BENEFITS OF KNITTING AND OTHER FIBER ARTS

No one can deny that knitting has its own charms and its a calming activity for body and mind. It can even be considered a meditation form. You can see knitting as a hobby but some studies suggest that knitting has surprising benefits for you.

Knitting induces almost your whole brain. The frontal lobe is in charge of rewards, attention, and planning. The parietal lobe is in charge of sensory information and navigation. This combines with the occipital lobe, which is in charge of visual information. The temporal lobe, for memories, and the cerebellum which is in charge of precision and timing of movement. When knitting, you stimulate all these lobes at once. It increases motor skills and can be used to help people with diseases related to motor functions, like Parkinson’s.

While your motor skills benefit from knitting, it also helps your brain to stay healthy. The more you use your brain, the healthier it gets. Healthier brain means, stronger memory, and a calm and steady mood. This can prevent or slow down dementia.

Let’s not forget about our joints’ health. As long as you use your joints, they will stay healthy. When knitting you use your hands, you keep them healthy, make them stronger. Knitting can help prevent arthritis and tendinitis. Already have arthritis? Don’t worry. Just soak your hands in warm water and gently knit your creations.

Those are the benefits for your body but knitting has more benefits to come. When you get good enough with knitting or crochet, it can become a very relaxing activity. When you do the same stitches over and over, you can zone out, clear your mind and use your muscle memory do the job for you. The repetitive motion has the same calming effect on your mind as a meditation session. The repetitive movements required to create a pattern release serotonin in the brain, which can lift moods and reduce pain.

The meditation effect and the sense of focus can be helpful for you to get distracted from your daily worries. Knitting and crochet can help with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Sitting still when knitting reduces your heart rate and even it can help with high blood pressure. Also, some studies show that people who knit, have a reduced chance of developing mild cognitive impairment.

Last but not least, knitting gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. After your hard work, dedication and long hours, you get to see your own creation finished and there is no greater feeling than that. So lets knit, create, enjoy!

HUBBY’S TOWEL by ANNAVIRKPANNA

What You Will Need:

Yarn: La Mia Cottony, 1 ball each of P29-Turquois and P27-Saks Blue

Hook size: 4 mm

Size: 34*40 cm

Good to know:

* This towel is crocheted in rows. Turn your work at the end of each row.

* Each row begins with ch 3, that counts as the first dc, and ends with 1 dc in the last stitch.

* At the end of each row the total number of stitches is specified in (-).

 

Abbreviations – US

ch – chain

dc – double crochet

st – stitch

sc – single crochet

rep – repeat

bpdc – back post double crochet

slst – slip stitch

cross dc – crossed double crochet, (skip 1 st, 1 dc in next, go back and do 1 dc in the skipped stitch, in front of the dc already made)

 

Pattern

(turquoise) Ch 65.

  1. Begin in the 4th ch from the hook, 1 dc in each ch. Turn. (62 dc)
  2. Ch 3, *cross dc*, rep *-* to the last st, 1 dc. (30 cross dc, 2 dc)
  3. Ch 3, 1 dc in each st to the end. Cut the yarn. (62 dc)
  4. (blue) Ch 3, 1 bpdc around each st, 1 dc in last st. (60 bpdc, 2 dc)
  5. Ch 3, 1 dc in each st to the end. (62 dc)
  6. Ch 3, *cross dc*, rep *-* to the last st, 1 dc. (30 cross dc, 2 dc)
  7. Ch 3, 1 dc in each st to the end. Cut the yarn. (62 dc)
  8. (turquoise) Ch 3, 1 bpdc around each st, 1 dc in last st. (60 bpdc, 2 dc)
  9. Ch 3, 1 dc in each st to the end. (62 dc)
  10. Ch 3, *cross dc*, rep *-* to the last st, 1 dc. (30 cross dc, 2 dc)
  11. Ch 3, 1 dc in each st to the end. Cut the yarn. (62 dc)

Repeat row 4-11 as many times as wished. I have a total of 6 turquoise and 5 blue parts in my towel.

