence</a> for the benefits of knitting is often based on self-reporting. These studies tend to produce consistent results and involve large population samples.</p> <p>This may point to another benefit of knitting: its social aspect.</p> <p>Knitting and other yarn crafts can be done alone, and usually require simple materials. But they also provide a chance to socialise by bringing people together around a common interest, which can help <a href="https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/crre.7.1.11_1">reduce loneliness</a>.</p> <p>The free needle craft database and social network Ravelry contains <a href="https://blog.ravelry.com/2022-community-stats/">more than one million</a> patterns, contributed by users. “Yarn bombing” projects aim to <a href="https://www.artsnw.com.au/the-yarn-bombing-project">engage the community</a> and beautify public places by covering objects such as benches and stop signs with wool.</p> <p>The interest in Daley’s knitting online videos have formed a community of their own.</p> <p>In them he shows the process of making the jumper, not just the finished product. That includes where he “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomdaley/reel/C-LRgGYtbv3/?hl=en">went wrong</a>” and had to unwind his work.</p> <p>His pride in the finished product – a little bit wonky, but “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/madewithlovebytomdaley/?hl=en">made with love</a>” – can be a refreshing antidote to the flawless achievements often on display at the Olympics.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236051/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-oshea-457947"><em>Michelle O'Shea</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gabrielle-weidemann-91497">Gabrielle Weidemann</a>, Associate Professor in Psychological Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/knitting-helps-tom-daley-switch-off-its-mental-health-benefits-are-not-just-for-olympians-236051">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Fashion designer knits her own wedding gown

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A newlywed has revealed the painstaking process behind making her wedding dress over the nine months leading up to her big day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fashion designer Esther Andrews knitted her wedding dress every day while commuting to and from work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The designer, who creates “slowly made knitwear for the modern bride” shared her story in a video posted to TikTok.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I hand-knit my wedding dress on the New York subway for nine months and this was the journey,” Andrews said in the video.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Andrews explained the inspiration behind the gown was a “silly and fun” design of “space pirate” meets a “tomato patch” while panning over sketches of her dream dress.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NlnAsAZ6u/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NlnAsAZ6u/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Esther Andrews (@estherbollerandrews)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She revealed she used more than 6.4km of mohair lace yarn to make the dress, with a single ruffle on the gown using 1.6km on its own.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When it came time to sew it together, I was scared because I could only trust that it would fit - no time to go back,” Andrews said, while confirming she managed to finish the garment just before the wedding.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The below-the-knee dress featured a v-neck line, multiple ruffles, and a fitted bodice, all decorated with tiny tomatoes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I will always cherish this dress and the time that went into making it,” Andrew wrote, sharing images of her and her husband at their wedding on Instagram.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a second video, Andrews showed off her hand-beaded stockings, designed to look “like a starry sky”, which took several weekends to make.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Viewers shared their support for the designer, calling it among “the most unique of our generation”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The most creative and iconic American wedding I’ve seen,” one user commented.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m crying now, this is so sweet.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of Andrew’s biggest fans had to be her husband, who commented, “Just so you know I’m the HUSBAND!! And if you’re thinking I’m lucky, YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THE HALF OF IT.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Andrews also designed her husband’s suit for the wedding, taking inspiration from NASA’s Gemini space suits.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4P97cKoGSi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4P97cKoGSi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Esther Andrews (@estherbollerandrews)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 54-piece pattern suit took Andrews a week to make and was finished just five minutes before guests arrived. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Esther Andrews / Instagram</span></em></p>

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Woman makes ‘monstrous’ knitted masks to encourage social distancing

