The holidays are traditionally a time to be thankful, a time to appreciate your loved ones and the things that make your life light up. As you take time to appreciate the important people in your life, you can also think about the way smaller things and activities, like knitting or crafting, have positively impacted your life.
Around Thanksgiving, we asked our readers why they were thankful for knitting. We had a great response–the answers ranged from the humorous and simple to the truly inspiring. We loved your responses so much that we’ve decided to share our favorites with you!
15 Reasons to be Thankful for Knitting
It keeps me sane! – Julia B.
It pairs well with any kind of wine! – JoAnne M.
I’m so thankful! I started knitting the first week of January to help me keep busy in the evenings so I wouldn’t eat out of boredom. I’ve done a low carb/no sugar weight loss program and have lost 92lbs so far… Yeah Me!! – Maureen S.
My nan used to knit my sister and me jumpers and cardigans when we were little. She can’t knit anymore as her eyes and hands are so bad, so I am knitting her a blanket to keep her warm this winter. – Allison G.
Knitting is a prayer for the hands – Diane G.
Knitting is the most relaxing/rewarding combination there is to ease stress and feel accomplished and fulfilled when a project is finished .. especially when I give it away! – Lou L.
It’s relaxing, creative, productive, fun, and you can create great gifts! – Julie A.
I take my knitting everywhere, it keeps me from stressing out when things get on top of me, and it produces gorgeous items – Linda N.
Because through knitting, I have met and made friends with the most amazing community of knitters. – Susan H.
It helped me quit smoking! – Jenny K.
I feel grounded and connected- only work with natural fibers. I am so grateful that I was taught to knit at the age of 4. A creative, relaxing outlet! – Diane H.
Because I can give so much to my Military family while they’re deployed. – Michelle C.
It kept me from having a breakdown after I lost the ability to walk. It gave me something to do and made me feel productive. Even if I couldn’t walk 5 feet, I could still do something. – Brianna L.
I am giving something of myself to those I love. This is very fulfilling to me! – Becki W.
Why are you thankful for knitting?
- 14 Retro Knitted Throws - October 11, 2020
- How to Knit Socks or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Socks - October 10, 2020
- What’s Your “Purse-onality?” - September 15, 2020
I’m thankful for knitting as a way of connecting my mom and my girlfriend. Recently, as I sat with my dad and watched football, I got to watch as my mom taught my girlfriend the basics of knitting. My mom is an avid knitter, and her scarves and hats keep me warm every day during the harsh Michigan winters. When my girlfriend told me she wanted to learn how to knit, I couldn’t have been more excited. I had instant access to a great teacher, and it was a great opportunity for them to bond. Thanks knitting!
After many personal tragedies, ending with the loss of my husband and then my severe back injury at work, I felt I had no more purpose in life. I took up knitting for those children in need in my area forming my own non-profit for children in 2008. It gave me a reason to get up every day and since that time, due to the support of my friends and other knitters we have made and given away over 35,000 items to children in poverty throughout MN, ND and SD. It touches many young lives, given me much more than I have given and the opportunity to meet some amazing women and work with some wonderful organizations. That is why I knit and crochet every day 10 to 16 hours a day because one person can make a difference.
When dealing with the uncertainty of cancer therapies and all the waiting and the incessant changes, the rhythm of the needles, the set pattern, helps me cope. It is one thing that remains constant.
I’m disabled and therefore can’t work anymore but I can still knit. I’m so glad I learned when I was 8 years old! I’ve even managed to teach myself a few new things thanks to youtube – I’ve just learned the Magic Loop, so I can finally teach myself how to make socks!!!
Knitting reminds me of the natural craftmanship of my mother who brought it with her from Macedonia. Knitting is relaxing, creative and the end results are impressive – even a washcloth. Anything hand made show the maker’s thoughts and energy to create and share something unique. Most of my knitting is donated to an Eagles Christmas bazaar to raise money for scholarships and to the Jesus Center who give it as gifts to the homeless at Christmas. My family also receives my knitting, and I do keep some pieces for myself. Earwarmers and neck warmers have been my main projects this year.