Secure the ends and continue with the edge.

Edge

(blue) Begin in the first st on a short side, make sure the right side of the towel is facing you.

31 sc, ch 16, 30 sc. In the last st on the short side crochet 1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc.

Continue on the long side with 2 sc in the side of each dc. On the rows with bpdc you only do 1 sc.

In the first st on the second short side crochet 1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc, continue on the short side with 1 sc in each st. In the last st crochet 1 sc, ch 1 lm, 1 sc.

Continue on the last long side in the same way the first was made.

In the st you began the edge, ch 1 and 1 sc. End with a slst to the first st. Finally crochet one time more across the first short side. 1 sc in each st and ch. End with a slst to the last st of the side.

Cut the yarn and secure all ends.

Enjoy your new towel!

Please be aware that all my patterns are protected by copyright. This pattern belongs to me, Anna Nilsson, and I retain all rights to it. I ask that you don’t share my pdf´s with others, instead refer them to my blog annavirkpanna.com.

Join my Facebook group, AnnaVirkpanna’s Hook Up, there you can ask questions about my patterns, share pictures of your work with my patterns or just hang out with other AnnaVirkpanna fans 😉

Don’t forget to tag me in your pictures on social media, and use #annavirkpanna, so I can find and see your work.

MERMAID TAIL SCISSORS COVER by AMIGURUMEI

Mermaids are as magical as they come. And if you could have something mermaid-y with you all the time, wouldn’t you?

That favourite pair of vintage scissors tucked in your crochet basket — yes, that pair that looks so good in photographs — is the perfect muse for this sweet project.

This pattern is a quick make (a great gift idea too!) and you can make a dozen of these in all colours of the rainbow, perhaps to match your Instagram mood of the day.

We used the Kartopu Organica Prints range of yarns to make ours and we just love how the subtle colour changes give that much more definition to the mermaid tail.

Please share your mermaid tail makes with us using these hashtags: #mermaidtail #hobium #amigurumei

You will need:

Kartopu Organica Prints yarn in Light Blue

Kartopu Organica Prints yarn in Brown

Darning needle

Your favourite pair of scissors

To download the pattern, click HERE.

AROUND THE SWIRL by ROSS ROCHESTER (SMELL GREAT GUY)

We are getting ready for the winter here in Hobium Offices. This pattern is designed by Ross Rochester, Smell Great Guy.

 

Stitch Terms:

Knit (K)

Purl (P)

Slip (SL) Slip stitch as if to knit

Yarn Over (YO)

Knit 2 Together (K2tog)

Knit Through the Back Loop (Ktbl)

 

What You Will Need:

1 100 gr ball of La Mia Wool Easy or a worsted weight (#4) yarn. Hat will use approximately 50 grams of yarn.

5.0 mm (US 8) 16” (40 cm) circular needle and a set of 5.0 mm (US 8) DPNs

6 stitch markers. I like to have one that is a different style than the rest to mark the beginning of the round.

Yarn needle to weave in ends

Cast on 90 stitches. Join stitches in the round making sure not to twist stitches. Place marker to mark beginning of the round.

Do a K1, P1 ribbing for 10 rounds

 

Body Setup Round:

Next round K15 and place a marker. Continue doing this until you reach the beginning of the round marker.

Slip markers as you come to them throughout the hat

 

Body of the Hat:

Round 1: *K3, YO, P10, K2tog* repeat to end of the round

Round 2: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K11* repeat to end of the round

Repeat these two rows until you hat measures approximately 6” (15 cm) from cast on edge. End with a Round 1.