<p>An Icelandic woman has promoted social distancing through a novel, innovative way: knitting.</p> <p>Knitwear designer Ýrúrarí Jóhannsdóttir has gone viral after sharing her knitted masks and other isolation creations on social media.</p> <p>The 3D masks – which feature knits of mouths, teeth and jutting tongues – have been described by fans as “grotesque”, “<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/icelandic-knitwear-designer-tongue-masks-yrurari-johannsdottir">trippy</a>” and “<a href="https://10daily.com.au/news/a200505cmtfy/woman-makes-grotesque-knits-to-scare-people-into-social-distancing-20200505">freakish</a>”.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DKJ3xgUWt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DKJ3xgUWt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">I’ve been experimenting with some of my sweater ideas to wear on a face, always interesting to see the outcome 👽 It has been fun to see masks inspired by mine, good use of quarantine time to knit💜But a reminder again, my masks are not made for safety, knitted masks are not safe to start with! Take care 🦠❌🦠❌🦠 #mask #knitting #fashionforbankrobbers</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/yrurari/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Ýrúrarí</a> (@yrurari) on Apr 16, 2020 at 10:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-4JbBOABY5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-4JbBOABY5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ýrúrarí (@yrurari)</a> on Apr 12, 2020 at 3:22am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 27-year-old designer said she has always been interested in tongues because “they are kind of rude, sticky, and strange”.</p> <p>She extended her work from sweaters to face masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>“I didn’t really make the masks to wear,” she told <em><a href="https://mashable.com/article/knitted-face-mask-tongue-lips/">Mashable</a></em>. “In my mind they are more like wearable sculptures, not made for safety [but] more as a fun approach to the rule of keeping distance.”</p> <p>“If you look scary enough people will stay away!”</p> <p>Jóhannsdóttir said the masks promoted the idea that “using masks can be fun”.</p> <p>“Everything we put on us can also be fun if we want it to, and bringing smiles to people’s faces in times like these is also important,” she told <em><a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/icelandic-knitwear-designer-tongue-masks-yrurari-johannsdottir">Vogue</a></em>.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_PcEsSAByb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_PcEsSAByb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ýrúrarí (@yrurari)</a> on Apr 21, 2020 at 4:27am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_aQTE0gOyo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_aQTE0gOyo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ýrúrarí (@yrurari)</a> on Apr 25, 2020 at 9:16am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote>

Art

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Beginner knitting pattern: DIY winter scarf

<p>As we’ve <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/12/5-benefits-of-knitting/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">discussed previously</span></strong></a>, we’re huge fans of knitting here at Over60. Not only is it a fun way to pass the time, but it’s also a wonderful way to keep your mind in tip-top shape. So, pick up those needles and yarn<a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/knitting-crochet/product-type_yarn?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-knitting-crochet-yarn&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=yarn" target="_blank"></a>! Here’s a simple, chic winter scarf tutorial from <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/garter-stitch-scarf-for-beginners-2116203" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Spruce</span></strong></a> that’s perfect for beginners.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Required knowledge:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Casting off</li> <li>Garter stitch</li> <li>Binding off</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>One skein of super bulky yarn (or more depending on desired length of scarf)</li> <li>9mm needles</li> <li>Scissors</li> <li>Crochet hook (easier to use with bulky yarn than a needle)</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Steps:</span></strong></p> <ol start="1"> <li>Cast on 12 stitches.</li> <li>Knit every stitch and row until scarf is at desired length. If you wish to use another skein, <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-join-a-new-ball-of-yarn-2116492" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here’s how</span></strong></a> to add in a new one.</li> <li>Bind off.</li> <li>Cut the yarn, leaving about a 15cm tail.</li> <li>Using the crochet hook, weave in the ends at the top and bottom</li> <li>Finished!</li> </ol> <p>Interested in giving it a try?</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, what’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever made?</p>

Family & Pets

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Giant knitting: the new crafting craze people can’t get enough of

