Knitting and Well-being

Feeling lonely, feeling connected: Amateur knit and crochet makers online

“…Feeling connected in that we have a common interest -Paula Participants articulate that -regardless of geographical distance, or never having met other members in the physical world, the ties they develop become significant as they share their interest in knit or crochet, their images of finished items or frustrations at problems to solve. Such comments also reflect the findings of Corkhill et al (2014) in the benefits of feeling socially connected, despite the fact that this is in a virtual setting. In fact, a key benefit of such virtual connection appears to be the positive transactional strokes of praise and admiration from women who understand the time and skills development needed to craft the objects posted and which may be less forthcoming 'in real life'.…”

“…-Leanna Participants use the digital space as an opportunity to celebrate their creativity or to express their sense of achievement. Such comments reflect the view of yarn-based crafting as a valuable outlet for imagination and accomplishment or agency, as expressed in Corkhill et al, (2014) or where the maker can take joy in their unique choices in colour or texture, as suggested by Myzelev (2009).…”

“…Increasingly, the confidence, social connection and sense of individual agency provided by collaborative acts of co-production (Community Links Trust, 2014) is acknowledged. (Riley et al, 2013;Corkhill et al, 2014), online; as an effective tool for promoting wellbeing in weaving social connections. The project reports group members' improved 'social confidence and feelings of belonging… feeling happier and better about themselves' (Corkhill et al, 2014: 38).…”

“…Keywords amateur makers knit crochet wellbeing connection agency Introduction That women's crafting with yarn in knit and crochet -making for selfless purpose, or as a quiet form of activism -is somehow 'good for you' has long been both assumed and devalued or discounted (Hackney, 2013). There is increasing awareness of the impact of such activities on wellbeing, in the work of organisations such as Stitchlinks (Riley et al, 2013;Corkhill et al, 2014) and a number of 'arts for health' projects across the UK. Nevertheless, research in this area is still somewhat limited, especially in the investigation of wellbeing supported through group social identity.…”

“…There is increasing awareness of the impact of such activities on wellbeing, in the work of organisations such as Stitchlinks (Riley et al, 2013;Corkhill et al, 2014) and a number of 'arts for health' projects across the UK. Nevertheless, research in this area is still somewhat limited, especially in the investigation of wellbeing supported through group social identity.…”