 

Crown Decrease:

Round 1: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K9, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (14 stitches between markers)

Round 2: *K3, YO, P9, K2tog* repeat to end of the round

Round 3: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K8, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (13 stitches between markers)

Round 4: *K3, YO, P8, K2tog* repeat to end of the round

Round 5: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K7, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (12 stitches between markers)

Round 6: *K3, YO, P7, K2tog* repeat to end of the round

Round 7: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K6, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (11 stitches between markers)

Round 8: *K3, YO, P6, K2tog* repeat to end of the round

Round 9: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K5, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (10 stitches between markers)

Round 10: *K3, YO, P5, K2tog* repeat to end of the round

Round 11: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K4, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (9 stitches between markers)

Round 12: *K3, YO, P4, K2tog* repeat to end of the round

Round 13: *SL2, K1, K1tbl, K3, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (8 stitches between markers)

Round 14: *K3, P3, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (7 stitches between markers)

At this point you will want to transfer stitches to DPNs if you were using 16” (40 cm) circulars

Round 15: *SL2, K3, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (6 stitches between markers)

Round 16: *K3, P1, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (5 stitches between markers)

Round 17: *SL2, K1, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (4 stitches between markers)

Round 18: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (3 stitches between markers)

Round 19: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end of the round (remove markers as you come to them)

Cut yarn leaving yourself a long enough tail (approximately 6-8”) use yarn needle and run yarn tail through stitches on the needles and then remove needles. Pull yarn tail to tighten up stitches and then weave in the end. Also weave in end from the cast on end.

Autumn-Theme Cozy Crochet Book Cover Pattern by BrennaAnnHandmade

Happy October! Brenna from @brennaannhandmade here with a super fun, FREE DIY Autumn-Theme Cozy Crochet Book Cover pattern made in collaboration with HobiumYarns! 🙂 This tutorial uses the chunky & soft, “YarnArt Merino Bulky” wool-blend yarn + the most adorable little Fall buttons that are both from HobiumYarns! Are you ready to get started? Great! Let’s go! 😉

*Finished dimentions measure 9.5″ long x 6.5″ wide x 1 3/4″ tall*

Materials needed:

– 2 skeins of YarnArt Merino Bulky Yarn from HobiumYarns
8mm crochet hook
– 2 Autumn-Theme Buttons from HobiumYarns
Scissors
Smaller crochet hook or tapestry needle for weaving in ends
– needle & thread the same color as the yarn (for sewing buttons)

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet

Directions:

(Base)

Row 1: Ch 25, and put 1 sc in the 2nd ch from hook & in each st across.

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Put 1 sc in each st across.

Rows 3-4: repeat row 2.

(Sides)

Round 1: Ch 1, and DO NOT TURN. Instead, put 1 sc evenly in each st around the entire rectangle (4 sc per end & 24 st per side) Sl st to beginning ch 1 to join round.

Round 2: Ch 1, and put 1 sc in the same st & in each st around the entire rectangle. Sl st to the 1st sc to join round. (this will help keep the seam as straight as possible)

Rounds 3-20: repeat round 2. Cut yarn, and pull through to tighten.

(Top Flap)

Row 1: Attach hook & yarn to the 7th st of the 20th row you just completed, and ch 1. Next, put 1 sc in the same st you just ch 1 from, and in each st across for 24 sc total.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Put 1 sc in each st across.

Rows 3-17: repeat row 2.

Round 18: Ch 1, turn.

Do 1 sl st in each of the next 5 st,

ch 2,

put 1 sl st in the next 14 st,

ch 2,

and then continue to sl st around the entire opening of the book bag, back to where you started the row (making a round) and connect with a sl st to the beginning ch 1.

Cut yarn, pull through & weave in all ends.

Finally, Sew buttons onto the cover where they match up with the top flap loops of the book cover when closed.

Ta da! All finished with your new Autumn-Themed Crochet Book Cover! Enjoy! 🙂

 

Brenna Ann is the designer and maker behind BrennaAnnHandmade. She crochets & knits cozy pieces of knitwear and accessories at her handmade shop on Etsy. She also has a blog, YouTube channel, and shares behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram @BrennaAnnHandmade.