<p>Hamilton woman Jacinta Stevenson doesn't like to do things on a small scale. </p> <p>With knitting needles a metre long and 45 centimetres thick, her knitting business called Plump &amp; Co is creating a new trend and proving size does matter.</p> <p>As well as selling giant knitting needles and crochet hooks for customers to create their own chunky knitted masterpieces, she also runs workshops, teaching people how to handle the large wool.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="496" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37480/2_496x280.jpg" alt="2 (179)"/></p> <p>The workshops help people get used to the scale, she says.</p> <p>Despite their Wonderland appearance, she says the needles are surprisingly easy to manipulate. </p> <p>Stevenson, who was taught to knit by her grandmother, says the size makes knitting accessible to everyone.</p> <p>"I'm not the world's best knitter, with this scale, everything looks beautiful. It still looks pretty when you're not following the rules. </p> <p>"Traditionally in knitting people feel they have to follow a pattern, we encourage a bit of rogue knitting. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37485/1_499x280.jpg" alt="1 (188)"/></p> <p>The idea for Plump &amp; Co began when Stevenson was a university student, studying textile design at Massey University. </p> <p>In her fourth year of study she created an installation piece, using ripped fabric to create an oversized "yarn".</p> <p>After graduating she worked in the corporate world for a time, but she missed being creative, and began knitting once more – at first as a hobby, then as a business. Stevenson thought there might be a market for a new kind of knitting – to tap into a global trend, especially among millennials, for all things handmade.</p> <p>Her goals for the business include managing growth, ensuring supply and strategic planning. There is potential to grow domestically and internationally, particularly in Australia and the USA.</p> <p><em>Written by Kelsey Wilkie. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. </em></p>

Art

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Retirees knit jumpers to keep chickens warm

<p>A Massachusetts retirement home has partnered with a local non-profit centre to knit jumpers for chickens to keep them warm.</p> <p>The winters in New England are particularly fierce and the cold can affect the health and egg-laying abilities of the chickens.</p> <p>The knitted jumpers keep chickens warms outside, especially the breeds that shed their feathers and grow new plumes during the course of winter.</p> <p>Knitter Libby Kaplan told ABC 13 News, "When they said they were gonna make these sweaters for the chickens, I thought it was the most foolish thing I had ever heard in my life and everybody that I told laughed at me. They couldn't believe it, but we made the sweaters for the chickens and I'm glad that we did."</p> <p>"I don't think in my wildest dreams I ever thought anybody made sweaters for chickens," said 76-year-old Barbara Widmayer. "It was actually very calming to me to work on this."</p> <p>Local farmers have reported an uptick in eggs so the chickens must be happy and warm in their cosy jumpers. </p>

Retirement Life

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91-year-old hospice patient knits hats for the homeless

<p>For most of us, a cold can be enough to strike us down and stop us doing what we love, if only for a few days. For 91-year-old Morrie Boogart, however, even skin cancer and a kidney mass aren’t enough to stop his charitable pursuits – the hospice patient in Michigan spends his days knitting hats for the homeless.</p> <p>Boogart has been helping the homeless for over 15 years, knitting an incredible 8,000 hats. And even though his illness limits him to producing only one hat every two days, he’s not stopping any time soon. “The only time I'm not doing it is if I fall asleep,” He told <a href="http://fox17online.com/2016/08/07/91-year-old-man-in-hospice-care-knits-hats-for-the-homeless/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">WXMI</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>His hats feature a special “rim” to help keep his homeless friends’ ears warm. He uses donated yarn to knit the hats, which are then delivered around the Grand Rapids area.</p> <p>Boogart doesn’t know how much longer he has left, but he’s using his remaining time wisely. “Why do I do it? It just makes me feel good.”</p> <p>Such a selfless man. Tell us in the comments below, what’s the most beautiful act of kindness you’ve ever seen?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/grandson-surprises-grandparents-with-brand-new-car/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Grandson surprises grandparents with brand new car</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/police-make-dinner-for-lonely-elderly-couple-found-in-tears/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Police make dinner for lonely elderly couple found in tears</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/bride-walked-down-the-aisle-by-man-who-received-her-fathers-heart/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Bride walked down the aisle by man who received her father’s heart</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

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11-year-old knits 50 hats for kids with cancer

