Knitting in the News: Knitting for Comfort and Techie Knits
Thursday August 14, 2008
Two stories this week about how knitting can bring comfort. First, a profile of an Australian stitching group in the breast cancer ward at a hospital. The women knit and crochet for comfort as they visit for tests and treatments, and their squares will be turned into blankets that will be donated to the Salvation Army and other charities.
Minnesotans are also knitting to provide comfort, in this case to kids dealing with domestic violence. Project Little Lamb recently completed a drive across the Twin Cities that collected twin-sized blankets that will be given to Cornerstone, which offers support and education to victims of domestic violence.
Phylameana lila Desy, About's Guide to Healing, had a interesting post earlier this week about using crafts for healing, which I'm sure we all can relate to.
And finally a couple of interesting technology notes, from blogs rather than old school media, but still news. Not Martha takes a look at a knitting counter application for the iPhone and says it needs a few adjustments, and Knitgrrl, aka Shannon Okey, is plotting knitting instructions for the Amazon Kindle. I own neither of these devices, but the intersection of knitting and technology seems a fun place to be.
Minnesotans are also knitting to provide comfort, in this case to kids dealing with domestic violence. Project Little Lamb recently completed a drive across the Twin Cities that collected twin-sized blankets that will be given to Cornerstone, which offers support and education to victims of domestic violence.
Phylameana lila Desy, About's Guide to Healing, had a interesting post earlier this week about using crafts for healing, which I'm sure we all can relate to.
And finally a couple of interesting technology notes, from blogs rather than old school media, but still news. Not Martha takes a look at a knitting counter application for the iPhone and says it needs a few adjustments, and Knitgrrl, aka Shannon Okey, is plotting knitting instructions for the Amazon Kindle. I own neither of these devices, but the intersection of knitting and technology seems a fun place to be.
Comments
Sara, I completely agree with the article connecting crafts and good health. I still remember how I felt on September 11th. I was watching the Today show when they said a plane had hit the first tower, and then actually saw the towers collapse a couple of hours later. The news coverage that day was so heartwrenching. By mid-evening I was emotionally wrung out. I went down to my sewing room and started a quilt. I stayed up and pieced the entire thing in one sitting, then quilted it in just 2-3 days. Working on it helped me calm down and clear my mind. It’s a giant red and blue star. It’s not beautiful, but I always remember the significance of that day to our country every time I see my quilt.
I feel better when I work on prayer shawls, too. Several friends have been diagnosed with cancer lately. The knitting helps me find peace so that I can be a positive, supportive friend instead of sad and anxious.
I should have the doctor take my blood pressure when I have a skein of alpaca in my hand. I bet my numbers would go way down!