EcoFriendlyLifestyle Archives ⋆ Knitting with Anita

Two black cats looking at an overturned basket of yarn. Knitting is more than just a craft; it’s a journey into creativity, mindfulness, and practicality. If you’ve been considering picking up the needles, 2025 is the perfect year to start! I can promise you that you will find joy when you start knitting. Here are the top 10 reasons why knitting should be your new favorite hobby this year. 1. Reduce Stress and Boost Mental Health Knitting is a proven stress reliever. The repetitive motion of stitches creates a calming rhythm, making it an excellent activity for reducing anxiety and promoting mindfulness. I've found nothing more soothing than taking a beautiful yarn, casting on stitches, and peacefully working on a given project. It clears my mind while I create something beautiful. And it's cheaper than therapy...most of the time! 😉 2. Affordable Creativity You don’t need a fortune to start knitting. Basic supplies—yarn and needles—are budget-friendly, and you can find free patterns online to fuel your creativity. I have a TON of free patterns saved on my computer from Ravelry (a GOLD MINE of patterns for knitters!) and from websites devoted to individual spinners and dyers of yarn in dozens of fibers and fiber combinations. *WARNING* You can spend lots of money knitting after you've "caught the knitting bug," but as I mentioned before--it's cheaper than therapy! 3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Fashion Fast fashion is out, and sustainable, handmade clothing is in. By knitting your own garments, you contribute to a more eco-conscious lifestyle while crafting unique, wearable art. One of the most enjoyable aspects of knitting is learning how to custom-design any written/electronic pattern for your own vision and taste. A friend crocheted a number of granny squares, then connected the squares and knitted the back, sleeves and neckline of a cardigan for herself. One of a kind! No one can duplicate what she did, and it looks fabulous! 4. A Sense of Accomplishment Few things compare to the pride of finishing your first scarf or sweater. Each project you complete boosts your confidence and provides tangible proof of your skills. While it's true that I personally have several UFO (unfinished object) works in progress, finishing a project gives a knitter a true sense of accomplishment and achievement. Plus, there's always a chance to pick up one of the UFO's that are in "time out" and continue to work, if you are careful to include the pattern and various tools that can help you keep track of what you've done so far. 5. Connect with a Vibrant Community I love my knitting groups! I attend TWO online zoom knitting groups, one weekly and one biweekly. I also attend at least one of the craft evenings/days offered by my local yarn store, Yarn Alchemy. Knitting isn’t a solitary craft. Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups offer countless opportunities to connect with fellow knitters and share tips, patterns, and encouragement. I've learned more about knitting from these fellow yarn lovers in the past two years than I gleaned from 40 years of knitting experience! 6. All Seasons Are Perfect to Start Knitting Knitting isn’t just for winter sweaters and scarves. In 2025, lightweight cotton yarns and breezy patterns are trending, making knitting a year-round hobby. Whether you knit something small and light such as socks, or more industrious such as a cardigan or even a blanket, these lightweight yarns made from plant fibers can satisfy your desire for yarn flowing through your fingers at any time of the year! 7. Customized Wardrobe and Gifts Knitting allows you to design pieces tailored to your style and size. Plus, handmade gifts like hats, socks, and blankets hold sentimental value that store-bought items simply can’t match. People are usually very grateful for hand-knit items: shawls, hats, gloves/mittens, cowls, or even blankets. I've known of knitters who customized sweaters for their menfolk who had really long arms! His sweaters never fit because of the length of his arms. His Significant Other altered the pattern to accommodate his lengthy arms. 8. Brain Exercise and Skill Development Knitting keeps your brain sharp by improving focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Following patterns and calculating stitches is like a fun workout for your mind! Whether you choose a lace-work pattern, something with two or three colors, or go full-on Fair Isle with three or more colors, your brain WILL get a workout! There are so many knitted textures that just learning a new textured stitch every month will keep your brain active for many years! Want to avoid the common mistakes newbies make when they start knitting? Check out my earlier blog about mistakes new knitter make here. 9. Portable Hobby for Busy Lifestyles Whether you’re on a train, waiting at the doctor’s office, or relaxing at home, knitting is a portable and productive way to use your time. All you need is a small project bag to carry your materials. There are so many beautiful, functional project bags out there (see here), choosing one (or more) for your use is so much fun! I myself have several of the Trinity Bags displayed on the above link, as well as bags from yarn shops that I've visited in the past. Trust me: you can NEVER have too many yarn bags for your projects! 10. Trend Revival and Modern Appeal Knitting is no longer your grandma’s pastime (though it was cool even then!). From fashion runways to social media influencers, knitting has become a modern and trendy way to express yourself. Men and women are designing beautiful works of art with yarn. An age-old craft is becoming the new trend nowadays! People like Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ryan Gosling, and many other celebrities carry at least one knitting project on every set they work on, and even share the skill with those in the company with whom they work! Summary Knitting in 2025 is more than just a pastime; it’s a lifestyle choice that benefits your mental health, the planet, and your wallet. Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a way to connect with others, or a sustainable fashion option, knitting ticks all the boxes. So, grab some needles and yarn, and start your knitting adventure today! You will love the things you work on! Happy Knitting! Anita