<p>An 11-year-old boy has knitted 50 hats for kids with cancer who are being treated at the Children's Hospital Colorado.</p> <p>Garrett Lowry donated the hats last month, making headlines around the world for his charitable act.</p> <p>His mother, Sheryl Lowry, told The Huffington Post her son wanted to show the kids with cancer he cares.</p> <p>"It's really about giving back to them and giving them something to make them feel better," Sheryl said. "He just felt like it was something he could give kids who are going through chemotherapy to let them know someone cares about them."</p> <p>Garrett’s generous act started as a class project. The kids had to choose a way to give back and Garrett, who learned to knit from his grandmother, said he wanted to do something for children with cancer. His initial goal was to make 15 hats, but as you can see he quickly surpassed his goal with the help of his mother and grandmother.  </p> <p>Kathleen McBride, director of the Association of Volunteers at Children's Hospital Colorado, said that the gift meant a lot to those at the hospital.</p> <p>"This donation in particular was very meaningful as it originated from a donor of a very young age," she said. "It is so powerful for young people to give so generously of themselves for the benefit of their peers."</p> <p>Proud mum Sheryl says that Garrett has always had a big heart and had use his seventh birthday as a way to collect donations for sick kids.</p> <p>"He's got a very compassionate heart," Sheryl said. "He wants to do for others."</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/05/how-to-say-no-to-babysitting-grandkids/"><em>How to say no when you’re unable to babysit grandkids</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/04/important-things-to-let-little-children-do/"><em>7 important things little children should be allowed to do</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/04/what-i-hate-about-being-a-grandparent-today/"><em>Grandparenting in the 21st century</em></a></strong></span></p>

News

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Meet the woman who knits woolly hats for homeless greyhounds

<p>Meet Jan Brown or as she is popularly known, “Knitty Jan”. She runs an online store called Knitted With Love, which sells a range of hand-knitted doggy hats and coats.</p> <p>Five years ago, the 52-year old from Sunderland in the UK began knitting coats to raise money and awareness for greyhound rescues. She has now hand-knitted over 300 jumpers for abandoned dogs. Each one can take up to 20 hours to complete, but one things is for sure: they are all made with love.</p> <p>She quit her job in 2012 to start knitting full-time and set up her shop, where a percentage of her profits go toward greyhound rescue charities, the site's Facebook page states.</p> <p>“I can’t think of anything I would rather do than knit woolly clothing for dogs,” Jan says. “I have spent over 4,000 hours knitting but it’s all worthwhile when I see them sporting their new jumpers and hats.”</p> <p>“It’s really sweet seeing them in their festive Christmas jumpers and it’s giving much needed help to the rescue centres,” she adds, explaining, “Greyhounds have very thin fur so they really feel the cold during the winter so my gifts help keep them warm during walks.”</p> <p><img width="451" height="338" src="https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/ad_189524534.jpg?w=748&amp;h=561&amp;crop=1" alt="This woman knits cosy hats and jumpers for homeless greyhounds at Christmas" class="img-align-none wp-image-5538551 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/baby-goat-learns-to-hop-video/">Baby goat learns to hop by copying human friend</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/the-oldest-cat-in-the-world/">Meet 121-year-old Corduroy, the world’s oldest cat</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/">15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart</a></strong></em></span></p>

News

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Make your own simple ribbed scarf for winter

<p>In the cooler months, there’s something soothing about creating something warm using your own hands. For those who have the basics of knitting down, but haven’t picked up their needles for a while, this simple but beautiful scarf is a great place to pick back up. The generous wide ribs make for a luxurious scarf, and help to hide any mistakes.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What you’ll need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>4mm knitting needles</li> <li>8-ply yarn</li> </ul> <p>PRO TIP: choose a yarn that slowly shifts colours. Not only will you get a wonderful effect as the scarf grows, it will help to hide any little mistakes or wonky stitches.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Cast on 76 stitches.</li> <li>Begin your first row – knit 4 (K4) stitches, then purl 4 (P4) stitches. Continue until the end of the row – finishing on knit.</li> <li>For the second row, begin with P4 and end with P4.</li> <li>Repeat these two rows until scarf is desired length.</li> <li>Bind off and sew in the ends.</li> </ol> <p><em><strong>To make a striped variation</strong></em></p> <p>Using two different colours of yarn, you can create a bold striped variation.</p> <ol> <li>Once you have completed 10 rows in your first colour of yarn, continue the same pattern using your second colour.</li> <li>Weave your first colour between the first and second stitches of every second row to carry it up, ready to begin again after 10 more rows.</li> </ol>

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